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.

Riveredge Resort

Riveredge Resort

3.5 out of 5
17 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is AU$183 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
AU$183
1 Oct - 2 Oct
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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,007 reviews)
"The bed I was told had a new mattress but I could feel the springs through the mattress as soon as I sat down on the bed. The coffee maker didn't work. Two of the outlets didn't work to charge my phone. I was told the manager would call me but nobody did, We stayed the first night didn't sleep at ..."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

Riveredge Resort
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$109 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
AU$109
4 Oct - 5 Oct
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (1,106 reviews)
"We stopped for the night for a quick stay and it was perfect for that but the property is dated. The elevator is old a rickety and the carpets are stained."

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY
Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands

Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands

2.5 out of 5
110 Commerce Park Drive Watertown NY
The price is AU$155 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
AU$155
4 Oct - 5 Oct
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,051 reviews)
"Did not stay due to pet fees were more than room"

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands
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.
Super Clean, Pet Friendly Cottage! 3 Bedroom! NO EXTRA FEES!!

Super Clean, Pet Friendly Cottage! 3 Bedroom! NO EXTRA FEES!!

Alexandria Bay NY
Stay at this holiday home in Alexandria Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Boldt Castle and Lil' River Fudge Co / 5&10 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"My family enjoyed their 2nd time staying at this property so I’ve booked ahead for next year as this property is in high demand. Very well equipped with all you could askfor in a rental."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2026

Super Clean, Pet Friendly Cottage! 3 Bedroom! NO EXTRA FEES!!
Angel Rock Waterfront Cottages and Vacation Homes

Angel Rock Waterfront Cottages and Vacation Homes

3 out of 5
34311 NYS Rte 12E Cape Vincent NY
Stay at this cottage in Cape Vincent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Burnham Point State Park and Cedar Point State ...
Angel Rock Waterfront Cottages and Vacation Homes
Waterfront 5 Bedroom Grindstone Island Farmhouse

Waterfront 5 Bedroom Grindstone Island Farmhouse

Clayton NY
Stay at this holiday home in Clayton. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions 1000 Islands River Rat Cheese and The Clayton Opera ...
10/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"I do not think the pictures in the listing capture how nice this farmhouse is. My family had an amazing week exploring the island, swimming at the dock, and enjoying the area. We rented a boat to get access to the island. Boating in this area might not be great for an inexperienced boater like we ..."

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2026

Waterfront 5 Bedroom Grindstone Island Farmhouse
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