Cruising Lake Champlain - The Quiet Majesty of the Northeast
- BoatBlurb Contributor
- Sep 10
- 4 min read
By: Julian David Calderon
For boaters craving a new freshwater cruising experience, Lake Chaplain may be one of the most underrated inland lakes in North America. On the cusp of the U.S. & Canadian border divided amongst New York, Vermont and Quebec, it offers a variety of great scenery from open water, forested islands, historic ports, and surreal marina infrastructure. Deceptively large, it boasts an impressive length of 107 miles (172 km) and over 500 square miles (1295 km) of open water. In other words, it's a fantastically slow-paced boating adventure tucked within a surprisingly large playground.
With over 120 miles of navigable water, Champlain has a mix of large lake cruising, winding river channels, and protected bays ideal for anchoring. For Canadians looking for something different, you can launch from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and go down the Richelieu River which passes several locks before entering the northern side of Champlain. For U.S. boaters, your journey could start from the well-equipped marinas around Plattsburgh, New York or Burlington Vermont.
Champlain is known for being long and narrow. As a result, the southern and northern ends offer two very different experiences. The southern end offers a narrower and more river-like passage, while the north end provides what feels like an open sea experience. Depending on your location and the season, big waves and prevailing wind can stack up, so your depth chart requires attention. For boaters unfamiliar with this lake, or even those who are, Waterproof Chart #12 is an essential item.
Thanks to its sheer size marina options are abundant, so you can enjoy standout facilities such as the Champlain Marina in Colchester Vermont, Apple Island Resort and Westport Marina in New York, Each of these facilities offer fuel, pump outs, nearby dining options, and overnight slips. The Lake Champlain Boater’s Map also highlights launch ramps and anchorages with real time updates.
One of the luxuries of Champlain is having the opportunity to island hop, as many of them feel surprisingly secluded and there are multiple options to choose from. Valcour Island, which is just south of Plattsburg, is an adventurer's ideal destination with forested hiking trails, tranquility along the anchorages, and a lighthouse on the western side of the island. Anchoring in Sloop Cove or Butterfly Bay provides calm waters and peaceful overnights to give you that much-needed break from urban life.
If you cruise further south, you can discover Juniper Island and the Four Brothers Islands, a nature preserve containing protected bird habitants with no landfall allowed. These spots are ideal for early morning paddles in a kayak or on a SUP, giving you the chance to catch a sunrise as the wildlife starts its day. For history buffs, we highly recommend Fort Ticonderoga, which is accessible via the Ticonderoga ferry landing. Many marinas offer day trips and shuttle options in advance if you're a landlubber without a boat.
Even though Chaplain is an inland lake, its length, coupled with the Adirondack mountains on its west and the Green Mountains on the east, can create unpredictable wind and wave conditions particularly around the central basin. The winds generally run north and south due to the terrain and waves can reach 2-4 feet on open stretches. NOAA’s marine forecast and VHF Channel 16 provide valuable updates. If you are entering from Richelieu River, you must be aware of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and use the CBP Roam app if trailering from Canada or coming from the St. Lawrence Seaway.
When looking for a break, Burlington, Vermont has one of the most scenic and historic waterfronts in America. Breweries, restaurants, and outdoor music venues are steady throughout the summer with an event nearly every weekend for visitors and locals alike. Make sure to check out the Burlington Community Boathouse and the Church Street Marketplace. On the New York side, Westport and Port Henry are both small town gems with easy dock access.
Most marinas in the region have shower access, re-supply amenities, and portable water, but stocking up in advance is highly recommended for those staying overnight on the islands. You can find fuel docks roughly every 20-30 miles, making for an easy-going and comfortable journey if you're doing some extended cruising.
Lake Champlain may be well-known in the U.S. Northeast and some Quebec boaters, but it's often shadowed by the nearby Great Lakes and its tributaries scattered throughout Ontario, Quebec, New York, and beyond. Lake Champlain is a unique balance of nature, history, and both big and small water boater that has few of the hassles of commercial waterways.
Whether you’re launching from the Canadian border or you're embarking on a U.S. trailer trip, Lake Chaplain rewards those who come seeking solace. Prepare your gear accordingly, and the maps and local travel information will guide you the rest of the way.
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