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Erie | Champlain | Cayuga-Seneca | Oswego

The Champlain Canal – Boating Through History

Photo of WaterfordWhether your journey begins at the southern tip of Lake Champlain in Whitehall or the upper end of the Hudson River in Troy, the Champlain Canal has much to offer both the landside and boating visitor. Renown for its rich military history, the Champlain Canal runs alongside many former military outposts dating back to the French and Indian, and Revolutionary Wars. Towns such as Fort Ann, Fort Edward and Fort Miller draw their names from former army posts in that region.

If traveling by boat, your journey could begin in Waterford (coming up the Hudson River). Stop off at the newly renovated full-service harbor and enjoy the warm hospitality of this vibrant Canal town. As you head out by the dawn’s first light up the Champlain, know that the journey to Whitehall can be completed at a leisurely pace within 2-3 days. Stop at Lock C-2 in Mechanicville and view the one of three original working generators dating back to the original 1918 Barge Canal. This area is quite attractive in the autumn and is reminiscent of New England with its rugged scenery along each side of the Canal and glowing foliage.

As you cruise northward, cannons can be viewed from the waters between the villages of Stillwater and Schuylerville, situated on the grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park. This park also consists of the Schuyler House, the former summer home of General Phillip Schuyler and the Saratoga Battle Monument, a 155’ granite obelisk modeled after the Washington Monument in Washington DC. Completed in 1883, the obelisk memorializes the heroes from the Battle of Saratoga. Approximately 60 miles from this national site is Saratoga Springs, home to the famous mineral water and baths and popular summer racetrack. If a day or specialty cruise is what you are looking for, stop at Lock C-5 in Schuylerville and take a tour on the MV Sadie, a 60-passenger vessel specializing in daily cruises (518-695-5496).

In Ft. Edward, a new service port has been added, providing boaters with electricity for overnight stays and a convenient walk into town. This town hosted George Washington twice during his summer visits in 1783.

As your journey comes to a close, you will near the mouth of Lake Champlain and enter the town of Whitehall. This quaint upstate town, originally named Skenesborough, is considered the birthplace of the U.S. Navy since the first fleet of ships is said to have been built here in 1776 during the American Revolution. This history is recounted at the nearby Skenesborough Museum. Whitehall is also home to one of the newly completed harbors, constructed in part by the Canal Corporation in cooperation with state and local officials. This new harbor is complete with a visitor’s center, picnic area, amphitheater, pedestrian walkways and electrical hook-ups for boaters. Shops and amenities are but a short walk away in the center of town.

The Champlain Canal allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty and re-live some of America’s great historic past. Though only 60 miles in length, the towns and villages along this Canal are rich in heritage, architectural ingenuity and friendly residents always willing to offer directions or share a local story.

For more specific information on sites and amenities along the Champlain Canal, please call the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-526-8970 and ask for their "Lakes to Locks - Champlain Canal" brochure.

CHAMPLAIN CANAL BOATING OPTIONS

Self-skippered boat companies

  • Erie Canal Cruise Lines – 1-800-962-1771
  • Blue Heron Boating Adventures– 1-800-320-1224
  • Erie-Champlain Canal Boat Company, Inc. – 518-432-6094

Tour boats

  • Champlain Canal Boat Tours – 518-695-5496 - Sadie (day and specialty cruises)
  • Carillon Cruises – 802-897-5331 – M/V Carillon (day and specialty cruises)

Charter boats w/captain & crew

  • Classic Cruiser Charter – 518-424-3939 – Kay-Dee-Gee
  • Premier Charters – 1-800-1309 - Grace
  • Force Seven Charters – 7166-349-7399 – Meta

Overnight Cruises w/ Accommodations

  • American Canadian Caribbean Line, Inc. – 1-800-556-7450 – Caribbean Prince, Mayan Prince, Niagara Prince (overnight cruises)
  • Mid-Lakes Navigation Co. Ltd. – 1-800-545-4318 – Emita II – (overnight cruises)