Champlain vs. Winni

thinkxingu · 06-08-2021, 07:27 PM

Holla!
The fam's heading out to Champlain for four days in a couple weeks, and I'm wondering if we can get a day/night of boating in. Anyone have thoughts on the navigation difficulty? I've boated for 7 years but only ever on Winni. Any ideas on cost? Where to go?
I'm also open to any suggestions on things to do in the area—I've never been there before and don't no a thing about what's around.

Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Descant · 06-08-2021, 09:02 PM

Because ships pump their bilges in the St Lawrence Seaway, Lake Champlain has a number of invasives that we hope don't make it to Winnipesaukee. Please be sure to Clean, Drain and Dry.

As an historian, I'm sure you know the significance of the Battle of Lake Champlain (9/14/1814) and the closely related in time, loss at Waterloo for Napoleon that added some turmoil to the status of US independence.
I hope you'll give us an appropriate report.
Have fun.

Winilyme · 06-08-2021, 10:13 PM

I've never been out on the lake but our daughter lives in Burlington and we were there visiting her this past weekend. Lot's to do and places to dine in the downtown area. Also, many nearby hiking trails if you need to get off the boat and stretch your legs. Not sure where you'll dock if you choose to visit Burlington by water but there are several (smallish I think) marinas just down the hill from downtown and there always seem to be numerous vessels coming and going.

We had fun walking out to North Beach, not far from downtown, and enjoyed the panoramic views of the mountains across the lake in NY. The water looked very clear but we've been there later in the summer when it looks far less appealing (algae blooms and the sort that comes with runoff from city streets and so forth). If swimming is in your plans, check first for local water quality updates. It's sad that my daughter, a recent environmental sciences graduate, would think twice before swimming anywhere in Champlain. She did say that the NY side of the lake is cleaner than the VT side.

If you're looking for super clean/clear water, consider Lake George. There are some great historic sites to visit in that area such as Fort Ticonderoga.

Good luck and have fun.

bushwack1 · 06-08-2021, 10:40 PM

have your Camera ready & your eyes on the look-out for Champ. But most of all ENJOY

TiltonBB · 06-09-2021, 05:03 AM

I drove by Lake Champlain yesterday on the way to Alexandria Bay, NY.

I am always surprised that for a body of water so large and open it is often very flat, hardly a ripple. I know it can get rough but often is very calm.

I have been out boating on the lake and found it to be a lot less scenic and enticing than Winnipesaukee. Almost too open and not enough to look at. But, that is just the portion I have been on, I may have missed the "good parts". I just looked at an online site and it appears that the water temperature has gone from 55 to 67 in the last 7 days. That is quite an increase.

In the 1970's four of us trailered a boat to Burlington, Vermont, launched into Champlain, and traveled up the Richelieu River which connects Champlain to the St. Lawrence Seaway. You have to stop at the border crossing station on the water before you proceed into Canadian waters. I don't know if that trip is even possible with conditions today.

We ended up docked in Montreal at a site that was built for the 1967 Worlds Fair. That is a great trip I would be happy to do over again. A lot of great scenery and local culture.

8gv · 06-09-2021, 07:09 AM

Where will you be based?

Jdarby · 06-09-2021, 08:25 AM

Fort Ticonderoga is truly a historic gem! You might also want to check out the Shelburne Museum on the shores of the lake. Amazing collection of historic buildings and other displays. Be watchful for Champ….our very own version of the Loch Ness monster! As another has said, nearby Lake George might be a more attractive boating experience. I have boated Lake George but never Champlain. I’ve flown over Champlain quite a bit and it’s just a big lake, not much of interest in terms of hidden coves and islands.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

cowisl · 06-09-2021, 09:12 AM

It's a blast. The ramp in Burlington and colchester are both easy to use

BroadHopper · 06-09-2021, 09:32 AM

It's possible to moor overnight on Lake Champlain. There are very little rules and regulations. Excellent launch ramps and people are very friendly. Does not get densely populated as Winni, so boneheads are few and far between.

Enjoy!

