Nestled between Vermont’s Green and New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake Champlain is an ecological, historical and recreational treasure for locals and visitors alike. Whether you live here or are stopping by for a visit, take advantage of our office’s local knowledge to find out about the best things to do around Lake Champlain.
At Adirondack Premier Properties, we live and recreate where we work, and are proud to share the best of our region with our clients. Read on for our insider tips on how to make the most of your time on Lake Champlain. We’ll clue you in on what not to miss – in each season of the year!
Insider Info: 6 Best Things To Do Around Lake Champlain Adirondack Coast
1. Boating & Watersport Fun
Lake Champlain stretches over 120 miles, offering an ideal playground for boaters, kayakers, sailors, and paddleboarders. Public put-ins and many marinas provide easy access and a variety of boat rentals and guided experiences. Along the Adirondack Coast from Ticonderoga to Plattsburgh, a wide variety of local businesses provide services for boaters of all kinds.
Lake Champlain is one of the only lakes in the area that can accommodate large sailboats. For experienced sailors, traveling down Lake Champlain to the Hudson River via the locks is a peak experience. For those looking for boating adventures closer to home, living or renting on Lake Champlain is the gateway to a unique water lifestyle. Imagine stepping out of your lakeside property and right into your boat. This dream is part of everyday life for many Adirondack Coast residents who make the most of all of the things to do around Lake Champlain.
2. Day Trip to Burlington
Burlington is a cultural hub on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain. Take the ferry or bridge across and take a stroll to scenic Waterfront Park, catch live music at Battery Park, or browse the boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants on Church Street. Shopping abounds in Burlington’s downtown and outlying areas. Find unique clothing or home items, local art or staples to stock up your pantry or hobby space.
Hop over to the Shelburne Museum to enjoy a summer outdoor concert, galleries and historical displays. Or, visit an art gallery, winery or brewery or catch a show at the Flynn. Just a skip across the pond from the Adirondack Coast, Burlington is a popular destination for a day away or a night out for Adirondack Coast residents.
3. Fishing Year-Round
Anglers flock to Lake Champlain for its world-class bass, trout, and northern pike fishing. Several high profile fishing tournaments are held on the lake each year. Locals and visitors also enjoy throwing in a line from miles of public access or private shoreline or casting from their boat. Fishing is a popular past-time on Lake Champlain for anglers of all ages in all seasons of the year. Once the ice comes in, ice fishing in winter is very popular at places like Point Au Roche State Park.
If you are seeking a home with lake access or a dock, your fishing spot could be just steps from your back door. With so many miles of shoreline, potential to find your perfect match Lake Champlain property with fishing access is high. Before starting your search, get to know the different communities and fishing locales by trying out various public fishing access areas.
4. Hiking & Biking the Champlain Valley
The region surrounding Lake Champlain on the Adirondack Coast provides much hiking opportunity and many trails, mountain and road bike routes. Further inland, the Adirondacks provide even more route options. Nature lovers will find no shortage of outdoor adventure related things to do around Lake Champlain.
State parks like Ausable Point, Cumberland Bay and Point Au Roche offer beaches, trails, camping and other activities. Champlain Area trails provides trail maps, interpretive, conservation and volunteer opportunities. For road and mountain bikers, there are many options up and down the shores of Lake Champlain as well as further into the interior of the Adirondack Park.
5. History & Heritage
For history buffs, there is no shortage of things to do around Lake Champlain. Visit Fort Ticonderoga or explore the Champlain Maritime Museum to learn about the lake’s role in U.S. history. Lake Champlain even has its own Loch Ness-like legend, called “Champ”. And the fascinating historical tales don’t end there.
Historic properties and restored farmhouses in the area also come with their own stories to tell. To dig into the fascinating history of Lake Champlain, visit a local library, historical association or museum to get started on your historical adventure.
6. Local Events & Markets
From apple festivals and craft fairs to weekly farmer’s markets and waterfront concerts, there’s always something happening around Lake Champlain. These community-driven events are part of what makes living here so satisfying. A diverse agricultural community is supported by organizations like Adirondack Harvest, and farms host events and participate in markets throughout the year.
Seasonal festivals and other events add color, rhythm and celebration to local communities with a wide variety of events happening in all seasons. For more information on upcoming events, check out Adirondack Coast’s calendar.
Whether you’re looking for a summer retreat, an investment property, or your forever home, Lake Champlain has options for every lifestyle. Adirondack Premier Properties offers listings of all types, from cozy cabin to historic lakeside camp, at a variety of price points. Contact one of our experienced forever agents to get started on your vacation rental search or to explore Lake Champlain sale listings. Call 518-523-3333 today!