Lake Champlain stretches wide and wild along Vermont’s western edge, its waters a restless Inland Sea daring paddlers to explore. Launch your kayak or canoe at one of Burlington's accessible bays, and let the breeze push you toward the islands scattered like stones across this freshwater expanse. Each island holds its own character—some private and silent, others humming with bird colonies. The water doesn’t just carry you; it challenges, with swirling currents that demand respect and careful navigation.

Islands such as Juniper, Isle La Motte, and Valcour transform your paddle into a journey through history and habitat. Juniper Island, steeped in local lore, invites careful observation of osprey nests balancing on driftwood perches, while Isle La Motte’s fossil-rich shores offer a glimpse into an ancient world beneath your paddle blade. Valcour Island, a relic from the Revolutionary War, is a wind-sculpted canvas of rock and forest with an eagle-eyed chance to spot raptors circling overhead.

Birdsong threads through the open air. Herons wait patiently along the fringes; loons call like distant sirens, their haunting calls mingling with the slap of paddle against lake. Migratory birds use this Inland Sea as a pit stop, bursting in vibrant flocks come spring and fall.

Planning your trip requires respect for the lake’s temperament. Paddle early morning or late afternoon when winds tend to soften, and currents move with less fury. Carry layered clothing for sudden shifts in temperature and an emergency signal device. Water and snacks are non-negotiable—the wind and sun can drain energy faster than expected. Map your route ahead; island hopping can be deceptively demanding with open stretches that test endurance and navigational confidence.

Gear up with a sturdy, stable kayak suited for open water, and always wear a personal flotation device. Waterproof your essentials and keep a compass or GPS handy. The lake is fierce and ever-changing—expect to shift with it, read the weather, and adjust your plans on the fly.

Lunch can be a quiet moment on a sheltered beach, sand cool beneath your fingers, waves whispering stories ancient and immediate. In these pauses, the Inland Sea reveals why it remains a favorite for both casual paddlers and serious adventurers.

By day’s end, the sun dips low, painting the water in bronze and fire. The breeze cools, carrying the scent of pine and freshwater. Return to shore with a sense of having engaged closely with a landscape impassioned and alive—not conquered, but shared.