Mike_VT · 06-09-2021, 10:47 AM

hello, I boat on boat these lakes extensively and they are so very different. Winni is much busier with more towns to visit, which one of the reasons that I like boating on the lake and the water quality is excellent. Going from Meredith to Wolfeboro no big deal and not a "haul". Champlain very large and it takes time to go place to place, and because the lake is shale bottom and for other reasons the water quality in certain areas is not as nice as Winni. Not sure where your home base is going to be but the coast guard ramp right downtown is very good and mallets bay ramp is very good to, but can be super busy and downright crazy at times.

Champlain is more wide open with less rock hazards and essentially no markers. Get a map though. Much more relaxing of a cruise as pointed out way less "boneheads". You can find yourself even on a busy weekend being the only boat in sight. If you put in in Burlington I'd check out willsboro bay in NY directly across from Burlington...Indian bay marina good spot for lunch. Further down the lake Bouquet Bay (NY side)at the mouth of the Bouquet river is a good sandbar. Note the red buoy about 200 yards off shore, if heading south make sure to go around that lake goes from 200+ft to 15' in a matter of 50 yards or so. All sand but when heading into shore keep that buoy well to the stern starboard side . The sandbar goes way out and very shallow.

Finally watch the weather waves can easily kick up and it has the potential to makes the broads look like lake waukewan. Happy to talk offline as well. Mike

thinkxingu · 06-09-2021, 12:39 PM

I think we'll be staying at Apple Island Resort, which is just over the Route 2 bridge in South Hero.

I'm not planning on bringing a boat or ski, so I'd have to rent. That's becoming less-inviting as I start adding up the other things we want/can do.

Any other sites to see while out there?
Anyone have an inexpensive/simple rental option?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Seaplane Pilot · 06-09-2021, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I think we'll be staying at Apple Island Resort, which is just over the Route 2 bridge in South Hero.

I'm not planning on bringing a boat or ski, so I'd have to rent. That's becoming less-inviting as I start adding up the other things we want/can do.

Any other sites to see while out there?
Anyone have an inexpensive/simple rental option?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

If you have time, check out Ausable Chasm in NY. Take the ferry from Burlington to Port Kent. https://www.ausablechasm.com/

Descant · 06-09-2021, 02:47 PM

If I recall correctly, The Battle of Lake Champlain was a turning point in the War of 1812. I'd think about renting a boat in Plattsburg to see how it all unfolded, or visit a related museum. The Brits beat Napoleon at Waterloo the same week which freed up British regulars to come to North America. BUT, they never came. McDonough beat the British fleet, the Brit land forces thus couldn't get together and the US got the upper hand in Treaty of Paris negotiations. Clever seamanship from McDonough who double anchored his ships and part way into the battle, he loosed one set of anchors, the ships came into a new line all primed and ready to fire. "Bang! Gotcha!" The British lowered their colors.

Epic Seaplane Adventures · 06-09-2021, 04:34 PM

If you go make sure you get a tour!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...h_Vermont.html

Epic Seaplane Adventures

LIforrelaxin · 06-09-2021, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I think we'll be staying at Apple Island Resort, which is just over the Route 2 bridge in South Hero.

I'm not planning on bringing a boat or ski, so I'd have to rent. That's becoming less-inviting as I start adding up the other things we want/can do.

Any other sites to see while out there?
Anyone have an inexpensive/simple rental option?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Ha Ha, you are not talking to the right person.... I know right where you are staying, and lived in South Hero for 10 years, while working in Essex Junction.

I never tried to rent a boat on Champlain, I had hauled my boat over several times over the years. If your boating experience has been on Winnipesaukee, my suggestion is to look for a tour boat excursion. Champlain can be very temperamental. And you can find yourself a long way from help, or a safe place to tie up, unless your really know where you are.

There are many options from a tour boat perspective, or at least there where right out of Burlington Harbor.... Now with that mouth full out, if you haven't already found enough things to do here are some tid bits for you:

1. Hero's Welcome up in North Hero is a great place, and used to make the best gourmet sandwiches.
2. Keeler bay Variety just up the road, (assuming it is still in business) is a grreat close place to get any food related item you might have forgotten.... and even some camping stuff....

