Burlington Quality of Life - Recreation
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.
Cycling
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.