Snuggled between the states of New York and Vermont lies a beautiful freshwater lake the French call Lac Champlain. Lake Champlain crosses the United States-Canada border at Quebec. So, if you are looking to vacation at one of North America’s most picturesque lakes, you cannot find a more attractive destination than the incomparable Lake Champlain.
All About Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is one of the largest lakes in the United States. The lake covers almost 500 square miles, is 107 miles long, and is 14 miles across at its widest point. Lake Champlain has a maximum depth of approximately 400 feet.
Lake Champlain enjoyed a brief but tumultuous designation as the sixth Great Lake in 1998. A Senate Bill led by the United States Senator from Vermont reauthorized the National Sea Grant Program, which contained the declaration that Lake Champlain was a Great Lake. After a small uproar, the declaration was rescinded, though local universities continue to receive funds to monitor and study the lake.
The lake has long been a border between states and countries. Historically, it has also served as a border between indigenous nations, separating the frontier between the Abenaki and Mohawk territories. As a result, this beautiful region was known as "the door of the country," providing an essential eastern gateway to tribal lands.
Its beauty and peaceful surroundings make Lake Champlain and the surrounding area a top destination for rest and relaxation. The scenic bluffs overlooking the lake are the perfect host to individuals and families looking for adventure and even a fun little glimpse at history no matter the season. So, whether you are looking for summer sunshine or winter frost, Lake Champlain will serve as the ideal host to your North American adventure.
Where to Stay Near Lake Champlain
The area surrounding Lake Champlain is robust, with options for any traveler. If you are looking for the most populous town, Burlington, Vermont, will keep you engaged in the hustle and bustle. However, should you favor historic towns with plenty of small-town charm, there are plenty of towns that pack a lot of action, energy, and history into a small package.
Historic Towns Near Lake Champlain
- Keeseville
- Willsboro
- Essex
- Lewis
- Elizabethtown
These charming towns offer a variety of accommodations and endless views of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. It seems no matter where you choose to stay near Lake Champlain, you are guaranteed incredible vistas.
Accommodations Near Lake Champlain
From cabins to bed-and-breakfasts, Lake Champlain has the lodging to accommodate any taste. So be prepared to fall in love with the décor! There is no way you can come to this region and not fall in love with lake art in all its shapes and forms. You will find yourself asking the origin of many of the hand-crafted pieces you will see in your cabin and throughout the area.
Innkeepers in the area are known for their charm and hospitality. Take a minute to get to know your host and ask about the history of your inn or cabin. You will be regaled with tales of the region, including the lake art that adorns their walls, and you will become enamored with the passion you feel from each local you encounter.
What to do Near Lake Champlain
The list of available activities near Lake Champlain is only limited by your imagination! No matter the season, this region has an impressive array of things to do for those who want to be on the go all day to those who just want to keep it cool and relaxed. There are even unique attractions that transition with the season, changing itself and providing a new experience each time the weather cycles.
Activities Near Lake Champlain
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross-country skiing
- Ice fishing
- Rock climbing
For a location that transforms with the seasons, be sure to visit the Ausable Chasm. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, this national treasure offers changes in scenery that are billions of years in the making and are stunning in both the summer and winter.
Where to Eat Near Lake Champlain
With a robust agricultural landscape and breathtaking 180-degree views, you are sure to find a restaurant with farm-to-table freshness and outstanding choices to please every palate. Lake Champlain chefs prepare organic meats, cheeses, and other locally sourced fare that changes with the season, offering an array of cuisines with a side of stunning vistas year-round.
With close proximity to fresh water and the Great Lakes, you can imagine that seafood is the star of the show in the local restaurants near Lake Champlain. Popular dishes include clam chowder, fish-n-chips, seafood platters, Maine lobster, and grilled swordfish. And don't sleep on the local food trucks - you would miss out on some of the best local flavors and not even know it!
Favorite Eateries Near Lake Champlain
And then there is dessert. Lake Champlain Chocolates has a long history of designing and producing some of the best treats on the planet. As delightful to look at as they are to eat, Lake Champlain Chocolates has been bringing comfort and joy to local families and visitors alike for over 30 years. The chocolate is its own unique form of lake art!
You will fall in love with the unbelievable scenery outside and the stunning lake art decorating the inside of each eatery and establishment you visit. Each piece of lake art provides the character and nautical vibe you come to expect in a lake town steeped in history. Search the local boutiques and ask local artisans - you will walk away with your own treasured lake art to take home and call your own.
There is no better way to commemorate your travels to the breathtaking, historic Lake Champlain than with lake art in the form of a high-quality wood chart. Each detail artfully etched in the Baltic birch will bring to mind the roadways and points of interest you visited on your vacation and the people you came to know and appreciate. The trip will remain in your memories, but the Lake Champlain 3D wood map will allow you to revisit the depths of the lake and the details of the local topography until you can plan your next adventure.