3. If you like to walk along the water, there are great paths in Burlington, and Colchester, and even walking along the Causeway if cars going by at 50 MPH doesn't bother you is ok too....

4. A great option to get out on the lake, and understand the vastness that is Champlain is to actually take a ride on the Ferry from South Hero to Plattsburgh. You can do so realtively inexpensively if you just do it as a round trip walk on... Round trip it ends up being about a 1 hour experience, and offers a great view North and south on the like....

5. Now if you want the full lake Ferry experience, what you do is take your car on the Ferry, get off in New York, and drive down to Fort Kent and take the Ferry over into Burlington.. You will cross Champlain at its widest point.. But this adventure is time consuming and will take all in total about 4-5 hours... the Crossing on the Ferry out of Fort Kent is between 1.5 to 2 hours by itself.

6. No if your ventures are going to take you into the Mountains around Stowe, I suggest looking up the Notch road, that goes between the Stowe and Smugglers Notch... It is an awesome drive and only open in the summer months...

7. If in Stowe make sure you stop by the bakery at the Trapp family lodge... Just be prepared to losen you belt a notch.....

I could go on and on, I loved the area, and have thought about retiring there.... right now though Winnipesaukee and Massachusetts are where I need to hang my cap, and dock my boat.

Feel free to P.M. if you would like more information about the area or attractions you think you might want to visit but aren't totally sure about.

LIforrelaxin · 06-09-2021, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epic Seaplane Adventures

If you go make sure you get a tour!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...h_Vermont.html

Epic Seaplane Adventures

Don't know if SeaPlanes-R-Fun is still in operation, the owner I believe moved down south..... However I know the guy that owns Northern lights air field, and the last I know he did rides in his bi-plane, and he may even do float planes rides as well, as I know he owned a few, and was involved in Seaplanes-R-Fun as well.

8gv · 06-09-2021, 07:34 PM

The Shelburne Museum was interesting but you might want to bring some fishing gear and the small boat or canoe.

On the south side of Rte. 2 just before it goes over to the islands you will find Sand Bar WMA.

Launch there and head SSE toward the mouth of the Lamoille River. That whole area is full of weeds with hungry bass and pike.

Go out just enough to keep the weeds from driving you nuts but don't go too deep (5' is too deep).

Any large spinner or floating lure will do because the fish there are more hungry than they are smart.

Good luck!

farechofisherman · 06-09-2021, 07:46 PM

We fished Champlain for many years, and often rented boats right from the Apple Island Resort. Not sure if they still do, but they are on the inner lake, which is fun for a day, but a long way from the main part of the lake in a rental. All kinds of good restaurants on South Hero Island (which is where the resort is).

Y2K · 06-10-2021, 07:54 AM

Burlington VT has been mentioned a few times, but not the fact that Burlington is pretty much the craft beer Mecca of the North East. Burlington and the surrounding area is home to many amazing craft brewers, such that my friends and I often make pilgrimages there from Connecticut. Stowe (not terribly far away) also hosts some outstanding breweries (The Alchemist, who's unfiltered IPA Heady Topper is rated 4th best bear in the world and only available in VT) as well as Ben and Jerry's (technically on the way to Stowe) and the Vermont teddy Bear Company near by.

hd333 · 06-10-2021, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y2K

Burlington VT has been mentioned a few times, but not the fact that Burlington is pretty much the craft beer Mecca of the North East. Burlington and the surrounding area is home to many amazing craft brewers, such that my friends and I often make pilgrimages there from Connecticut. Stowe (not terribly far away) also hosts some outstanding breweries (The Alchemist, who's unfiltered IPA Heady Topper is rated 4th best bear in the world and only available in VT) as well as Ben and Jerry's (technically on the way to Stowe) and the Vermont teddy Bear Company near by.

No help on boating Champlain, I’ve only been a passenger on the lake.

But Beer in and around Burlington, a topic near and dear to my heart I have some comments on.

If you are looking to sample some of Vermont’s finest brews head to Foam, they are down by the water in Burlington.

Upper Pass is putting out some great brews as well, Cloud Drop and First Drop to name a few.

