St. Lawrence Seaway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Commercial Ships, St. Lawrence Seaway, Massena, New York
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
Waterfall along tooly pond road

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

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
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 £66 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
£66
9 Mar - 10 Mar
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! (1,010 reviews)
Price right. Clean

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands
Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront

Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront

2.5 out of 5
70 E 1st St Oswego NY
The price is £120 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£120
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Oswego. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (951 reviews)
Easy check in

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £51 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
£51
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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)
The room was very clean. Nice breakfast. The only thing that disappointed me was that the TVs in the rooms were way too small, you couldnt really enjoy watching a movie with your family.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Watertown/Thousand Islands NY
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.
Waterfront Lake Lodge in the Thousand Islands

Waterfront Lake Lodge in the Thousand Islands

Cape Vincent NY
Stay at this cottage in Cape Vincent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tibbets Point Lighthouse and Fox Island are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
The area had a beautiful view of Lake Ontario. The fishing was great with a boat launch really close. When the wind was out of the west there were a number of boat launch ramps within a few miles. The area was really nice for relaxing and enjoying the quiet. We will be back again.

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Waterfront Lake Lodge in the Thousand Islands
Harbor Lights Retreat in Oswego NY, Across from Lake Ontario/ Wrights Landing

Harbor Lights Retreat in Oswego NY, Across from Lake Ontario/ Wrights Landing

Oswego NY
Stay at this holiday home in Oswego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Wright's Landing Marina and Breitbeck Park are ...
Harbor Lights Retreat in Oswego NY, Across from Lake Ontario/ Wrights Landing
Cozy retreat for the whole family!
5 min. walk to the famous Salmon River

Cozy retreat for the whole family! 5 min. walk to the famous Salmon River

Pulaski NY
Stay at this cabin in Pulaski. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Altmar State Forest and Lower Salmon River ...
10/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Welcoming, accommodating and nice place to stay! Highly recommend.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Cozy retreat for the whole family! 5 min. walk to the famous Salmon River
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.

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Cities near St. Lawrence Seaway

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