Champlain Canal

The Champlain Canal is a waterway in New York State that runs from Waterford to Whitehall, linking the Hudson River with Lake Champlain. Along the route, eleven lock chambers regulate water levels and allow vessels to navigate the varying elevations.

Construction began in 1817 as part of a larger project to connect waterways across New York. Completion came in 1823, creating a continuous shipping route between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic through Canada.

The name honors Samuel de Champlain, the French explorer who traveled through the region and mapped the lake in the early 1600s. Today, recreational boaters and small cargo vessels pass through the locks, while many visitors watch the process from the banks and observe the mechanics of water control.

The lock chambers operate on a simple principle, filling or emptying depending on the direction vessels are traveling. Visitors can stand along several sections of the towpath and watch boats pass through, with most lock operations taking place during daylight hours.

An additional water supply comes from the Glens Falls Feeder Canal, which feeds the highest point of the waterway. This system ensures that the lock chambers have enough water even during dry months and keeps navigation possible year-round.