Champlain Canal

canal, United States-Canada

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

The Champlain Canal is part of the New York State Canal System, a network of waterways totaling 524 miles that connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes. Specifically, the Champlain Canal extends north from the Erie Canal in Waterford to Whitehall, providing a link to Lake Champlain.1

In Canada, the Chambly Canal bypasses rapids on the Richelieu River, connecting the Chambly Basin to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This canal, along with the Saint-Ours Canal, allows for continuous water passage from Lake Champlain to the St. Lawrence River.2

Historically, canals like the Erie Canal were crucial for opening up the interior of the United States for trade, enabling the transport of bulk commodities and connecting major waterways like the Great Lakes with the Hudson River.3

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canals and inland waterways
United States
The Champlain Canal was opened in 1823, but it was not until 1843, with the completion of the Chambly Canal, that access to the St. Lawrence was made possible via the Richelieu River.
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The Champlain Canal was opened in 1823, but it was not until 1843, with the completion of the Chambly Canal, that access to the St. Lawrence was made possible via the Richelieu River.
Read More