Alchemist makes great beers but don’t fall into the Heady Topper trap, it is good but Focal Banger IMHO is better. Both can be had at almost any restaurant for $5 a can or $12 a 4 pack at stores, so no need to go to Stowe to the brewery for it unless you are looking for a nice day trip. When/if in Stowe Doc Ponds is a must stop for lunch. Great food and beer.

For one stop beer shopping head to City Market Co-op in Burlington.

Avoid Vermont Pub and Brewery at all costs. Mediocre beer and food.

Skinny Pancake is a nice take for breakfast, just get there early.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

map · 06-16-2021, 06:42 PM

My favorite lake! I love the Champlain Valley starting in Charlotte up to Canada. The views of the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, Mt. Mansfield and Camels Hump are awesome.

It also is pretty peaceful with lots of sailboats. Also has tons of islands.

St. Albans Bay, Mallots Bay and the Champlain Islands (Grand Isle, South Hero, North Hero, Isle La Motte). Great, but small beach is Alburgh Dunes. A number of them in the state parks in the islands. I’ve used my float in the lake many times in different areas.

And the history….❤️❤️

We don’t own a boat, but when we lived in NY we always took the Essex Ferry into Charlotte on our way to Smugglers Notch for our vacation. Did that for 22 years and never tired of it. 20 minutes each way and the best views of all the ferries on the lake. It was a highlight of our trip into Vermont. I miss it now.

PS Voted Best Brewery in the entire world is Hill Farmstead in Greensboro.

map · 06-16-2021, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Ha Ha, you are not talking to the right person.... I know right where you are staying, and lived in South Hero for 10 years, while working in Essex Junction.

I never tried to rent a boat on Champlain, I had hauled my boat over several times over the years. If your boating experience has been on Winnipesaukee, my suggestion is to look for a tour boat excursion. Champlain can be very temperamental. And you can find yourself a long way from help, or a safe place to tie up, unless your really know where you are.

There are many options from a tour boat perspective, or at least there where right out of Burlington Harbor.... Now with that mouth full out, if you haven't already found enough things to do here are some tid bits for you:

1. Hero's Welcome up in North Hero is a great place, and used to make the best gourmet sandwiches.
2. Keeler bay Variety just up the road, (assuming it is still in business) is a grreat close place to get any food related item you might have forgotten.... and even some camping stuff....

3. If you like to walk along the water, there are great paths in Burlington, and Colchester, and even walking along the Causeway if cars going by at 50 MPH doesn't bother you is ok too....

4. A great option to get out on the lake, and understand the vastness that is Champlain is to actually take a ride on the Ferry from South Hero to Plattsburgh. You can do so realtively inexpensively if you just do it as a round trip walk on... Round trip it ends up being about a 1 hour experience, and offers a great view North and south on the like....

5. Now if you want the full lake Ferry experience, what you do is take your car on the Ferry, get off in New York, and drive down to Fort Kent and take the Ferry over into Burlington.. You will cross Champlain at its widest point.. But this adventure is time consuming and will take all in total about 4-5 hours... the Crossing on the Ferry out of Fort Kent is between 1.5 to 2 hours by itself.

6. No if your ventures are going to take you into the Mountains around Stowe, I suggest looking up the Notch road, that goes between the Stowe and Smugglers Notch... It is an awesome drive and only open in the summer months...

7. If in Stowe make sure you stop by the bakery at the Trapp family lodge... Just be prepared to losen you belt a notch.....

I could go on and on, I loved the area, and have thought about retiring there.... right now though Winnipesaukee and Massachusetts are where I need to hang my cap, and dock my boat.

Feel free to P.M. if you would like more information about the area or attractions you think you might want to visit but aren't totally sure about.

There are no cars on or near the Colchester Causeway. It is actually an old railroad bed that was converted to a bike/ walking path that goes over the water. The causeway is part of the Burlington bike path that juts out into Lake Champlain and connects to South Hero Island via a small bike ferry (free) at the end.

It’s an awesome ride and again- the views!

thinkxingu · 06-16-2021, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by map

There are no cars on or near the Colchester Causeway. It is actually an old railroad bed that was converted to a bike/ walking path that goes over the water. The causeway is part of the Burlington bike path that juts out into Lake Champlain and connects to South Hero Island via a small bike ferry (free) at the end.

