Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Lake Champlain Vermont, where we cut through the generic travel fluff to bring you the essential insights for planning your trip. Our team, with a keen eye for independent travel, has curated the best experiences on and around this magnificent lake, ensuring your visit is nothing short of exceptional. From its rich history to its stunning natural beauty, Lake Champlain offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
Why Visit Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain, nestled between Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondacks, offers a truly unique destination for travelers. Its vast expanse of water—120 miles long with over 600 miles of shoreline and more than 70 islands—provides endless opportunities for exploration and rejuvenation. The lake is a significant freshwater body in the United States, offering breathtaking views from almost any vantage point. We believe that Lake Champlain is worth visiting for its diverse recreational activities, charming lakeside towns, and rich historical significance.
Beyond the natural allure, the region boasts a vibrant cultural scene, particularly in Burlington, Vermont's largest city on the lake. Here, you'll find a walkable downtown, a thriving food scene, and numerous shops and galleries. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, historical immersion, or simply a picturesque escape, Lake Champlain delivers. The area truly comes alive during the warmer months, making July and August the peak season for outdoor enjoyment and cultural experiences.
Who It's Best For
Lake Champlain caters to a wide array of travelers, making it an ideal destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a tranquil escape. Families will appreciate the numerous state parks with camping and swimming opportunities, as well as engaging attractions like the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington. The calm bays and scenic inlets are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, offering a chance to connect with nature up close.
Adventure seekers will find ample opportunities for hiking and biking, with trails ranging from easy lakeside paths to more challenging mountain ascents. History enthusiasts can delve into the region's past, exploring revolutionary war sites and maritime history at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. For those craving relaxation, the serene beauty of the lake, particularly during sunset, provides a perfect backdrop for unwinding, perhaps with a lakeside meal. The Champlain Islands, with their bucolic charm, farms, orchards, and quiet lakefront paths, offer a relaxed pace for those looking to disconnect.
Getting There & Parking
How to get to Lake Champlain depends largely on your starting point and preferred mode of travel. For most visitors, driving is the most common way to access the region, offering flexibility to explore the diverse towns and natural areas surrounding the lake. The lake sits between Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondacks, making it accessible from both states.
If you're flying, Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont is the most convenient option, offering connections to major East Coast cities. From the airport, you can rent a car to reach your chosen destination along the lake. For those traveling from New York, smaller regional airports like Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) also provide access.
A unique and scenic way to traverse the lake is via the Lake Champlain Ferries. The Grand Isle, VT – Plattsburgh, NY route operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round, with a crossing time of approximately 14 minutes. The Charlotte, VT – Essex, NY route offers spectacular views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains, with varying schedules throughout the year. No reservations are typically needed for most crossings, though busy summer weekends may have waits. As of 2026, the Grand Isle to Plattsburgh ferry costs $12.25 for a driver and vehicle, and $5.50 for an adult passenger. A temporary 6% fuel surcharge has been implemented on all Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise reservations for 2026 due to increased fuel costs.
Regarding parking, in larger towns like Burlington, we recommend allotting additional time to find parking downtown, especially if you plan to take a boat tour from the waterfront. Burlington Harbor Marina offers slip rentals for those arriving by boat. For state parks and popular trailheads, parking is generally available, though it can fill up quickly during peak season. Always check specific park websites for any day-use fees or reservation requirements for parking.
Top Things to Do
There are countless things to do at Lake Champlain, catering to every interest and energy level. From water-based adventures to exploring charming towns, the region offers a diverse range of experiences. We recommend starting your exploration by getting out on the water itself. Rent a boat—options include powerboats, pontoons, sailboats, and jet skis in Burlington—to cruise the lake, enjoy watersports, or try your hand at fishing. The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers scenic narrated cruises, lunch cruises, and sunset dinner cruises departing from Burlington, with 2026 bookings now open. Alternatively, consider a Lake History Cruise with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and Whistling Man Schooner Company, exploring shipwreck sites and the lake's rich past.
Lake Champlain Hiking Trails
The Lake Champlain region is a hiker's paradise, offering a variety of trails with stunning views. For accessible routes, the urban hiking trails around Lake Champlain, particularly in Burlington, provide paths along the lakefront and through city green spaces. The Burlington Greenway is an 8-mile paved path along the Lake Champlain shoreline, connecting downtown Burlington with parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. A popular option is the Blanchard Beach – Burlington Greenway loop, an easy 4.2-mile trail that takes about 1 hour 43 minutes to complete. Another favorite is the Burlington Greenway – Waterfront Park loop, a moderate 6.3-mile path offering continuous views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.
For more natural settings, Mount Philo State Park, near Burlington, offers an easy, beginner-friendly hike with panoramic views of Lake Champlain, perfect for sunrise or sunset. The Champlain Islands also boast scenic trails winding through shoreline forests, open fields, and quiet lakefront paths. Beyond the immediate lakeside, the broader Lake Champlain Basin and the Green Mountain National Forest offer thousands of miles of hiking trails, from easy nature paths to rugged climbs. The "Grand Hike 2026" event, hosted by Champlain Area Trails, offers flexible routes from 2 to 14 miles with shuttle shortcuts, making it accessible for various fitness levels. Advance online registration for the Grand Hike is $45 per person if registered by May 4, 2026, increasing to $50 after that date, and $55 on the day of the event; children under 18 hike free.
