Champlain Valley Travel Guide

Explore Champlain Valley with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Champlain Valley

Champlain Valley is a picturesque region in Northwest Vermont, bordered by the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. The region is named after French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who discovered the lake that bears his name in the early 17th century. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs.

List of Places to Visit in Champlain Valley

Here are some must-visit places in Champlain Valley:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shelburne Museum - A sprawling museum with over 150,000 works of art and artifacts, including Impressionist paintings, folk art, quilts, and toys.
  • Ethan Allen Homestead - The former home of American Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen, now a museum showcasing the life and times of the Green Mountain Boys.
  • Lake Champlain Maritime Museum - A museum dedicated to the maritime history of Lake Champlain, featuring exhibits on shipwrecks, boat-building, and naval battles.
  • Bennington Battle Monument - A 306-foot-tall monument commemorating the Battle of Bennington, a decisive American Revolutionary War battle.

Natural Attractions of Champlain Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Champlain - A 120-mile-long natural wonder that straddles the US-Canada border, offering scenic views, water sports, fishing, and camping opportunities.
  • Mount Philo State Park - A popular hiking destination with panoramic views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain.
  • Camel’s Hump State Park - A rugged wilderness area with challenging hiking trails and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Green Mountain National Forest - A vast forested area with hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling trails, as well as camping, fishing, and hunting spots.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Champlain Valley

Champlain Valley is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with plenty of trails to explore. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Island Line Trail - A scenic 14-mile-long trail that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, with stunning lake views, parks, and historic sites along the way.
  • Burlington Bike Path - An 8-mile-long path that runs along the shoreline of Lake Champlain, with access to beaches, parks, and waterfront restaurants.
  • Mount Mansfield Loop - A challenging 7.8-mile loop that takes hikers to the summit of Vermont’s tallest peak, with panoramic views of the Champlain Valley and the Green Mountains.
  • Long Trail - A 272-mile-long trail that runs the length of Vermont, including through Champlain Valley, with stunning vistas and challenging terrain.

Best Things to Do in Champlain Valley: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top things to do in Champlain Valley:

  • Take a scenic drive along Route 100 - A 138-mile-long route that offers stunning views of the Green Mountains and Vermont’s quaint small towns.
  • Go apple picking at an orchard - Champlain Valley is known for its delicious apples, and there are several orchards in the region where visitors can pick their own.
  • Enjoy a hot air balloon ride - Take to the skies and soak in the stunning views of Champlain Valley from a hot air balloon.
  • Take a brewery tour - Vermont is famous for its craft beer scene, and there are several breweries in Champlain Valley that offer tours and tastings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Champlain Valley

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for exploring Champlain Valley:

Day 1: Explore downtown Burlington, including the Church Street Marketplace, the Waterfront Park, and the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.

Day 2: Take a scenic drive along Route 100, stopping at the quaint small towns along the way, and visiting the historic Vermont Country Store.

Day 3: Visit Shelburne Museum and Ethan Allen Homestead, two of the region’s most important cultural attractions.

Day 4: Hike Mount Philo, which offers stunning views of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondacks.

Day 5: Explore Lake Champlain, taking a boat tour and trying your hand at fishing or kayaking.

Day 6: Visit Green Mountain National Forest, enjoying hiking and picnic along the way.

Day 7: Take a day trip to Stowe, another charming Vermont town, and hike to the scenic summit of Mount Mansfield.

Food and Drink Scene of Champlain Valley

Champlain Valley is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and artisanal cheese. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maple-glazed pork chops
  • Farm-fresh salads
  • Apple cider donuts
  • Vermont cheddar cheese

Local Beverages

  • Vermont craft beer, such as Heady Topper or Focal Banger
  • Cabot Creamery’s Vermont cheddar cheese
  • Vermont maple syrup

Where to Stay in Champlain Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Champlain Valley offers a wide range of accommodations to suit any budget. Here are some options:

  • Burlington hostel - Hostels offer budget-friendly accommodations, with shared rooms and communal spaces.
  • Lake Champlain waterfront hotels - For a high-end stay with spectacular views, consider a hotel or resort on the shores of Lake Champlain.
  • Bed-and-breakfasts - For a cozy and homey experience, try one of the many charming bed-and-breakfast inns in Champlain Valley.
  • Campgrounds - There are plenty of campsites in Champlain Valley for visitors who prefer to rough it in the great outdoors.

