St. Lawrence Seaway

Travel 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.

Riveredge Resort

Riveredge Resort

3.5 out of 5
17 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is RM835 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
RM835
RM926 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Room was nice, updates are certainly lacking however place was clean and functional, nice views as well. Enjoyed the tiki bar, staff was very pleasant"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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 RM347 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
RM347
RM385 total
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (1,094 reviews)
"Staff is very helpful and courteous. Room was clean and satisfactory for one evening. Some furniture in the room is in need of replacement (worn down upholstery) and bathroom could use repainting. Mattress was terrible. One set of elevators was broken and only the ice machine on one floor was working. ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY
Capt.'s Inn & Suites

Capt.'s Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
116 Church Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is RM520 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
RM520
RM577 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice and close to Alexandria Bay shopping center and Uncle Sam’s boat tours. The pool was very nice too"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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 ...
Angel Rock Waterfront Cottages and Vacation Homes
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