A Cottager's Perfect Escape at Lake Champlain

The end of summer calls for a special kind of getaway—a cottage retreat by the water. A sleepy environment where you’re free to laze around, soak up the breeze or swing the day away on a hammock…

Of course, you need a place where you can kick it up a notch, too! Lake Champlain’s got just the thing. This beloved gem of the Northeast may be home to some seriously comfy lakefront digs… but on the water, life is anything but sleepy. Read on as we explore this beloved spot, one that’s aptly been nicknamed the “Sixth Great Lake.”

On-the-water action

Quality sleep—especially in a cozy lakefront locale—is important to any cottage vacation. But we’re betting you really came for the action on the water, the pursuit of glassy water and gorgeous wakes in an environment built for boarding and surfing fun. So we’ll start there.

From above, Lake Champlain looks pretty long. It straddles the border of New York and Vermont, and even reaches into Canada—Quebec, specifically, the home of the lake’s namesake, Samuel de Champlain. At its center, you will find the lake’s widest point at 14 miles across—so even though Champlain may be narrow, it’s got more than enough room for water sports lovers to come out and do their thing.

Also at the middle of the lake is the gorgeously green Grand Isle, one of several Champlain islands that serve as natural windbreaks for boaters—those who want smooth, glassy water and the chance to craft their ultimate wake. Here, you can enjoy uninterrupted runs on your board or go around and around in leisurely tube rides—whatever your preferred sport, you will be treated to beautiful mountain views (of the Green Mountains to your east, and the Adirondacks to the west) on your ride. 

For rest and refueling…

Now time for the easy stuff—catching some zzz’s or simply indulging in the easygoing spirit of life by the lake.

On the Vermont side, the gorgeous city of Charlotte offers lakefront cottages as well as beautiful, colonial-style homes and bed-and-breakfasts worth exploring—perfect for those who never want to venture far from the water. And why would you?

Vergennes is another top option. Though it’s a bit inland from the lake, it offers picturesque views of Otter Creek and its famous waterfall, making it a worthy complement to your cottage escape.

Of course, we can’t forget about Burlington—the supremely walkable city with a small-town feel. Delight in vistas of brick buildings, a charming downtown filled with shops and dining to enjoy and walking paths all around.

Get to know Champy culture

Don’t forget to pick up a Champy t-shirt while you’re in town… or perhaps search for the legendary lake monster yourself! The whole family will enjoy the legend of this 20-foot serpent, who many say was first spotted by Samuel de Champlain himself.

A community anchor

Another top spot to visit during your Champlain adventure? Malletts Bay, the oft-photographed spot and a feature of regional postcards thanks to its natural beauty and popularity among boaters. Come by and you’ll see why! Dotted with lush islands, this Vermont-side escape has long been a treat for sailors and leisure boaters looking to soak up some of the region’s most quintessential scenery. Perhaps that’s why Saba Marine chose to make the bay its home!

Saba, your regional Vortex connection, is a top spot to visit on your journey—to see new boats on the floor or simply learn more about the area and all the boating fun it provides.

Does Lake Champlain live up to the hype of being the “Sixth Great Lake?” We certainly think so! Decide for yourself as you enjoy an end-of-summer escape here, just in the nick of time before the lake’s leaves start turning their classic autumnal colors (though you might want to stick around for that, too).