St. Lawrence Seaway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Commercial Ships, St. Lawrence Seaway, Massena, New York
St. Lawrence Seaway, St. Lawrence River near Massena, New York
St. Lawrence River, near Massena, New York
St. Lawrence Seaway
St. Lawrence Seaway

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.

15%+ off winter escapes close to home

Book a getaway and you can save on select hotels and homes.¹

Where to stay in St. Lawrence Seaway

Default Image

Alexandria Bay Downtown

While visiting Alexandria Bay Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Saint Lawrence River and Lil' River Fudge Co / 5&10 Variety Store.

Alexandria Bay Downtown
Default Image

West Carthage

Visitors to West Carthage like its restaurants and churches, and Black River is a sight worth a stop.

West Carthage
Riveredge Resort

Riveredge Resort

3.5 out of 5
17 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is NZ$314 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$314
20 May - 21 May
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! (1,006 reviews)
"A beautiful place to visit."

Reviewed on 16 May 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 NZ$128 per night from 31 May to 1 June
NZ$128
31 May - 1 June
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! (1,025 reviews)
"Was a good stay. Thank you."

Reviewed on 18 May 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 NZ$217 per night from 14 June to 15 June
NZ$217
14 June - 15 June
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,037 reviews)
"Everything was good"

Reviewed on 17 May 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.
Relax & Recharge!Swim/fish/swim/boat in Autumn Lk, SalmonRiverMinsAway-Cottage3

Relax & Recharge!Swim/fish/swim/boat in Autumn Lk, SalmonRiverMinsAway-Cottage3

Altmar NY
Stay at this cottage in Altmar. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Salmon River Falls and Salmon River Fish Hatchery are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
"What a great stay we had! The perfect cottage for a couple getaway, The Cottage was clean, cozy with all the amenities you need!"

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Relax & Recharge!Swim/fish/swim/boat in Autumn Lk, SalmonRiverMinsAway-Cottage3
Chardonnay Home, reflects great quality & value

Chardonnay Home, reflects great quality & value

Alexandria Bay NY
Stay at this holiday home in Alexandria Bay. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands National ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"I guess the housekeeper was on vacation. My wife and I had to clean the counters, table, bathrooms and other areas to gain comfort. This is my 2nd stay here and the 1st was phenomenal! May i suggest upgrading the cooking utensils as well the pots and pans. Other than that we made the most of it."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

Chardonnay Home, reflects great quality & value
Charming 4-bedroom, riverfront cottage in Oswego

Charming 4-bedroom, riverfront cottage in Oswego

Oswego NY
Stay at this cottage in Oswego. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Oswego Speedway and Richardson-Bates House Museum are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Very friendly host. One problem arose but Britanee took care of it quickly and with as little disruption to our stay as possible. We stayed over Christmas and brought our own decorations only to find it already beautifully decorated. This was our second stay there and we plan to return for sure!"

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Charming 4-bedroom, riverfront cottage in Oswego
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near St. Lawrence Seaway

Explore a world of travel with Expedia