Burlington's
location overlooking the Adirondack Mountains on the shores
of Lake Champlain, the sixth largest freshwater lake in the
U.S., provides endless year-round recreational opportunities.
During any of the four seasons, Burlington is a beautiful
setting for outdoor fun.
Swimming
Burlington's
three beaches are open to the public. Indoor and outdoor pools
are also located throughout the area.
Boating
Lake
Champlain is dotted with sailboats, motorboats, canoes, kayaks,
and sailboards from May through September. The Burlington
Community Boathouse at the College Street Pier offers boat
moorings, boat rentals, and charters (sailboats and rowboats).
The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, located on the
waterfront, offers youth and adult programs as well as rentals,
regattas and events. Three ferries take passengers and commuters
across the lake to New York State, and moonlit and scenic
narrated tours are available aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen
II which departs from Burlington harbor.
Fishing
Several
charter companies can provide morning, evening, or full-day
fishing trips. The new Fishing Pier, located near the Coast
Guard Station, is open to the public. The Lake Champlain International
Fishing Derby, held each June, attracts over 6,000 participants.
And try ice-fishing in the winter - a real Vermont experience!
Tennis
Indoor
and outdoor tennis courts are well maintained and readily
accessible at Burlington clubs and resorts, in parks, and
on college campuses.
Skiing
Burlington
is an eastern hub for downhill skiing. Some of the best ski
areas in the nation are located within an hour's drive, including
Sugarbush, Stowe, Bolton Valley, Smugglers' Notch, Jay Peak,
and Mad River Glen Cross-country skiers will find miles of
scenic trails at the nine touring centers in the area. Some
areas have lighted trails for night skiing. Rental skis are
available in Burlington for those who wish to explore the
snow-covered recreation path along Lake Champlain.
Ice
Skating
Outdoor
skating is available during the winter in six Burlington parks.
Indoor skating is available most of the year in the City's
Gordon H. Paquette Arena.
Bicycling
Burlington,
with it's gently rolling hills and beautiful vistas, is a
popular place for bike touring. An 8-mile, scenic recreation
path runs along the waterfront, offering spectacular views
of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. The path connects nine
of the City's parks, some with public beaches. Bike and inline
skate rentals are available at numerous spots near the recreation
path. An additional link, via bike ferry, connects bicyclists
to Colchester and the Lake Champlain Islands.
City
Park System
Burlington
is home to 30 parks and natural areas, almost all of which
are open year-round. The entire City park system includes
531 acres. These parks range from secluded natural areas to
marinas and comfortable picnic and camping areas. With the
recent acquisition of land on the historic waterfront, another
45 acres of recreation and open space are available for public
use.
Hiking
For
those interested in a true wilderness experience, numerous
hiking trails in the area have been mapped out and are well-maintained.
The 260-mile "Long Trail", Vermont's famous hiking
trail, is within a half-hour's drive. Organized hikes are
sponsored by the Green Mountain Audubon Nature Center offer
bird-watching, nature trails, and special events. Centennial
Woods, owned by the University of Vermont, is a gem for strolling
and light hiking.
Golf
There
are ten 9- and 18-hole golf courses within twenty-five miles
of Burlington, with golf pros and packages available for green
fees.
Spectator
Sports
The
University of Vermont and St. Michael's College provide a
full sports calendar including soccer, basketball, hockey
and baseball. Burlington hosts the Vermont expos, a minor
league baseball team which attracts 100,000 spectators annually.
Antiques
and Auctions
Estate
auctions, held almost every weekend of the year, attract tourists
and buyers from all over the nation and Canada. During the
summer, two regular weekend flea markets are within a half-hour's
drive. Low and moderate prices and a large selection make
"antiquing" a popular vacation activity.