It’s an awesome ride and again- the views!

I love this idea, but I can't see hitching up four bikes and gear for it—is there a good walking section? Any other ferry tips?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

map · 06-16-2021, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I love this idea, but I can't see hitching up four bikes and gear for it—is there a good walking section? Any other ferry tips?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

You can certainly walk on it. Also there’s a bike rental place not too far from just where the causeway portion starts, but you would still need a car to get to that parking lot where it starts and bring the bikes.

Alternately, you can rent bikes in Burlington at the start of the bike path and take it all the way to the Causeway. Very flat and doable. BTW- it’s referred to as the Island Line Trail.

https://www.localmotion.org/trailside_center

https://www.localmotion.org/island_line_trail_map

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/verm...utdoor-fun-vt/

thinkxingu · 06-25-2021, 04:07 PM

AWESOME trip to Champlain this week! Started with a long drive up 100 and across Smuggler's Notch road with a stop at Trapper's Bakery before heading over to Colchester for the night.

Day two was breakfast at The Skinny Pancake followed by a walk down Church Street, a visit to the Echo Center, lunch at Koto hibachi, swimming at the second hotel, and passing rainy weather at the Spare Time arcade.

Day three started with a Camel's Hump summit followed by some time poolside, virtual racecar driving, dinner at Jr's Original, and a walk halfway across the Colchester Causeway for the Almost-Strawberry-Supermoon.

Day four took us up and around Champlain to a bunch of stops on the water, Ausable Canyon, His Majesty's Fort, the Fort Point lighthouse, and the Champlain Bridge followed by a Cremee at Little Gordo's and dinner at Charlie Chicken.

Day five started with a fishing outing courtesy of an incredibly generous fellow Winni Forum member (forever grateful for the helpful and kind people here) and a (quicker) drive home via highway.

An awesome week greatly helped by the suggestions above—thanks, all!

A few pics. Name: 20210623_202340.jpeg
Views: 2052
Size: 42.0 KB

Name: 20210623_202340.jpeg
Views: 2052
Size: 42.0 KB

Name: 20210623_172611.jpeg
Views: 2248
Size: 63.9 KB

Name: 20210625_050812.jpeg
Views: 2179
Size: 82.5 KB

Name: 20210623_092517.jpeg
Views: 2215
Size: 75.8 KB

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

map · 06-29-2021, 06:02 PM

Awesome! Glad you had a fabulous time! I miss it!

thinkxingu · 06-29-2021, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by map

Awesome! Glad you had a fabulous time! I miss it!

Thanks, friend! I enjoyed the change of scenery, but I definitely appreciate the intimacy, access to ports, etc. of Winnipesaukee.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Biggd · 06-30-2021, 06:53 AM

That last picture on the mountain top is awesome!

thinkxingu · 06-30-2021, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

That last picture on the mountain top is awesome!

Camel's Hump is an absolutely awesome hike.

That's "L'il Buddy," my not-so-little-anymore just-turned-eleven-year-old. You know that symbolic moment in the driveway basketball game when the child dunks on the father? We're not far off from that moment when the child becomes the better hiker!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-08-2021, 07:27 PM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,266 Thanks: 1,173 Thanked 2,072 Times in 1,286 Posts	Champlain vs. Winni Holla! The fam's heading out to Champlain for four days in a couple weeks, and I'm wondering if we can get a day/night of boating in. Anyone have thoughts on the navigation difficulty? I've boated for 7 years but only ever on Winni. Any ideas on cost? Where to go? I'm also open to any suggestions on things to do in the area—I've never been there before and don't no a thing about what's around. Thanks! Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-08-2021, 10:13 PM	#3
Winilyme Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Ice in = CT / Ice out = Winnipesaukee Posts: 492 Thanks: 134 Thanked 294 Times in 158 Posts	The Lake is BIG. Makes Winni feel small. I've never been out on the lake but our daughter lives in Burlington and we were there visiting her this past weekend. Lot's to do and places to dine in the downtown area. Also, many nearby hiking trails if you need to get off the boat and stretch your legs. Not sure where you'll dock if you choose to visit Burlington by water but there are several (smallish I think) marinas just down the hill from downtown and there always seem to be numerous vessels coming and going. We had fun walking out to North Beach, not far from downtown, and enjoyed the panoramic views of the mountains across the lake in NY. The water looked very clear but we've been there later in the summer when it looks far less appealing (algae blooms and the sort that comes with runoff from city streets and so forth). If swimming is in your plans, check first for local water quality updates. It's sad that my daughter, a recent environmental sciences graduate, would think twice before swimming anywhere in Champlain. She did say that the NY side of the lake is cleaner than the VT side. If you're looking for super clean/clear water, consider Lake George. There are some great historic sites to visit in that area such as Fort Ticonderoga. Good luck and have fun.

