Despite being New Hampshire’s fifth largest lake, Sunapee manages to feel small and intimate. For anglers, the lake is home to big lake trout and salmon, and the smallmouth bass fishing is good. The lake’s clean, clear water also lends itself to snorkeling and diving, and there are several wrecks to see.
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LAKE SUNAPEE AT A GLANCE
The Lake Sunapee Story
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At approximately eight miles long and two-and-a-half miles wide, with a maximum depth of 140 feet, Sunapee is a big lake—the fifth largest in New Hampshire—that somehow manages to feel small and intimate.
License: New Hampshire requires a boating education certificate to operate a powerboat with an engine of 25 horsepower or more. The certificate requires passing a boating safety exam, or proof of equivalent certification in another state. For information, call (888) 254-2125.
Age Limit: Unless accompanied by an adult, no one under 16 may operate a boat or outboard motor in excess of 25 horsepower. Persons under 16 may not operate a personal watercraft under any conditions.
No Sinkers: To protect loons, state law prohibits the use of lead sinkers and jigs in all fresh waters. The ban prohibits the use of lead sinkers weighing one ounce or less and lead jigs less than one inch long along their longest axis.
DESTINATION LAKE SUNAPEE
Dockage, Moorings & Service:
Burkehaven Boat Works (603-763-8717);The only full-service marina on Lake Sunapee. Offers service and repair. Slips are rented on a seasonal basis.
Goodhue Boat Company (Sunapee Harbor: 603-762-0111; Georges Mills: 603-763-5036): Formerly Sargents Marina, Goodhue operates two boat and watersports rental facilities on Lake Sunapee in Sunapee Harbor and Georges Mills. Rentals include runabouts, pontoons, kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.
Sunapee Harbor Town Launch: Free, town-operated launch site with courtesy float. Expect long lines in summer. Off-site trailer parking.
Mount Sunapee State Park Beach: Small-boat access only. Limited operating hours. $10 fee for motorized vessels; no charge for non-motorized.
Burkehaven Boat Works (603-763-8717): Shallow, private ramp for small boats only. Boulder hazard 10 feet from shore.
Newbury Station Boat Club (603-763-7400): Privately owned ramp off Route 103 in Newbury. Car-top launching is available at Herrick Cove, New London; Soo-Nipi Park, New London; and Newbury Harbor Beach in Newbury.
DESTINATION LAKE SUNAPEE
Dining:
Appleseed Restaurant(603-938-2100): Long-established restaurant offering “country dining at country prices.” Named “Best Sunday Brunch” by New Hampshire magazine. Located in Bradford, near the southern part of the lake.
The Anchorage(603-763-3334): The only waterfront dining spot on Sunapee Harbor, this family eatery offers free boatside parking. It has a varied menu and a fun, casual atmosphere.
Bubba’s Bar & Grille(603-763-3290): Popular family-style restaurant in Newbury Harbor serving lunch and dinner. Dockage available across the street at the Newbury town docks.
Newbury Deli (603-763-2222): This deli in Sunapee Harbor offers classic Italian take-out dishes like spaghetti bolognese, eggplant parmesan, and chicken piccata, in addition to deli favorites like hot paninis and cold subs and wraps.
Provisions:
Fenton’s Landing (603-763-6032): In Sunapee Harbor, Fenton’s features a deli, groceries, baked goods, and beer and wine.
Sunapee Cruises(603-938-6465): Scenic cruises, narrated tours, and dinner cruises. Vessels depart from Sunapee Harbor.
John Hay Estate at The Fells (603-763-4789): Hiking trails and nature preserve on the eastern side of the lake. The Fells Estate comprises a classic early-1900s Colonial Revival home and gardens available for tours.
Mount Sunapee Ski Resort(603-763-3500): Summer activities include zip-line tours, aerial challenge courts, Segway tours, a gravity jump, a climbing wall, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Where to Stay:
The Lodge (603-748-9467): An Adirondack-themed, 11-suite boutique hotel that features luxuriously appointed studios and one- or two-bedrooms.
Mountain Edge Suites (603-763-4600): A boutique hotel with vintage décor and conveniently located near Mount Sunapee State Park.
Bluebird Sunapee (603-763-2010): Featuring 53 stylish and affordable rooms, Bluebird makes a great basecamp from which to experience the Sunapee outdoors.
Cool Shops:
Quack Shack (603-763-3084): Ice cream and other treats in Sunapee Harbor.
Wild Goose Country Store(603-763-5516): Souvenirs, toys, collectibles, gifts, hand-crafted pottery, frames, jewelry, maple candy and penny candy. Also sells coffee and fresh-baked bread.
Boat, Kayak and Paddleboard Rental:
Sunapee Trading Post (603-414-2758): A gift shop located near Blodgett Landing that offers daily kayak and paddleboard rentals. You can also rent them for a full week.
