lake champlain lake cruises

take a trip on

Join us aboard buttercup for a tour of lake champlain

Enjoy an outing on the water while hearing stories about lake champlain and its history.

You can hop aboard one of our regular cruises or reserve a private charter! We depart from the Burlington Community Boathouse.

To read about the types of cruises we offer, check out the Your Experience page.

Other Great Adventures

SAIL Adirondacks

Old boats, new adventures.

SAIL ADIRONDACKS (SAIL ADKs) is a crewed sailboat charter service with locations in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains at our Saranac Lake  base and on beautiful Lake Champlain at our Port H enry  base.

SAIL ADKs offers the region’s only crewed sailing experience...

 ...on a fleet of classic sailboats plying some of the most beautiful pristine waters of the world. Whether you choose the challenge of mastering the fickle winds and multiple islands of our small mountain lakes or prefer the wide open cruising grounds of Lake Champlain, SAIL ADKs has a sailing experience to add fun and excitement to your visit to the Adirondacks.

  Sign up for a learn to sail lesson and master the basics of harnessing mother nature to move you swiftly and quietly across the water, or kick back and relax while our experienced captain sails you past some of the best views in the North Country.

Sailing with SAIL ADKs is always fun, hands-on and informative. Choose the inland lakes or the cruising grounds of wide-open Lake Champlain (or both) and book your SAIL Adirondacks experience today.

Choose an experience from one of our two bases

Book Port Henry Experience

Book Saranac Lake Experience  

My wife and I joined Captain B. on his Saranac Lake vessel for an early Autumn outing. The sun was shining and we chartered a nice course through the lakes many corners observing the orange leaves aglow. Its amazing to experience the speeding momentum of the craft accompanied by the calm tranquility of the lakes waters. The lake is both pristine and uncrowded. Captain B is a very convivial host and instructor who works well with nervous inexperienced sailors. Many thanks to Captain B and the O'Day 23 for a very special, memorable outing.

I also felt the experience was very convenient and an excellent value. The Captain provides excellent directions to the boat launch and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make the trip an excellent outing. I would recommend the 3 hour time slot for future sailors to get the full experience of different sailing techniques

Kellen & Briana B. 

thank you for great sailing. 

We did like it a lot.

-Mila 

Your Reservation Starts Here!

We look forward to crafting your perfect sailing experience. Please  let us know your preferred  dates, cruise option and base location below. Captain Barry will contact you to set up your charter! 

Thanks for submitting!

Upper Saranac Lake

Indian carry state fishing access.

7.4 miles east of Tupper Lake 

NYS Route 3

Port Henry Base

Bridgeview Harbour Marina   https://bridgeviewharbour.com/.   

54 Harbour Lane,

Port He nry, NY  12974

Spirit of Ethan Allen

Come Cruise With Us!

Sounds of Summer Dinner

Sounds of summer dinner cruise.

Our Sounds of Summer Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to make memories on Lake Champlain. We’ll be serving a delicious buffet dinner. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont playing backdrop to the summer sunset, and lose yourself in a Vermont adventure!

When:     Sunday – Wednesdays  from June 18 – September 3

Boarding:    30   minutes prior to  departure time

Departure Time:    6:30 PM

Cruise Duration:    2 1/2   hours

Entertainment:    Spirit Sounds DJ

Book Online Now Gift Cards

Bike & Boat Package

Boat big or boat home

Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks' largest lake, is the perfect place to launch your boat of choice - whether you like to paddle, sail, or motor. Surrounded by towering mountains, rocky cliffs, and rolling fields, the waters of Lake Champlain offer outstanding views of New York and Vermont, as well as limitless activities such as fishing, ice fishing, swimming, and exploring. We have opportunities to enjoy a scenic boat tour, or bring your canoe or kayak and depart from one of the many public launches. Lake Champlain is a boater's paradise with expansive waterways, sheltered bays, sandy shores, and secluded places to lower anchor. Boating on Lake Champlain is the perfect way to experience what a large Adirondack lake — and one of the largest in the nation — has to offer. 

Known for its wide variety of geological features, lakeshore habitats, and great fishing , Lake Champlain is navigable by many different types of vessels, including sailboats, cruisers, fishing boats, and ferries!

The Narrows

Known as "The Narrows", the slender stretch of water just north of Westport is a hotspot for boaters on Lake Champlain. Heading there yourself? You'll love this interpretive guide to "The Narrows" outlining its Indigenous territorial boundaries, shipwreck sites, ancient geology, and more.

Click here to see the guide!

