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-kilometre) 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 kilometres) 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-kilometre) 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 Rp1.224.010 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
Rp1.224.010
Rp1.358.650 total
30 Apr - 1 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! (1,019 reviews)
Nice breakfast , perfect hotel

Reviewed on 13 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 Rp1.851.444 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
Rp1.851.444
Rp2.055.103 total
19 Apr - 20 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! (1,000 reviews)
Obviously we stayed there out of season. Therefore, even for the shops, bars, restaurants that were open for business, unfortunately we didn’t make it to because it was freezing out. Walking around was definitely not happening. Property did have some areas that would definitely benefit from maintenance ...

Reviewed on 10 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 Rp1.693.728 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
Rp1.693.728
Rp1.879.901 total
26 Apr - 27 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! (1,026 reviews)
Nice, clean hotel.

Reviewed on 12 Apr 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.
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
This was a beautiful home. The view was amazing and the location is perfect.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Angel Rock Waterfront Cottages and Vacation Homes
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