The Burlington Waterfront stretches along Lake Champlain from the ECHO museum south past the community boathouse and the ferry terminal. In summer it functions as an urban beach and park — kayak and canoe rentals are available at the Community Sailing Center, and the lake is warm enough to swim in July and August. The Adirondack Mountains across the water in New York State make for a spectacular backdrop at any time of year, particularly at sunset.
The paved Bike Path follows the waterfront for eight miles and connects to a larger trail network that eventually reaches Colchester to the north. Bikes can be rented from several shops near the waterfront and from the shared bike-share stations. In summer the path gets busy with cyclists, joggers, and rollerbladers; early morning is the best time for a peaceful ride. Winter brings ice on the lake and a different kind of beauty — clear cold days when the Adirondacks are dusted with snow.