Lake Champlain facts

• Lake Champlain is 125 miles long and covers 435 square miles of surface area
• The widest section of Lake Champlain is 14 miles
• The average depth of Lake Champlain is 64 feet 
• The deepest spot in Lake Champlain is 400 feet, located just north of Westport, New York
• The shorelines in Vermont, New York, and Quebec total 587 miles
• More than ninety species of fish call the lake home
• Champ lives here!

Get in on the action

There are many water sports to enjoy on the lake. We're always ready to jump into the fun and try activities such as tubing, water skiing, kite surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and wind surfing, or relax with a panoramic paddle in one of the lake's many sheltered bays. Many local marinas provide rentals of all the gear that visitors and residents need and want. Browse listings of Lake Champlain boat launches and marinas, all including maps, to help you learn more about the great boating offerings the area has.

Activities on the shore

One of the best parts about staying on the lake are the many activities available on the waterfront. Play on the beach or bask in the sunshine with a scenic lunch or dinner at one of the many lakeside restaurants dotting the shore. We even have restaurants accessible by boat. Everyone is always welcomed by friendly faces and Adirondack hospitality.

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics , which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Keep Exploring

Packages and Promotions

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Total eclipse prix fixe, the deer's head inn.

The Deer's Head Inn is offering a special Prix Fixe for the Total Eclipse on April 8 for $60. To Start: Tuna and Swordfish Skewers or Black Trumpet Mushroom Toast Followed by: Squid Ink Pasta Then choose: Burnt Leek Ash Coated Pork Loin or Black Sea...

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Enjoy any 3 nights in this beautiful little apartment between April 5th and April 8th. Prime Eclipse time. Call (518)873-2233 for details.

Basin Harbor Club Review: Family Fun on Lake Champlain in VT

H ugging the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont, you will find a family resort that feels unchanged for generations, except for its modern amenities. It is a place where families gather, year-after-year. It is also a place where friendships are made and romance blossoms. That very special place is the Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club in Vergennes, Vermont.

I had a chance to visit for a mother-daughter getaway in June to write a Basin Harbor Club review. Although our little family unit of two felt small compared to the many family reunions and multi-generational trips at the Resort during our stay, it was immediately clear how well the Basin Harbor caters to families.

I’d already heard amazing things about their kid’s club, but we also saw packs of teens strolling the property and the lawns are dotted with games from horseshoes to a giant Connect 4 and chessboard. There were even plenty of dogs about, noting Basin Harbor’s pet-friendly policy.

If you are looking for a family vacation by the lake with plenty of activities for all ages, great food, and a classic, laid back vibe, it is time to check out Basin Harbor.

Basin Harbor Review

Note: We were guests of the Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club for purposes of this review, all opinions are my own.

The Basin Harbor is a full-service resort, with lakeside cottages for families and guest rooms in four lodges throughout the property. You will find multiple restaurants, a full-range of activities, and a fabulous Kids Camp that will keep the whole family busy and happy. Before you decide whether or not the Basin Harbor is right for you, let’s dig into the accommodations, location, amenities, and dining at the Basin Harbor.

Lake Champlain Cottages

Although the Basin Harbor is one of the Historic Hotels of America , its 45 guest rooms and 74 cottages have been updated to reflect a clean, nautical feel. The decor utilizes earth tones and artifacts from the resort’s 131-year history.

No two cottages at Basin Harbor are alike, as they were each built according to the wishes of original guests. Some cottages overlook the lake, while others are tucked into the woods or near the golf course or gardens. There are a range of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom cottages to choose from that are ideal for groups or families of all sizes.

We stayed in the lakefront Greenledge, two-bedroom cottage, which offers amazing lake views from the living room and master bedroom. Because of its perch on the edge of the cliff, there wasn’t any outdoor space with much of a view, but each cottage is different. Although keep in mind that the cottages are not the sort where you can just walk out and jump in the lake, but no worries, you have the harbor front for that!

I loved the decor of the cottage, with a blend of comfortable brown leather couches, comfy beds and nautical elements like oars and old-fashioned water skis adorning the walls. There was also a mini kitchen with a sink and small fridge, but no cooktop.

Each bedroom had its own bathroom with two sinks, making it easy to negotiate the family bathroom time. The master bedroom offered a king bed, large closet, and dresser. The second bedroom featured twin beds and its own en-suite bathroom.

Lakefront Activities

Sadly, we didn’t spy Champ, the mysterious lake creature that is said to resemble the Loch Ness monster and live in Lake Champlain. I guess that is no surprise because, outside of whether or not you believe in mythical creatures, Lake Champlain is the sixth largest lake in the United States so she has plenty of room to hide.

