St. Lawrence Seaway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Commercial Ships, St. Lawrence Seaway, Massena, New York
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
Waterfall along tooly pond road

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in St. Lawrence Seaway

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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
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West Carthage

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

West Carthage
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$147 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$147
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (1,000 reviews)
Clean, nice staff! Some parts of building a little out dated.

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands
Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront

Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront

2.5 out of 5
70 E 1st St Oswego NY
The price is NZ$266 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$266
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Oswego. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (942 reviews)
the room was very clean, check in and out was quick

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront
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$119 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$119
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,023 reviews)
Little dated, but clean and comfortable

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY
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.
Let's Get Cozy!NestledinWoodsonBellaVista campus, 2Mins.ToSalmon Rvr/FishAutmnLk

Let's Get Cozy!NestledinWoodsonBellaVista campus, 2Mins.ToSalmon Rvr/FishAutmnLk

Orwell NY
Stay at this cottage in Altmar. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Salmon River Falls and Salmon River Fish Hatchery are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (150 reviews)
Place was just as listed, clean and pet friendly

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Let's Get Cozy!NestledinWoodsonBellaVista campus, 2Mins.ToSalmon Rvr/FishAutmnLk
Cozy cabin away from Hustle and Bustle - Woodsy, Peaceful, Tranquil!

Cozy cabin away from Hustle and Bustle - Woodsy, Peaceful, Tranquil!

Redfield NY
Stay at this cabin in Redfield. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (120 reviews)
The host was very responsive to any questions. The cabin was just down the street from the trail. The cabin was very comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped.

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Cozy cabin away from Hustle and Bustle - Woodsy, Peaceful, Tranquil!
Cozy Rustic Cabin - 1000 Islands Getaway

Cozy Rustic Cabin - 1000 Islands Getaway

Wellesley Island NY
Stay at this cabin in Wellesley Island. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Dewolf Point State Park and Thousand ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
We stayed at the cabin recently for a fishing trip. It was the perfect cozy spot. Very easy to come and go and Allison/Michael were very accommodating with our checkout time. All the necessities were there that we needed and it was very clean.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Cozy Rustic Cabin - 1000 Islands Getaway
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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