St. Lawrence Seaway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with two cargo ships and a bridge in the background.
A river with two cargo ships and a bridge in the background.
A river winding through a densely forested area with a sunset in the background.
A turbulent river flowing over rocks in a forested area.
A house with a lighthouse on a lakeside.

Adventurous watersports involving shipwrecks and fast-flowing rivers make this a great holiday destination with skiing peaks, thousands of islands and forests nearby.

Explore the spectacular scenery of rivers, lakes and mountains around the St. Lawrence Seaway on the Canadian border near Ottawa. Hike through forests, cruise along waterways and dive in to see spooky shipwrecks.

The St. Lawrence Seaway is a 2,342-mile (3,768-kilometer) channel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes of North America. The seaway opened in 1959 and is an important shipping route for several industries. It is also a popular recreation destination.

The St. Lawrence Seaway offers many water-based activities. Relax on a cruise and canoe on picturesque ponds, lakes and rivers. If you want something faster, try whitewater rafting on the Hudson River Gorge. Skilled divers can book a tour to explore the numerous fascinating shipwrecks in the seaway.

Tour the Thousand Islands region and stop at Wellesley Island where you’ll find several state parks. Go to Heart Island to see Boldt Castle.

Enjoy year-round outdoor fun at the Adirondacks region, a vast wilderness in northern New York. Hike through forests to the summit of Mount Macy, the tallest peak in New York State. The Adirondacks region features more than 2,000 miles (3, 219 kilometers) of hiking trails and some are wheelchair accessible. Ski through snow blanketed forests during the winter or swoop down the slopes of one of the ski resorts.

Also in the Adirondacks region, you can embark on a road trip along scenic highways and stop at villages and fun attractions. The Olympic Trail is a popular 170-mile (273.6-kilometer) route from the Great Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain. Drive south to the village of Lake Placid for wintersports.

Make your way over to Watertown on the Black River where you can visit the animals of New York State Zoo inside Thompson Park. Quench your thirst at Burrville Cider Mill, and if you are on this route during February, venture into the ice palace on the shore of Lake Flower.

Whether the sun shines or it rains or snows, a tour of the St. Lawrence Seaway and surroundings promises outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY

2.5 out of 5
21000 NY State Rt 3 Watertown NY
The price is AU$142 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$142
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Watertown. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY
Riveredge Resort

Riveredge Resort

3.5 out of 5
17 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is AU$324 per night from 22 July to 23 July
AU$324
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Alexandria Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
Riveredge Resort
Capt.'s Inn & Suites

Capt.'s Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
116 Church Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is AU$202 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$202
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Alexandria Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Capt.'s Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming Historic House 4 Blocks from Riverfront in Village of Clayton

Charming Historic House 4 Blocks from Riverfront in Village of Clayton

Clayton NY
Stay at this holiday home in Clayton. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Antique Boat Museum and Thousand Islands Museum are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great host, close to everything in Clayton"

Reviewed on 1 July 2026

Charming Historic House 4 Blocks from Riverfront in Village of Clayton
Private 4-Acre Retreat • Sleeps 13 • Fire Pit • Playground, 5 min to State Park

Private 4-Acre Retreat • Sleeps 13 • Fire Pit • Playground, 5 min to State Park

Wellesley Island NY
Stay at this cabin in Wellesley Island. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Thousand Islands Bridge and Boldt Castle ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Quiet, clean and great location. Super family friendly."

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

Private 4-Acre Retreat • Sleeps 13 • Fire Pit • Playground, 5 min to State Park
Lakefront Charming 3-bedroom cottage on beautiful Cranberry Lake

Lakefront Charming 3-bedroom cottage on beautiful Cranberry Lake

Cranberry Lake NY
Stay at this cottage in Cranberry Lake. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Silver Lake and Cranberry Lake are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
"This is a cozy property on a beautiful lake. My family and I loved that there were kayaks, a canoe and a rowboat to use. The pet friendly aspect was a huge draw for us as we like to travel with our dogs when we can."

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

Lakefront Charming 3-bedroom cottage on beautiful Cranberry Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular St. Lawrence Seaway attractions

Cities near St. Lawrence Seaway