06-09-2021, 09:32 AM	#9
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,577 Thanks: 3,220 Thanked 1,103 Times in 794 Posts	Boater Friendly It's possible to moor overnight on Lake Champlain. There are very little rules and regulations. Excellent launch ramps and people are very friendly. Does not get densely populated as Winni, so boneheads are few and far between. Enjoy! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-09-2021, 02:47 PM	#13
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,365 Thanks: 1,351 Thanked 1,624 Times in 1,056 Posts	McDonough? If I recall correctly, The Battle of Lake Champlain was a turning point in the War of 1812. I'd think about renting a boat in Plattsburg to see how it all unfolded, or visit a related museum. The Brits beat Napoleon at Waterloo the same week which freed up British regulars to come to North America. BUT, they never came. McDonough beat the British fleet, the Brit land forces thus couldn't get together and the US got the upper hand in Treaty of Paris negotiations. Clever seamanship from McDonough who double anchored his ships and part way into the battle, he loosed one set of anchors, the ships came into a new line all primed and ready to fire. "Bang! Gotcha!" The British lowered their colors.

06-09-2021, 07:46 PM	#18
farechofisherman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: moultonborough & harrison, ny Posts: 63 Thanks: 131 Thanked 44 Times in 15 Posts	Champlain We fished Champlain for many years, and often rented boats right from the Apple Island Resort. Not sure if they still do, but they are on the inner lake, which is fun for a day, but a long way from the main part of the lake in a rental. All kinds of good restaurants on South Hero Island (which is where the resort is). Last edited by farechofisherman; 06-09-2021 at 07:52 PM. Reason: Spelling

06-08-2021, 09:02 PM	#2
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,365 Thanks: 1,351 Thanked 1,624 Times in 1,056 Posts	Because ships pump their bilges in the St Lawrence Seaway, Lake Champlain has a number of invasives that we hope don't make it to Winnipesaukee. Please be sure to Clean, Drain and Dry. As an historian, I'm sure you know the significance of the Battle of Lake Champlain (9/14/1814) and the closely related in time, loss at Waterloo for Napoleon that added some turmoil to the status of US independence. I hope you'll give us an appropriate report. Have fun.

The Following User Says Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post:
bushwack1 (06-08-2021)

06-08-2021, 10:40 PM	#4
bushwack1 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Laconia Posts: 33 Thanks: 17 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	have your Camera ready & your eyes on the look-out for Champ. But most of all ENJOY

06-09-2021, 05:03 AM	#5
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,009 Thanks: 699 Thanked 2,203 Times in 937 Posts	I drove by Lake Champlain yesterday on the way to Alexandria Bay, NY. I am always surprised that for a body of water so large and open it is often very flat, hardly a ripple. I know it can get rough but often is very calm. I have been out boating on the lake and found it to be a lot less scenic and enticing than Winnipesaukee. Almost too open and not enough to look at. But, that is just the portion I have been on, I may have missed the "good parts". I just looked at an online site and it appears that the water temperature has gone from 55 to 67 in the last 7 days. That is quite an increase. In the 1970's four of us trailered a boat to Burlington, Vermont, launched into Champlain, and traveled up the Richelieu River which connects Champlain to the St. Lawrence Seaway. You have to stop at the border crossing station on the water before you proceed into Canadian waters. I don't know if that trip is even possible with conditions today. We ended up docked in Montreal at a site that was built for the 1967 Worlds Fair. That is a great trip I would be happy to do over again. A lot of great scenery and local culture.

