Lake Champlain is Burlington’s crown jewel—and it keeps revealing new ways to explore its beauty. From eco-cruises and bike ferries to waterfront dining and an all-new aquarium exhibit at ECHO, here are ten new and noteworthy ways to make the most of Burlington’s iconic lakefront.
1. Sunset Cruises with Spirit of Ethan Allen
Step aboard the updated Spirit of Ethan Allen evening cruises—complete with local brews and regional snacks—while enjoying sweeping views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. Live music nights add to the laid-back lake vibe.
2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Hidden Bays
Lake Champlain’s calm coves are perfect for paddleboarding. Explore inlets near Oakledge Park and Red Rocks Park, with new paddle-in picnic zones offering a quiet escape from the main beach.
3. Experience the All-New ‘Into the Lake’ Aquarium at ECHO
The ECHO Leahy Center has unveiled its new “Into the Lake” gallery featuring a 15,000-gallon tank and native lake species like Lake Sturgeon and Bowfin. This exhibit reimagines lake ecology through immersive displays and tactile learning.
Read the full post:
Make a Splash This Summer: ECHO’s New 15,000-Gallon Aquarium Opens in Burlington, VT
4. Island Line Trail – Bike & Ferry Combo
Ride the Island Line Trail, a scenic 13-mile path with a seasonal bike ferry over the causeway. This seamless route takes you over water, and through marshes, and offers uninterrupted lake views. Bike rentals available at Local Motion conveniently located on the Burlington Bike Path which is part of the Island Line Trail.
5. Set Sail with the Community Sailing Center
The Community Sailing Center makes lake access easier than ever. Try a group sail, rent a kayak, or enroll in family-friendly camps and lessons—all on the Burlington waterfront.
6. Secret Wildlife & Birdwatching Spots
Birding is booming on the lake. With over 300 species including Osprey and Caspian Terns, new eco-tours and hidden observation points near Lone Rock Point offer rich opportunities to connect with nature.
7. Historic Water-Legends Dive Tours
Join a small-group snorkel or scuba dive over historic wrecks like the Burlington Bay Horse Ferry. These underwater excursions combine heritage tourism with lake exploration.
8. Sunset Events at Waterfront Park
Grab a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views over the lake during pop-up music nights and seasonal beer tastings at Waterfront Park.
9. Farm-to-Lake Dining Experiences
Local waterfront restaurants like Foam Brewers are partnering with nearby farms for fresh, lakefront dining experiences. Enjoy craft beer flights and Vermont-grown produce. For the brunch crowd check out Deep City and Skinny Pancake. For waterside dining enjoy Splash at the Boathouse and Spot on the Dock.
10. Discover Burlington Bay from the Water on a Scenic Boat Rental
Want to chart your own course? Several outfitters, including Vermont Boat Rental, offer hourly and full-day boat rentals from Burlington Bay—perfect for family outings, island hopping, or capturing lake photos from a new angle.
Enjoy Lake Champlain during a Visit to Burlington, Vermont
Ready to explore Burlington’s most exciting new ways to enjoy Lake Champlain? Use our updated guide to plan your next lakeside adventure, and discover what’s fresh along the waterfront this season.
