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.

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 Scenic View Park and Saint Lawrence River.

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
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$136 per night from 4 May to 5 May
NZ$136
4 May - 5 May
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! (1,016 reviews)
Good room for the money. It was clean.

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY
Riveredge Resort

Riveredge Resort

3.5 out of 5
17 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is NZ$208 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$208
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (1,001 reviews)
The towels are not clean and old, the bed is very soft, feels like old. But the staffs are very nice and polite.

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Riveredge Resort
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$192 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
NZ$192
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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! (1,016 reviews)
Bteakfast was good. Staff friendly. Parking was convenient & felt safe.

Reviewed on 30 Mar 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.
Harbor Lights Retreat in Oswego NY, Across from Lake Ontario/ Wrights Landing

Harbor Lights Retreat in Oswego NY, Across from Lake Ontario/ Wrights Landing

Oswego NY
Stay at this holiday home in Oswego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Wright's Landing Marina and Breitbeck Park are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Beautiful Property

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Harbor Lights Retreat in Oswego NY, Across from Lake Ontario/ Wrights Landing
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 Boldt Castle and Dewolf Point State ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 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
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 Winery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
Very comfortable place

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Chardonnay Home, reflects great quality & value
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

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