06-09-2021, 07:09 AM	#6
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,097 Thanks: 64 Thanked 745 Times in 479 Posts	Where will you be based?

06-09-2021, 08:25 AM	#7
Jdarby Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Long Island Posts: 170 Thanks: 137 Thanked 106 Times in 52 Posts	Fort Ticonderoga is truly a historic gem! You might also want to check out the Shelburne Museum on the shores of the lake. Amazing collection of historic buildings and other displays. Be watchful for Champ….our very own version of the Loch Ness monster! As another has said, nearby Lake George might be a more attractive boating experience. I have boated Lake George but never Champlain. I’ve flown over Champlain quite a bit and it’s just a big lake, not much of interest in terms of hidden coves and islands. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

The Following User Says Thank You to Jdarby For This Useful Post:
thinkxingu (06-09-2021)

06-09-2021, 09:12 AM	#8
cowisl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cow Island Posts: 168 Thanks: 6 Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts	It's a blast. The ramp in Burlington and colchester are both easy to use

06-09-2021, 10:47 AM	#10
Mike_VT Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	hello, I boat on boat these lakes extensively and they are so very different. Winni is much busier with more towns to visit, which one of the reasons that I like boating on the lake and the water quality is excellent. Going from Meredith to Wolfeboro no big deal and not a "haul". Champlain very large and it takes time to go place to place, and because the lake is shale bottom and for other reasons the water quality in certain areas is not as nice as Winni. Not sure where your home base is going to be but the coast guard ramp right downtown is very good and mallets bay ramp is very good to, but can be super busy and downright crazy at times. Champlain is more wide open with less rock hazards and essentially no markers. Get a map though. Much more relaxing of a cruise as pointed out way less "boneheads". You can find yourself even on a busy weekend being the only boat in sight. If you put in in Burlington I'd check out willsboro bay in NY directly across from Burlington...Indian bay marina good spot for lunch. Further down the lake Bouquet Bay (NY side)at the mouth of the Bouquet river is a good sandbar. Note the red buoy about 200 yards off shore, if heading south make sure to go around that lake goes from 200+ft to 15' in a matter of 50 yards or so. All sand but when heading into shore keep that buoy well to the stern starboard side . The sandbar goes way out and very shallow. Finally watch the weather waves can easily kick up and it has the potential to makes the broads look like lake waukewan. Happy to talk offline as well. Mike

The Following User Says Thank You to Mike_VT For This Useful Post:
LIforrelaxin (06-09-2021)

06-09-2021, 12:39 PM	#11
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,266 Thanks: 1,173 Thanked 2,072 Times in 1,286 Posts	I think we'll be staying at Apple Island Resort, which is just over the Route 2 bridge in South Hero. I'm not planning on bringing a boat or ski, so I'd have to rent. That's becoming less-inviting as I start adding up the other things we want/can do. Any other sites to see while out there? Anyone have an inexpensive/simple rental option? Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

The Following User Says Thank You to Seaplane Pilot For This Useful Post:
thinkxingu (06-09-2021)

06-09-2021, 04:34 PM	#14
Epic Seaplane Adventures Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 82 Thanks: 17 Thanked 70 Times in 57 Posts	If you go make sure you get a tour! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...h_Vermont.html Epic Seaplane Adventures

The Following User Says Thank You to Epic Seaplane Adventures For This Useful Post:
subaruliving (06-09-2021)

The Following User Says Thank You to LIforrelaxin For This Useful Post:
thinkxingu (06-16-2021)

The Following User Says Thank You to LIforrelaxin For This Useful Post:
Epic Seaplane Adventures (06-10-2021)

06-09-2021, 07:34 PM	#17
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,097 Thanks: 64 Thanked 745 Times in 479 Posts	The Shelburne Museum was interesting but you might want to bring some fishing gear and the small boat or canoe. On the south side of Rte. 2 just before it goes over to the islands you will find Sand Bar WMA. Launch there and head SSE toward the mouth of the Lamoille River. That whole area is full of weeds with hungry bass and pike. Go out just enough to keep the weeds from driving you nuts but don't go too deep (5' is too deep). Any large spinner or floating lure will do because the fish there are more hungry than they are smart. Good luck!

