Rumour has it at one time there was a movement to get Lake Champlain recognized as one of the Great Lakes. It certainly has many of the qualities as you’ll discover here.

But why am I writing about Lake Champlain today?

Well, I swapped my annual beloved Easter trip to Cape Cod and went instead to Stowe, in Northern Vermont. Well, it was sort of a business trip but I managed to squeeze out some recreation time and sightseeing while there.

I’d heard a lot about Lake Champlain and my friends told me I just had to visit it before I left. In particular I wanted to visit the Islands in the Lake and see how it compared to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Well the area is gorgeous, has a lot of history and is a vacation paradise.

There are five connected towns on the islands inLake Champlain, and these are: South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero, Isle La Motte, and Alburg. Highway Route 2 runs through the islands and is accessible from Interstate 89 just north of Burlington.

Lake Champlain is the sixth largest freshwater lake in the United States and is 120 miles long by an average 12 miles across. The Western shore of the lake is in New York State, but most is in Vermont, and a small piece in Quebec, Canada – the Canadian border is only two miles from the northernmost town of Alburg.

The lake is deep at 400’ in places, but with an average depth of 64’. There are over 70 islands dotted around the lake, and it has a large history from revolutionary times. There are many shipwrecks on its bottom.

The Islands themselves are fairly flat and full of beaches, parks, camping, swimming, cycling and fishing opportunities. Sailing and boating is also popular with vacationers. Breathtaking views of Vermont’s Green mountains can be had from most East facing island locations.

Even if you’re not staying on the Islands for your Vermont vacation, I’d certainly schedule a day trip to the Lake Champlain area when you visit… you won’t be disappointed.

For more information on the Lake Champlain Islands, and other destinations in Northern Vermont check out my special Vermont vacations web site section by clicking here.

Until next week,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Editor
New England Attractions and Destinations Guide

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