The lake is 12 miles wide at its widest and can get up to 400 feet deep. However, where the Basin Harbor is located, you can plainly see the Palisade cliffs of New York and the distant Adirondack Mountains across the lake.

Basin Harbor offers many ways to get out on the lake, from the complimentary pedal boats, paddleboards, kiddie boats, fishing poles, and water toys you can borrow to the kayaks, canoes, and pontoon boats that you can rent. If you plan ahead, you can also hire a motorboat for some water skiing or tubing.

The harbor front also offers a swimming area, with chairs that line the dock and rocks on shore, and two large water trampolines. When we visited in late June, the water was still a little too chilly for us to brave but there were many who didn’t let the cold stop them.

Basin Harbor also offers narrated lake cruises on the EScape tour boat, which is a wonderful way to explore the lake and learn more about the ecology and history. We went out on one of these 1-2 hour cruises during our stay, which taught us about the history of the lake and its natural surroundings. We even spied a couple of bald eagles!

The captain and crew will also tell you all about the rich history of the area, including the many naval battles that occurred nearby.

Pool and Activities

In addition to the lake, Basin Harbor has a heated (yay!) swimming pool, with towels and bar service, and hot tubs. It isn’t that large but when we visited the resort wasn’t very crowded and we were able to get lounge chairs without a problem. We even returned one evening for the “Dive in movie night” to watch Moana from a lounge chair.

Every night the resort offers some form of family-friendly entertainment from outdoor movies to bingo nights and bonfires. They always post a weekly calendar of activities so you can plan your time. Just make a note that not all activities are included and choose accordingly.

Other activities at the Basin Harbor include pickle ball, golf, rental bikes, volleyball, basketball, soccer, croquet, badminton, a gaga pit, giant chess, hiking, a 24/7 fitness center, and history talks. You definitely won’t get bored at Basin Harbor!

Kids Camp is also a favorite among the youngsters, and has been a place where lifelong friendships are formed. The focus is on wholesome summer fun with activities are are customized for age-specific groups, ranging from swimming to crafts to games.

Dining at Basin Harbor

There are many dining options at the Basin Harbor, from fine dining at Ardelia’s to sushi on the Lodge Lawn and pizza from Hattie’s Pie near the pool. Kids will love picking up lobster rolls at the Full Belly Food Truck at the waterfront. The Basin Harbor also offers a range of meal plans to relieve the stress over who orders what when.

Breakfast at Ardelia’s in the main dining room is quite the affair with everything from homemade jams to omelet stations and everything in between. In the evenings, Ardelia’s transforms to fine dining where, even though jackets aren’t still required, the tendency would still be to dress for dinner.

It is almost hard to believe you could possibly be hungry for the rest of the day, but when lunch rolls around, it is time to head to the Red Mill Restaurant.

The Red Mill, which operates out of a renovated saw mill and backs up on a small airstrip, serves both lunch and dinner with a mix of burgers/sandwiches and full entrees. If kids get too antsy waiting for their food, there is always the playground out back and the horseshoe pit beside.

None of the food disappointed but one of the most enjoyable meals was the Thursday night Shore Dinner out on the North Dock. Featuring live music right on the banks of Lake Champlain, this is a perfect way to kick off or capstone your summer. The feast includes chowder, mussels, salad, cheddar bay biscuits (so good), beef, fish, and one big ole pre-cracked lobster! Just make sure you make reservations in advance and take an earlier seating so you don’t miss out on the dessert buffet.

Even though Basin Harbor is so great for large family groups, it was also a special place for a mother-daughter getaway. I find that when traveling with kids, the best connections are made in the simplest of places. Even though there was so much to do, it doesn’t distract from the beauty of nature and the old-fashioned fun. We look forward to returning again when we have even more people to share it with.

The post Basin Harbor Club Review: Family Fun on Lake Champlain in VT appeared first on We3Travel .

Plattsburgh discusses raising Revolutionary War ship ‘Spitfire’ out of Lake Champlain

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) - Talks continue over raising the “Spitfire,” a gunboat under Benedict Arnold’s command during the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776.

Underwater archaeologist Art Cohn was on the team in 1997 that discovered the boat’s location at the bottom of Lake Champlain. Back in 2017, the idea of raising the ship was floated around and now he says those talks are ramping up.

“I have been doing this work for over 40 years, I have never recommended a boat be recovered until now. We have identified four studies we are ready to do, four contracts to do our due diligence,” said Cohn.

He says the studies include engineering, a business plan, conservation for when the boat is removed from the lake, and a look at an exhibition facility for a permanent display. All four studies, he says, are primed and ready for funding. But first, he says researchers want to take another dive into the lake to inspect the American treasure.

