The
Champlain Canal is a 60-mile
canal that connects the south end of
Lake Champlain to the
Hudson River in
New York. It was simultaneously constructed with the
Erie Canal and is now part of the
New York State Canal System and the
Lakes to Locks Passage.
The canal was proposed in 1812 and construction authorized in 1817. By 1818, twelve miles were completed and in 1819 the canal was opened from
Fort Edward to Lake Champlain. The canal was officially opened on
September 10,
1823. It was an immediate financial success and carried substantial commercial traffic until the 1970s.
Today, the enlarged barge canal provides a convenient route from the Atlantic/Hudson River to Lake Champlain for recreational boaters. By traveling the length of Lake Champlain, boaters can access the
Chambly Canal, which connects Lake Champlain to the
Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Gallery