If a ferry sounds like a purely utilitarian form of transportation to you, you haven't experienced the extraordinary beauty of a lake crossing from Burlington, Charlotte, or Grand Isle, Vermont to their New York destinations in Port Kent, Essex, or Plattsburgh. Operated seasonally, ferries will take either pedestrians or cars and their passengers, and are an amazingly thrifty way to take in the extraordinary vistas of the Lake Champlain Basin. Burlington-Port Kent ferry closes for winter and spring seasons.

Vermont's premier private cruise boat, The Northern Lights (built in 2002, but with the traditional lines and layout of 19th and early 20th century lake steamboats) offers an ideal setting for weddings, anniversaries, corporate functions, birthday parties, or to simply enjoy the spectacular beauty of Lake Champlain. Boarding up to 150 guests, the boat serves food and features a full service bar. Daily lunch cruises (1.5 hours) run Monday - Saturday (there's also a Sunday brunch cruise), and weekly Sunset Cruises are a local favorite. Schedule runs from mid-June to Columbus Day.

Hop aboard the 140-foot-long, 424 passenger Spirit of Ethan Allen III and discover the region's rich history as the Captain's narration unfolds tales of Indian lore, the Revolutionary War, and legendary Vermont hero Ethan Allen himself (kids will love searching for 'Champ', Lake Champlain's friendly monster). A variety of daily cruises range from quick lunch ventures to all-evening celebrations, and run from mid-May to mid-October.