”We have just applied for a permit to inspect the boat again this year, film it, and determine what the state of the mussels are,” said Cohn.

He says it would take another 15 years to raise the ship and more than $40 million stretched out over time. Cohn also reaffirms his belief that the ship should remain in the North Country where it was built and faced battle, something Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest says would be a big boost for the area.

“It is a major attraction and whenever we have new things like this, it will be a boost to the local economy and attract more tourists here,” said Rosenquest.

Cohn says it would keep the past alive for posterity. “It would be our legacy for preserving that, the foundation days of this country, and I think that would be a great thing to do,” he said.

Copyright 2024 WCAX. All rights reserved.

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Transport in Irkutsk

Irkutsk is the starting point for most trips to Lake Baikal - it is the closest international transport hub to the lake linking it not only to Moscow, but also St Petersburg, Novosibirsk or Krasnoyarsk by air, and dozens of other cities by train. There are lots of options to get to Baikal from Irkutsk - by bus, helicopter, car, water and of course train. Listvyanka, the closest settlement to the lake and the starting point of the Circum-Baikal Railway, is just 70km from Irkutsk and the must-see Olkhon Island is 270km from the city. During the high season it is very busy and therefore we advise you to book all transportation in advance. 

Getting to/from Irkutsk

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The only daily flight from St Petersburg leaves three times a week and takes 2½ hours. Flights are operated by Orenburg Airlines and Ural Airlines.

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Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk: The road between two of Siberia’s most thriving cities

The Paris of Siberia

Originally established as a trading center, Irkutsk was founded over 350 years ago. Today, the wealth that once poured into the city is evident in the many historic wooden houses featuring elaborate woodwork and window trim. Once referred to as the “Paris of Siberia,” Irkutsk has traditionally served as Siberia’s cultural, economic and intellectual capital.

Don’t leave the city before visiting the Znamensky Monastery or the Bogoyavlensky Cathedral , which were both originally destroyed by fires during Irkutsk’s early days. The monastery, completed in 1772, features a small cemetery where notable locals are buried. The cathedral features a jumble of onion domes and towers that have long made it one of Siberia’s most iconic buildings.

The Hotel Victoria is a good option with rooms starting at $100 a night including breakfast and parking.

After exploring the southern coast of Lake Baikal on your drive along the Trans-Siberian Highway, you can visit the lake’s western coast as a day trip from Irkutsk.

Hop on a ferry run by the Eastern-Siberian Inland Navigation Company, also known by its Cyrillic acronym, VSRP . The ferry company offers package tours and ferry service to numerous towns on Lake Baikal.

If you just want to get out on the water for a few hours, VSRP runs a historic tour along the Angara River (about $10, 1 hour) that includes an audio guide. You can also book a tour to beautiful Peschanaya Bay (about $50, 10 hours, Fridays and Sundays only), or the quaint lakeside village of Bolshie Koty (about $26, 4-10 hours depending on the boat).

You can also buy a ferry ticket at VSRP to many Baikal towns. Bolshie Koty (about $13, 1.5 hours from Irkutsk) is one of the most tranquil locations on the lake. Ferries run to the village three times a day from Irkutsk except for Mondays and select weekdays during the summer. Check the ferry schedule before planning your trip.

To get back on the road from Hotel Victoria, drive south on ul. Karla Marksa and take a right on ul. Lenina. Turn left on ul. Chkalova and bear right toward the Angarsky Bridge. On the other side of the bridge, get on the M-55 Federal Highway.

Outside Irkutsk the route number on the Trans-Siberian Highway changes to M-53, which will take you to the city of Krasnoyarsk (14 hours, 1,000 kilometers). The long drive to Krasnoyarsk consists of tall hills and farmland. Like the drive through the Russian Far East, you can park your car by the road and camp, although it’s best to ask for permission if you see a house nearby.

Siberia is a land of rivers, and the city of Bratsk (9 hours, 600 kilometers north of Irkutsk) is home to the Bratsk Dam , once the world’s largest hydroelectric power station.

The Bratsk Dam can be visited independently, but you’ll see far more with a tour. Contact Taiga Tours in Bratsk to arrange a visit to the Bratsk Dam.

During summer different varieties of wildflowers grow on the M-53. The flowers overtake entire fields that appear in the distance like purple or yellow lakes. Locals often pull over to pick wild berries and mushrooms, or appear in the meadows leading flocks of sheep to graze in the countryside. This is a great area to witness the pastoral life described in classic Russian novels; you’ll find that rural traditions are alive and well in the villages on the road to Krasnoyarsk.

