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-kilometre) 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 kilometres) 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-kilometre) 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 ฿1,943 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
฿1,943
฿2,157 total
30 Oct - 31 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! (1,120 reviews)
"Not a fancy or modern place but I slept well on a comfortable bed. I would have been grateful for fruit or yogurt or some healthier breakfast options but the coffee was good. The front desk staff and the housekeeper were both lovely."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY
Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina

Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina

3 out of 5
31 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is ฿2,992 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
฿2,992
฿3,455 total
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alexandria Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina
Capt.'s Inn & Suites

Capt.'s Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
116 Church Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is ฿1,852 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
฿1,852
฿2,056 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Easy check in/out. Pleasant clerk."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2026

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.
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"Bequeathed view from the cottage and the price was very reasonable."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Angel Rock Waterfront Cottages and Vacation Homes
Thousand Islands Country Club

Thousand Islands Country Club

3 out of 5
46433 County Rd 100 Wellesley Island NY
Stay at this golf villa in Wellesley Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Popular attractions Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands National ...
Thousand Islands Country Club
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.

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