People from far away with limited knowledge of New England might mistakenly think of Vermont as the region’s land-locked state. Whoops! A glance at a state map reveals the stately expanse of Lake Champlain, a long, lanky fresh-water body bordered by northwestern Vermont, upstate New York, and the Canadian province of Quebec. This sparkling and very deep lake – named in 1609 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain – is a glorious setting for a narrated cruise, by motorboat or sail. In addition to the views of spiky, deep-green forests and perfect sunsets (and sometimes the Northern Lights), any cruise – for the public or by charter -- can be enhanced by a knowledgeable local captain who can tell tales of fish and seabird life, shipwrecks, shipping commerce dating back four centuries, and the passage of armies, especially during the Revolutionary War.
The lake is bisected by the meandering Hero Islands, where coves and winding shorelines offer peaceful views of old orchards and marinas and tiny ferries at work. Feel the wind in your hair and sense the gentle chop of the waters as your captain motors you past lighthouses and unique homes overlooking the shorelines. State parks on the lake offer Matisse-caliber views of beaches and fishermen and families at play. Notable towns near the lake are sophisticated Burlington, VT as well as Vergennes, Ferrisburgh and Shelburne, VT, home to Shelburne Museum, with many exhibits and buildings, along with the restored 1906 steamboat Ticonderoga. If you just cannot get enough of the beauty and lore of the lake, do not miss a chance to visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Burlington, where you can supplement your cruise with lots of scientific insights as well as a shipwreck cruise.
1 College Street Burlington, VT, 05401 Phone: 802-825-7245
With public and private cruises, these historic sloops offer unforgettable experiences on Lake Champlain
