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Day Trips from Burlington

Day Trips from Burlington

Burlington New England, USA Travel Guide

Nearby Adventures

Stowe is a charming mountain town nestled beneath Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. It is renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, picturesque village, and extensive hiking trails.

Driving comprises the recommended and most convenient way to reach Stowe. While limited bus service exists from Burlington to Montpelier, then connecting to Stowe, it proves time-consuming.

Activities in Stowe

  • Take a scenic gondola skyride up Mount Mansfield (seasonal).
  • Explore numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs.
  • Stroll through the quaint village shops, visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, or simply enjoy the mountain views.
  • In winter, it is a premier ski destination.

Diverse Explorations

Waterbury: Culinary Delights

This small town gains fame for being home to several iconic Vermont food brands, making it a popular stop for culinary enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour: Experience the famous Ben & Jerry's factory and enjoy samples. Booking tickets online well in advance is highly recommended due to popularity.
  • Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Witness apple cider production, browse their bakery, and explore the extensive gift shop. Sample fresh cider and apple cider donuts.
  • Cabot Creamery Annex: Sample various Vermont cheeses and purchase a range of Vermont-made products.

Shelburne: Historical & Farm Experiences

Located just south of Burlington, Shelburne houses two of Vermont's premier attractions: the Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms.

Activities

  • Shelburne Museum: Spend half a day or more exploring this outdoor museum of art, design, and Americana.
  • Shelburne Farms: A National Historic Landmark and working farm, it offers tours, cheesemaking demonstrations, and seasonal events focused on sustainable agriculture.
  • Shelburne Vineyard: Enjoy wine tastings at this local vineyard.

Beyond Vermont Borders

Lake Placid, NY

  • Visit various Olympic venues, like ski jumps, bobsled, and luge runs (some present rides or tours).
  • Explore Mirror Lake.
  • Enjoy hiking in the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks region.
  • Access via driving and Lake Champlain Ferry (Burlington-Port Kent) or around the southern end of Lake Champlain.

Montreal, QC, Canada

  • Explore historic Old Montreal.
  • Visit the impressive Notre-Dame Basilica.
  • Immerse yourself in its diverse cuisine and cultural festivals.
  • Requires driving and adherence to U.S.-Canada border crossing procedures (valid passport and any needed visas/eTAs).

Travel Facts

  • Stowe Drive Time~1 hour
  • Waterbury Drive Time~35-45 minutes
  • Shelburne Drive Time~15-20 minutes
  • Lake Placid Drive Time~2 hours
  • Montreal Drive Time~1.5-2 hours
  • International Border CrossingPassport needed for Canada
  • Ferry Option to NYLake Champlain Ferry
  • Public Transport to WaterburyVermont Translines bus

Day Trip Planning

For a broader range of day trip options and booking excursions, consider browsing GetYourGuide to upgrade your Burlington experience.

Natural Wonders

Vermont's natural beauty surrounds Burlington, presenting numerous opportunities for day trips into the wild.

Camel's Hump State Park

This iconic Vermont mountain features a distinctive humped profile and is one of the state's highest peaks, delivering a rugged wilderness experience.

Smugglers' Notch State Park

A dramatic mountain pass known for unique rock formations, a narrow winding road, and historic smugglers' caves.

Mount Philo State Park

Vermont's first state park, located in Charlotte, furnishes an easy hike or scenic drive to a summit with panoramic lake and mountain views.

Green Mountain National Forest

An expansive public land area covering much of central and southern Vermont, it has vast stretches of undeveloped forest.

Activities

  • Extensive hiking opportunities, including access points to the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail.
  • Camping and wildlife viewing.
  • Fishing also is a popular activity within the forest.

Scenic Drives

Discover picturesque landscapes and charming towns on Vermont's renowned scenic routes.

Highlights

  • Route 100: A famous scenic drive through the Green Mountains, especially stunning during fall foliage season.
  • Countless opportunities for photos and roadside stands.
  • Vermont's Northeast Kingdom: For remote beauty, head 1.5-2 hours north of Burlington.

