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-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.

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$199 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$199
26 July - 27 July
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! (1,060 reviews)
"Great stay but please look at the mattress in 207 needs to be replaced"

Reviewed on 2 July 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$398 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$398
13 July - 14 July
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! (1,005 reviews)
"The rug in the hallway to our room was in serious disrepair. It has been taped together at one point. But the most serious issue was the rug was rippled and posed a trip hazard.. the water faucet in the tub was pulling away from the wall and the tub itself was cracked. The room was clean but the ..."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Riveredge Resort
Capt.'s Inn & Suites

Capt.'s Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
116 Church Street Alexandria Bay NY
The price is NZ$248 per night from 8 July to 9 July
NZ$248
8 July - 9 July
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)
"Very friendly and welcoming staff! The pool was wonderful. The remodeled room was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 3 July 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.
River House on Millen's Bay, Cape Vincent, NY - Where the River Sets the Pace!

River House on Millen's Bay, Cape Vincent, NY - Where the River Sets the Pace!

Cape Vincent NY
Stay at this holiday home in Cape Vincent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Burnham Point State Park and Cedar Point State ...
River House on Millen's Bay, Cape Vincent, NY - Where the River Sets the Pace!
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
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 Thousand Islands Bridge and Thousand ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"The cabin met our needs perfectly and being upgraded to the larger cabin was greatly appreciated!We would definitely return in the future!"

Reviewed on 18 June 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.

Stay near popular St. Lawrence Seaway attractions

Cities near St. Lawrence Seaway

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