Lake Champlain is not a huge lake, but taking the Lake Champlain Ferry between the shorelines of two states provides an enjoyable method of travel while reducing drive time and gas consumption. Drive your car onto the ferry that runs between Burlington, Vermont and Port Kent, New York. Enjoy the attractive shoreline views of both states, with the Green and Adirondack mountains as scenic backdrops.
Cross the lake close to its central point. The voyage takes 1 hour to travel the 10-mile (16-kilometer) distance, with multiple daily runs during daylight hours. In the off-season period, ferry service on this route is terminated. Operations resume from mid-June to late September. Arrive early at the dock because vehicles are loaded on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are not taken.
Explore the Vermont ferry terminus city by taking the 90-minute Historical Trolley Tour of Burlington. Tour the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, named after the 18th-century American military leader and philosopher and one of Vermont’s founders. Bring a picnic lunch and relax or walk along the lake in Waterfront Park. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in this area. Walk farther into town to find a unique artistic creation of the world’s tallest filing cabinet. Stop for shopping and dining in the Church Street Marketplace, a wide outdoor pedestrianized mall in downtown Burlington.
On the New York State side of the lake, visit Ausable Chasm, termed the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) from Port Kent. Raft or tube down the rapids of this geological wonder, go rock climbing or rappelling, pan for gemstones and fossils or walk over the chasm on a cable bridge at this year-round attraction.
Enjoy this picturesque region of both states by visiting them using the Lake Champlain Ferry between Burlington and Port Kent. When this ferry has finished its season, Lake Champlain Transportation Company has another ferry to the north and one to the south that operate year-round.