Outdoor Access Points

Camel's Hump Drive Time~1 hour
Smugglers' Notch Drive Time~1 hour
Mount Philo Drive Time~25 minutes
Green Mountain ForestStarts ~45 minutes south
Route 100Through Green Mountains
Northeast Kingdom1.5-2 hours north

Outdoor Ethics

  • Always adhere to Leave No Trace principles when exploring natural areas to preserve their pristine condition for future enjoyment.
  • Plan ahead and prepare.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  • Dispose of waste properly.
  • Leave what you find.

Cultural Journeys

Beyond Burlington's immediate cultural offerings, several nearby towns deliver rich historical and artistic experiences.

Waitsfield & Warren: Village Life

These represent classic Vermont village life with historic charm.

Activities

  • Explore historic villages.
  • Visit local craft breweries and cideries.
  • Enjoy scenic drives through the valley, especially stunning during fall.

Middlebury: College Town Culture

A historic college town boasting a picturesque downtown and cultural attractions, anchored by Middlebury College.

Activities

  • Visit the Middlebury College Museum of Art.
  • Explore the Vermont Folklife Center, preserving Vermont's cultural heritage.
  • Stop by Otter Creek Brewing, one of Vermont's long-standing craft breweries.

Montpelier: State Capital & History

Vermont's capital, Montpelier, holds the distinction of being the smallest state capital in the U.S. It furnishes a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with significant historical importance.

Activities

  • Tour the Vermont State House, an impressive Greek Revival building with a golden dome.
  • Visit the Vermont Historical Society Museum to learn about the state's past.
  • Explore Hubbard Park, which features a stone tower presenting city views.

Vergennes: Small City Charm

Known as the smallest city in Vermont by population, Vergennes features a historic downtown area situated on the Otter Creek.

Activities

  • Visit Vergennes Falls Park to see the scenic waterfalls on the Otter Creek.
  • Explore Basin Harbor Resort, a historic lakeside resort on Lake Champlain.
  • The resort has dining and recreational activities.

Regional Cultural Highlights

Waitsfield/Warren

Classic Vermont village life, 45-60 minutes drive.

Middlebury

Historic college town, 1 hour drive south.

Montpelier

Smallest state capital, 45 minutes drive.

Art & History Notes

Many smaller historical societies and art galleries are in these towns, offering a dive into Vermont's unique heritage and local artistic talent.

Multi-Day Adventures

For those with more time, combining a Burlington visit with multi-day extensions allows for a comprehensive exploration of New England and beyond.

Extended Journey Ideas

3-4

White Mountains

Explore Vermont's Green Mountains and New Hampshire's White Mountains. Self-drive is a must for scenic routes.

2-3

Adirondacks & Lake George

Cross Lake Champlain into New York's vast Adirondack Park for Olympic history and popular lakes.

3-5

Montreal & Quebec City

Venture north into French Canada for a distinct cultural experience. Valid passport needed.

White Mountains Exploration

  • Logical Next Destinations: East from Burlington through Vermont's Green Mountains, then into New Hampshire's White Mountains.
  • Transportation: Self-drive is ideal to fully appreciate scenic routes and access attractions.
  • Suggested Route: Burlington → Stowe/Waterbury (VT) → Montpelier (VT) → Franconia Notch State Park (NH) → Kancamagus Highway (NH) → Crawford Notch (NH).
  • Activities: Extensive hiking (Mount Mansfield, Franconia Ridge), scenic drives through mountain passes, charming resort towns, covered bridges.
  • Focus: Outdoor and nature enthusiasts.
  • Duration: 3-4 days.

Adirondacks & Lake George

  • Logical Next Destinations: Across Lake Champlain into New York's vast Adirondack Park.
  • Transportation: Self-drive, with option for Lake Champlain Ferry (Burlington to Port Kent, NY) or driving around the lake.
  • Suggested Route: Burlington → Lake Placid (NY) → Saranac Lake (NY) → Lake George (NY).
  • Activities: Hike in the Adirondack High Peaks, paddling on lakes, Olympic sites in Lake Placid, boat tours on Lake George.
  • Duration: 2-3 days.

Canadian City Pairings

Montreal QC

city, historic Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, diverse cuisine.

Quebec City QC

Old Quebec charm, cobblestone streets, impressive cathedrals, French-Canadian culture.

Border Crossing

Requires valid passport and adherence to U.S.-Canada border procedures.

Trip Expansion

These extensions enrich your travel, integrating unique cultural and natural dimensions into your Burlington visit. Plan routes carefully and check local conditions seasonally.
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