What to Buy in Champlain Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Champlain Valley is renowned for its artisanal products, including maple syrup, cheese, and craft beer. Here are some souvenirs to bring back home:

  • Vermont maple syrup
  • Vermont cheddar cheese
  • Vermont craft beer
  • Handmade crafts by local artisans

Local Culture and Customs of Champlain Valley

Champlain Valley is a region steeped in history and culture. Here are some local customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  • Vermonters are known for their love of the outdoors, so be sure to bring your hiking boots and be ready to explore.
  • Vermont is also known for its commitment to sustainability and the environment, so bring a reusable water bottle and recycle whenever possible.
  • The fall foliage season is a major attraction in Vermont, so plan your trip accordingly to see the stunning foliage in all its glory.

Best Time to Visit Champlain Valley

Champlain Valley is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. The fall foliage season (late September to late October) is the most popular time of year, but summer (June to August) is also a great time to visit, as the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities and festivals. Winter (December to February) is a great time for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Champlain Valley

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Champlain Valley:

Do:

  • Explore the great outdoors, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.
  • Try the local cuisine, including maple syrup, cheese, and craft beer.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles and recycling whenever possible.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural resources.
  • Ignore safety guidelines when hiking, biking, or participating in other outdoor activities.
  • Overlook the importance of sustainability and the environment.

Safety and Health

Here are some safety and health tips for your visit to Champlain Valley:

Safety in Champlain Valley

  • Always carry a map and compass, as well as basic first aid supplies, when exploring the outdoors in Champlain Valley.
  • Follow all safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities, including wearing appropriate clothing and gear (such as a helmet when biking).
  • Be aware of the risk of tick-borne illnesses and take appropriate measures to prevent bites.

Health in Champlain Valley

  • Champlain Valley is home to several high-quality hospitals and clinics, where visitors can seek medical care if needed.
  • The region’s clean air and water make it a healthy destination, but visitors should be aware of the risk of tick-borne illnesses and take appropriate precautions.

Getting to Champlain Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some ways to get to Champlain Valley:

Airports Near Champlain Valley

  • Burlington International Airport - The region’s main airport, with direct flights to major hubs like New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

Bus Stations Near Champlain Valley

  • Burlington Transit Center - Served by several bus lines, including Greyhound and Megabus.

Other Options

  • Amtrak - The Ethan Allen Express train service connects New York City to Burlington, with stunning views of the Hudson River and the Adirondacks along the way.

How to Get Around in Champlain Valley

Champlain Valley is primarily a rural region, but there are several transportation options for getting around:

  • Car rental - Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Champlain Valley, as it allows visitors to venture off the beaten path and see more of the region’s scenic countryside.
  • Biking - For a more eco-friendly option, visitors can rent bikes or bring their own and explore the region’s many bike paths and scenic routes.
  • Public transportation - The region is served by several bus lines, as well as Amtrak train service, making it easy to get around without a car.

Where to Go Next from Champlain Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that make great side trips from Champlain Valley:

  • Stowe - A charming Vermont town with excellent skiing, hiking, and shopping opportunities, as well as a picturesque downtown area.
  • Montreal - The vibrant cosmopolitan city of Montreal is just a short drive north of Champlain Valley, offering world-class museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • Lake Placid - A picturesque Adirondack town with excellent skiing and winter sports opportunities, as well as charming shops and restaurants.

Conclusion

Champlain Valley is a region that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions to farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to get away from it all, Champlain Valley is the perfect destination. Explore it today!



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