6-Day Lake Champlain Islands Scenic Bike Tour

Overview

Every day on this tour includes awe-inspiring views of Lake Champlain, with the Adirondacks and Green Mountains as backdrops. Cross by ferry to ride through historic Essex, New York, and then onto the Champlain Islands and even a day trip into Canada. The tour starts and ends in Burlington, spans 6 days with an average group size of 12 people and is rated Level 2. The price is from USD 3,999 /pp including taxes and fees. This tour offers quiet roads, waterfront views, local farms, and cozy stays, making it a pure Vermont experience. Accommodation includes the award-winning Hotel Vermont in Burlington for the first two nights, and the North Hero House or Shore Acres Inn for the next three nights, offering relaxing lake views. The tour features leisurely lakeside cycling with stunning views of Lake Champlain, a ferry crossing to historic Essex, New York, riding the Burlington Bike path, and a causeway ride onto the Champlain Islands. Included visits are to Vermont’s oldest settlement at Fort Saint Anne, the Saint Anne Shrine, and the Chazy Reef quarry with ancient reef/mound fossils. Optional activities include a visit to Snow Farm Vineyard, a ride into Canada (passport required), and professionally guided kayaking. The tour surfaces are 85% paved and 15% gravel. Day 1: Arrival in Burlington. Guests can explore the city, including Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park. Dinner is at 7 p.m. followed by an introductory meeting. Accommodation: Hotel Vermont, Burlington. Meals: Dinner. Day 2: Ride south to Charlotte with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Visit the Old Brick Store for snacks and Vermont products. Ferry to Essex, New York, for a 5-mile loop ride with lake views. Cycle through a covered bridge and enjoy water views from Charlotte Town Beach. Learn about the history of Lake Champlain, from its discovery by Samuel de Champlain to its role in various wars. Climb away from the lake through orchard and horse country, with an included wine tasting at Shelburne Vineyard. Option to take a van back to Burlington for those who wish to explore the city. Meals: Breakfast. Biking: 47.2 miles. Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,313 ft ascent, 2,318 ft descent. Terrain: Easier to Intermediate. Day 3: Cycle on the Burlington Waterfront Bike Path with lake and mountain views. Cross a causeway into Lake Champlain and take a seasonal bike ferry to Grand Isle and the Champlain Islands. Lunch at a local farmstand. Ride along the western shore of the lake and cross a drawbridge into North Hero. Visit Hero's Welcome General Store, an iconic establishment in a century-old building. Accommodation: Shores Acres Inn, North Hero. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Biking: 35.8 miles. Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,127 ft ascent, 1,183 ft descent. Terrain: Easier. Day 4: Ride north to Alburgh, with an optional ride into Canada (passport required). Visit Fromagerie Kaiser, a cheese and bread shop, for a picnic. Explore Alburgh Dunes State Park, known for its sand dunes and natural sand beach. Accommodation: Shores Acres Inn, North Hero. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Biking: 53.2 miles. Elevation Gain/Loss: 930 ft ascent, 927 ft descent. Terrain: Easier. Day 5: Explore historic Isle La Motte. Ride to 'The Carrying Place,' a narrow isthmus used by Native Americans and smugglers. Cross the bridge over Alburgh Passage and ride onto Isle La Motte. Visit Fort Saint Anne and Saint Anne's Shrine, the site of the first white settlement in Vermont, with a chapel, scenic walkways, and historic markers. Learn about the fort's history and its significance in various wars. Continue along the island shore with views into the Adirondacks. Optional visit to the Fiske Farm and Quarry Preserve to see ancient coral reef formations. Return to accommodation for an optional afternoon of kayaking on Lake Champlain. Accommodation: Shores Acres Inn, North Hero. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Biking: 36.9 miles. Elevation Gain/Loss: 884 ft ascent, 882 ft descent. Terrain: Easier. Day 6: Ride south over the drawbridge from North Hero along the western shore of Grand Isle to the seasonal bike ferry. Cross the gap in the causeway by boat. Ride the Lake Champlain Causeway with lake and Adirondack views. Rejoin the Lake Champlain Bike Path and cycle back to downtown Burlington, finishing at Hotel Vermont. Meals: Breakfast. Biking: 29.4 miles. Elevation Gain/Loss: 890 ft ascent, 826 ft descent. Terrain: Easier. Accommodations include Hotel Vermont in Burlington (described as 'rustic and modern, natural and sophisticated, hand wrought and high tech') and the historic North Hero House or Shore Acres Inn, offering waterfront views and relaxation. Included services: 5 nights' accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners, support from experienced guides and leaders, industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1), all outlined activities, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe), branded t-shirt and bag, choice of bike (gravel, hybrid, or e-bike) with accessories, Ride with GPS navigation and maps, transportation in air-conditioned vans, customer care support, and 'My Account' online portal. FAQs address tour start/end points (Hotel Vermont, Burlington), recommended flight timings (arrive day before, depart after 3 pm on last day), car parking arrangements, and accommodation details.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included