Other Notable Activities
- Explore Burlington: Vermont's largest city on the lake, Burlington offers a vibrant downtown experience with the pedestrian Church Street Marketplace, waterfront parks, and a diverse food scene. Don't miss the chance to explore local shops, breweries, and distilleries.
- Visit the Champlain Islands: These islands offer a scenic drive with farms, orchards, water views, and small beaches. You can stop at farm stands for local produce, visit wineries like Snow Farm Vineyard, or explore historic sites like St. Anne's Shrine. The seasonal bike ferry connects the Champlain Islands to the Island Line Trail to Burlington, offering a unique cycling experience.
- Fishing: Lake Champlain is renowned for its diverse fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department notes that 81 fish species inhabit the lake. Anglers can use up to two lines on Lake Champlain, each with no more than two baited hooks or three artificial flies or two lures. New fishing regulations for 2026 include updates to panfish limits on inland waters, though Lake Champlain's limits remain unchanged.
- Biking: The Lake Champlain Bikeways offer over 1,300 miles of routes in Vermont, New York, and Québec, including 35 loops and tours ranging from 10 to 60 miles. The Burlington Greenway is a popular paved multi-use path along the shoreline.
- Waterfront Parks and Beaches: Enjoy swimming, picnicking, and relaxing at various public access points like North Beach Campground in Burlington, Alburgh Dunes State Park, Grand Isle State Park, and Knight Point State Park.
For additional Vermont adventures, consider visiting the Ben & Jerry's Factory for a sweet treat, or exploring the Billings Farm & Museum for a taste of rural life. History enthusiasts might also enjoy the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Champlain for optimal outdoor enjoyment is during the months of July and August when the weather is pleasant and the region is bustling with activities. During this peak season, the lake water warms to swimmable temperatures, waterfront parks are lively with kayaks and picnics, and daily highs typically range from 78°F to 80°F. Ferries run complete schedules, and towns like Burlington are busy with visitors. If you're traveling with children, summer is often the most convenient time, though booking accommodations and activities in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.
However, each season offers a unique charm for those wondering about the best time to visit Lake Champlain. Late spring (May to early June) sees the lake "wake up" with paddlers and anglers returning, offering longer days and thinner crowds. While the water may still be cool for swimming, it's an excellent time to experience the lake without the peak summer traffic. Fall (September to November) brings stunning foliage as the leaves change color on both sides of the lake, with September still allowing for swimming in cooler waters and October being prime leaf-peeping season. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, making it a more tranquil experience. For budget travelers and those who tolerate colder weather, March and November offer the cheapest rooms and sparsest crowds.
Where to Stay Nearby
The Lake Champlain region offers a variety of accommodations, from bustling city hotels to serene lakeside campgrounds and charming inns. Your choice of where to stay nearby will depend on your preferred style of travel and the activities you plan to pursue.
Burlington and Surrounding Areas: For those who enjoy urban amenities, Burlington is an excellent base. It offers a range of hotels, restaurants, and easy access to the waterfront and cultural attractions. From Burlington, you can easily explore the lake by boat or bike, and take day trips to nearby Vermont attractions.
Champlain Islands: For a quieter, more rural experience, consider staying in the Champlain Islands (Grand Isle, North Hero, Isle La Motte, South Hero). These islands offer a relaxed pace, with charming inns and vacation rentals. They are perfect for cycling, visiting farm stands, and enjoying direct lake access. Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant in North Hero, for example, offers amenities like paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes for guests to use on Lake Champlain, free of charge.
Lake Champlain Camping
For those who prefer to immerse themselves in nature, Lake Champlain camping options are abundant and varied. Vermont State Parks offer numerous campgrounds along the lake, many providing excellent facilities for tents, RVs, and lean-tos. Grand Isle State Park, the most visited campground in the state park system, features 4,150 feet of Lake Champlain shoreline and offers 115 tent/RV sites, 36 lean-tos, and 4 rental cabins. It is open through October 17, 2026. The park also offers canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
North Beach Campground in Burlington is another popular choice, nestled on almost 45 acres of woods and beach. It offers 137 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers, including full hook-up, water and electric, and tent-only sites, as well as lean-tos and group sites. North Beach Campground is open from May 15 through October 15, with 2026 online reservation opening dates staggered from December 1, 2025, to March 4, 2026, depending on the desired reservation period. Rates for 2026 range from $45 for a tent site to $60 for a full hook-up RV site.
For more secluded experiences, Burton Island State Park, Knight Island State Park, and Woods Island State Park offer remote tent sites accessible by boat only. Knight Island State Park, for instance, has one tent site and six lean-tos, all in private locations. Lone Pine Campsites, located near Mallets Bay and 15 minutes from downtown Burlington, offers 265 spacious campsites with various RV hook-up options and welcomes tent campers. They are currently taking reservations for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Vermont State Parks' camping reservation policies are changing on February 11, 2026, so we advise reviewing the updates on their website.