The Following User Says Thank You to 8gv For This Useful Post:
DotRat (06-09-2021)

06-10-2021, 07:54 AM	#19
Y2K Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Northwest Connecticut Posts: 37 Thanks: 99 Thanked 31 Times in 14 Posts	Burlington VT has been mentioned a few times, but not the fact that Burlington is pretty much the craft beer Mecca of the North East. Burlington and the surrounding area is home to many amazing craft brewers, such that my friends and I often make pilgrimages there from Connecticut. Stowe (not terribly far away) also hosts some outstanding breweries (The Alchemist, who's unfiltered IPA Heady Topper is rated 4th best bear in the world and only available in VT) as well as Ben and Jerry's (technically on the way to Stowe) and the Vermont teddy Bear Company near by.

The Following User Says Thank You to Y2K For This Useful Post:
thinkxingu (06-16-2021)

06-16-2021, 06:42 PM	#21
map Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: The Weirs Posts: 221 Thanks: 170 Thanked 66 Times in 49 Posts	My favorite lake! I love the Champlain Valley starting in Charlotte up to Canada. The views of the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, Mt. Mansfield and Camels Hump are awesome. It also is pretty peaceful with lots of sailboats. Also has tons of islands. St. Albans Bay, Mallots Bay and the Champlain Islands (Grand Isle, South Hero, North Hero, Isle La Motte). Great, but small beach is Alburgh Dunes. A number of them in the state parks in the islands. I’ve used my float in the lake many times in different areas. And the history….❤️❤️ We don’t own a boat, but when we lived in NY we always took the Essex Ferry into Charlotte on our way to Smugglers Notch for our vacation. Did that for 22 years and never tired of it. 20 minutes each way and the best views of all the ferries on the lake. It was a highlight of our trip into Vermont. I miss it now. PS Voted Best Brewery in the entire world is Hill Farmstead in Greensboro.

The Following User Says Thank You to map For This Useful Post:
joey2665 (06-16-2021)

The Following User Says Thank You to map For This Useful Post:
thinkxingu (06-17-2021)

06-25-2021, 04:07 PM	#25
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,266 Thanks: 1,173 Thanked 2,072 Times in 1,286 Posts	AWESOME trip to Champlain this week! Started with a long drive up 100 and across Smuggler's Notch road with a stop at Trapper's Bakery before heading over to Colchester for the night. Day two was breakfast at The Skinny Pancake followed by a walk down Church Street, a visit to the Echo Center, lunch at Koto hibachi, swimming at the second hotel, and passing rainy weather at the Spare Time arcade. Day three started with a Camel's Hump summit followed by some time poolside, virtual racecar driving, dinner at Jr's Original, and a walk halfway across the Colchester Causeway for the Almost-Strawberry-Supermoon. Day four took us up and around Champlain to a bunch of stops on the water, Ausable Canyon, His Majesty's Fort, the Fort Point lighthouse, and the Champlain Bridge followed by a Cremee at Little Gordo's and dinner at Charlie Chicken. Day five started with a fishing outing courtesy of an incredibly generous fellow Winni Forum member (forever grateful for the helpful and kind people here) and a (quicker) drive home via highway. An awesome week greatly helped by the suggestions above—thanks, all! A few pics. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to thinkxingu For This Useful Post:
Biggd (06-29-2021), Descant (06-25-2021), FlyingScot (06-25-2021), garysanfran (06-26-2021), MeredithMan (06-26-2021), trfour (06-25-2021)

06-29-2021, 06:02 PM	#26
map Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: The Weirs Posts: 221 Thanks: 170 Thanked 66 Times in 49 Posts	Awesome! Glad you had a fabulous time! I miss it!

06-30-2021, 06:53 AM	#28
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,132 Thanks: 2,231 Thanked 1,193 Times in 759 Posts	That last picture on the mountain top is awesome!