Upon reaching Krasnoyarsk, you can drive south away from the Trans-Siberian Highway into the Tuva Republic, home to the Tuva people , practicing Buddhists who trace their ethnic and cultural roots to the Turkic and Mongolian peoples. Most famous for their throat singers , Tuva can be a fascinating, albeit long, side trip that is recommended if you have time.

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Bratsk Reservoir, Eastern Siberia, Russia

It has been said that one of the most striking things about Siberia is the scale. Just the name conjures images of vast snowy expanses, impossibly thick forests and incredibly high mountains. Its manmade features maintain the sense of scale, and with well over a million acres of water, Bratsk Reservoir is no exception. Sprawling across the Irkutsk Oblast in Russia, Bratsk is the largest manmade reservoir… Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Bratsk Reservoir! Article topics include:

• All About Bratsk Reservoir
• Where to Stay
• Vacation Planning Tools
• Things to Do
• Known Fish Species
• Bratsk Reservoir Map
• Statistics / Weather / Helpful Links
• Bratsk Reservoir Gifts

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All About Bratsk Reservoir, Russia

It has been said that one of the most striking things about Siberia is the scale. Just the name conjures images of vast snowy expanses, impossibly thick forests and incredibly high mountains. Its manmade features maintain the sense of scale, and with well over a million acres of water, Bratsk Reservoir is no exception. Sprawling across the Irkutsk Oblast in Russia, Bratsk is the largest manmade reservoir in Russia and one of the largest in the world.

An impoundment of the Angara River, Bratsk Reservoir was created by the Bratsk Dam. The dam was built for hydroelectric power, and construction started in 1954. The reservoir started filling in 1961. It wasn’t finished, however, until 1967. After completion, it was considered the largest manmade reservoir in the world, but it has since been surpassed. The Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Plant is the second of four power plants on the Angara River including Irkutsk, Ust-Ilim, and Boguchany.

Growing in response to the construction of Bratsk Reservoir, the City of Bratsk supported the workers that built the reservoir. It is a modern city of approximately 300,000 people and has all the amenities traditionally found in a city its size. There are restaurants, hotels, theaters and museums. In addition to the hydroelectric power plant, local industry includes the manufacture of aluminum. The purpose of Bratsk Reservoir was to generate power, but over the years its value for recreation has grown. The shore of the lake has rest homes, health centers, and dachas (country homes). There are also camps organized by businesses for the benefit of workers.

The City of Bratsk wasn’t the first Russian settlement in the area. Drawn by fur, timber, and minerals, the first Russians settled in eastern Siberia in the 17th century. In 1631, a group of Cossacks built a wooden fort with four towers at Padun Rapids. The fort was named Bratsk after the area’s aboriginal tribes the “Bruyats.” Two of the fort’s original towers still stood when Bratsk Reservoir was filled; one of the towers was moved to Moscow and the other tower stands on the shore of Bratsk Reservoir as an example of wooden Russian architecture. The village that grew up around the fort was the only Russian settlement on the Angara River and it stayed small and isolated until construction of the reservoir began. The village was moved to protect it from flooding.

The Angara Village Ethnographical Museum chronicles the history of the area before the construction of the reservoir. The museum opened in June of 1982 and has a Russian village and farmsteads along with a model of the 17th century fort. There is also an exhibit of an Evenk nomad camp. The Evenk were the original Siberian Natives.

Today one of the easiest and most scenic ways to travel to the area is by rail. The Baikal Amur Mainline Railroad (BAM) currently runs across the top of Bratsk Dam. Traveling parallel to the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the BAM was created as a backup for military use. BAM crosses the country and passes Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest lake. The section for Taishet to Bratsk is called the “Road of Courage” because of the difficulty workers had building it. Construction was begun in 1942, and it took 23 years to lay the rail between Taishet and Abakan. There are several railroad tours that offer visitors a chance to explore the magnificent Siberian landscape.

Siberia is a land of extremes – freezing temperatures, huge reservoirs and large stretches of land. Bratsk Reservoir is extreme in both size and importance and its recreation opportunities are growing.

Things to Do at Bratsk Reservoir

These are some activities in the Bratsk Reservoir, Russia area visitors can enjoy:

Find Places to Stay at Bratsk Reservoir

If you’re considering a Bratsk Reservoir lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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More Sites to Book a Bratsk Reservoir Vacation

Our interactive Bratsk Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com , but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

Bratsk Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

Lake Type : Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control : Russia Federal Government

Surface Area : 1,351,680 acres

Shoreline Length : 3,728 miles

Maximum Depth : 361 feet

Water Volume : 137,229,339 acre-feet

Completion Year : 1967

More local lakes to explore in this area:

Caspian Sea

Kuybyshev Reservoir, Russia

Lake Baikal, Russia

We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form .

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