Beyond the immediate Lake Champlain vicinity, you can find more camping opportunities in the Green Mountain National Forest.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Our team has crafted a sample 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your Lake Champlain Vermont adventure:
Day 1: Burlington & Lakeside Exploration
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Start your day in Burlington. Explore the vibrant Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only area with unique shops, cafes, and street performers. Grab a coffee and soak in the city's lively atmosphere.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Enjoy lunch at one of Burlington's many farm-to-table restaurants or grab a casual bite near the waterfront.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Head to the waterfront. Consider a scenic narrated cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen, offering views of the lake, city skyline, and the Adirondacks. Alternatively, rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Community Sailing Center (rentals begin May 2026) to explore the calmer waters of Burlington Bay.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM): Walk or bike along a portion of the Burlington Greenway (Island Line Trail), enjoying the stunning lake views and stopping at Waterfront Park.
- Evening (6:30 PM onwards): Savor a lakeside dinner, perhaps at a restaurant with sunset views. Burlington's craft beer scene is renowned, so consider visiting a local brewery like Foam Brewers or Zero Gravity for a post-dinner drink.
Day 2: Champlain Islands & Natural Beauty
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive north to the Champlain Islands. Take the scenic route along US Route 2, stopping at local farm stands for fresh produce or visiting Snow Farm Vineyard for a wine tasting.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the state parks in the islands, such as Grand Isle State Park, or find a charming local eatery.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the natural beauty of the islands. You can hike the trails at Mount Philo State Park for panoramic views of Lake Champlain. Alternatively, visit the Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve on Isle La Motte to see ancient coral reef fossils and walk the "Walk Through Time" trail. For a unique experience, consider taking the seasonal bike ferry across the Colchester Causeway to further explore the Island Line Trail.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM): If time allows, visit the Hyde Log Cabin & Schoolhouse in Grand Isle, one of the oldest log cabins in the U.S..
- Evening (6:30 PM onwards): Enjoy a relaxed dinner at an island restaurant, or head back towards Burlington for more dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions
things to do in Western Border
The Western Border region of Vermont, defined by Lake Champlain, offers a wealth of activities. Key attractions include exploring Burlington's vibrant downtown and waterfront, taking a scenic ferry ride across Lake Champlain, cycling the extensive Lake Champlain Bikeways, and visiting the charming Champlain Islands with their farms, orchards, and state parks. Other popular activities include fishing, hiking at Mount Philo State Park, and delving into the region's rich history at sites like the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.
Lake Champlain with kids
Lake Champlain is an excellent destination for families with kids. Children will enjoy swimming and playing at the numerous beaches and state parks like Grand Isle State Park and North Beach Campground. The ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington offers engaging exhibits on the lake's aquatic wonders. Boat tours, like those on the Spirit of Ethan Allen, provide exciting on-water experiences. Many campgrounds, such as Lone Pine Campsites, are specifically designed for families with amenities like swimming pools and activity calendars.
Lake Champlain tips
For a successful trip to Lake Champlain, we recommend planning ahead, especially during the peak summer months (July and August), when accommodations and popular activities can book up quickly. Utilize the Lake Champlain Ferries for scenic crossings and to explore both the Vermont and New York sides of the lake. Bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities, including swimwear, hiking shoes, and layers of clothing, as weather can change. Always check the latest operating hours and fees for specific attractions, and be aware of any reservation requirements for camping or tours.
Lake Champlain parking
Parking around Lake Champlain varies by location. In urban areas like Burlington, downtown parking can require extra time to find, especially near popular attractions and the waterfront. Many state parks and trailheads offer designated parking areas, though these can fill up during busy periods. Fees may apply for day use at some state parks and beaches. For boat tours departing from Burlington, it's advisable to factor in additional time for parking.
best time to visit Lake Champlain
The best time to visit Lake Champlain for warm-weather activities and a bustling atmosphere is from July to August, when temperatures are pleasant for swimming and all attractions are fully operational. For stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds, consider visiting from mid-September to mid-October. Late spring (May to early June) also offers a pleasant experience with thinner crowds before the peak season.
Lake Champlain hours and fees
Hours and fees for Lake Champlain attractions vary widely. Lake Champlain Ferries operate year-round on the Grand Isle-Plattsburgh route (24/7), with varying schedules and rates for other crossings; for example, the Grand Isle-Plattsburgh route costs $12.25 for a driver and vehicle. State parks like Grand Isle State Park are open through mid-October, with camping fees varying by site type. North Beach Campground is open May 15 through October 15, with 2026 tent sites at $45 and full hook-up RV sites at $60. Cruise operators like the Spirit of Ethan Allen have specific schedules and ticket prices, with 2026 bookings open and a temporary 6% fuel surcharge in effect. Always check individual attraction websites for the most current information.
Our team at Roam States is confident that Lake Champlain offers an unparalleled travel experience in Vermont. Its blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and vibrant communities ensures a memorable trip for any traveler. We encourage you to explore this incredible destination and discover its many charms for yourself.
Last updated: 2026-07-13 by the Roam States team.