The islands of northern Lake Champlain Vermont’s version of the Bahamas—an emerald archipelago boasting well-protected harbors, stellar fishing, rural landscapes, and a laidback vibe. They even have a famous reef, though it’s of no risk to mariners! The Chazy Fossil Reef on Isle LaMotte is a remnant of the shallow sea that once covered much of Vermont and New York over 400 million years ago.

The Inland Sea is always beautiful, but fall can be off the charts. Photo/Paul Boisvert

While a visit to the 27-mile-long Inland Sea is a treat at any time of year, fall is extraordinary thanks to the fireworks display of reds, oranges, and yellows set against the distant heights of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. Better still for boaters, they can have the waters all to themselves.

Much of the shoreline remains undeveloped, and the area is popular among sailors because of its deep, clear water and good holding ground. Anglers from hardcore to not-so-serious appreciate the Inland Sea for its world-class bass and pike fishing, while watersports enthusiasts can find plenty of protected spots for tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. In other words, there’s plenty of water to go around.

The Inland Sea is bounded by the eastern shore of the islands and the western shore of Vermont. The epicenter of the three main islands—South Hero/Grand Isle, North Hero, and Isle LaMotte—is the picturesque village of North Hero in City Bay. (North and South Hero were named in honor of Vermont’s revolutionary war heroes Ira and Ethan Allen.)

Hero’s Welcome, a sprawling, century-old general store, humorously reflects its central status with four wall clocks that show the time for each of the islands. Its docks and picnic tables bustle with boaters and even seaplane pilots who tie up to visit the bakery or deli, which serves salads and a variety of delicious gourmet sandwiches. The well-stocked store also sells soda, wine and beer, ice cream, children’s toys, kayaks, water toys, gifts, clothing, souvenirs, kitchen items, candy by the pound, and just about anything else you can imagine. There’s a launch ramp across the street, and you can fuel up at the dock.

City Bay is also home to the elegant, 26-room North Hero House, a historic inn known for its fine dining and cozy pub. Many locals come here just for the breakfast buffet. The inn also maintains boat slips for guests and a grassy picnic area on the water.

Burton Island State Park is a popular camping spot.

Another major attraction is the trio of state parks on Knight, Woods, and Burton Islands, the last featuring a ranger-staffed campground with a swimming beach, hiking trails, snack bar, canoe and rowboat rentals, and a 100-slip marina. Knight and Woods Islands offer a more rustic camping experience, with wilderness sites and no rangers. While all three campgrounds officially close on Labor Day, they continue to draw many DIY campers and daytrippers in the fall.

Boaters looking for a higher level of creature comforts will find them at the Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant, which has 23 rooms on an east-facing bluff overlooking the water. Guests also have free use of the inn’s fleet of kayaks. The food is good, too, but many locals tie up along the long pier in the afternoon to enjoy a cocktail at the bar, a tradition dating back more than 50 years.

Speaking of libations, what group of exotic islands would be complete without a Tiki bar? You’ll find one at the North Hero Marina at Pelot’s Point on Carry Bay. It’s one of the most protected harbors on the lake and features a full-service marina that draws mariners from Quebec and the city of Burlington, just 10 miles to the south.

Two other full-service marinas bracket the northern and southern ends of the Inland Sea. Ladd’s Landing, occupies a protected cove just above the Grand Isle drawbridge and maintains six transient slips. New England Powerboat Service, by the causeway to Alburgh, also has transient slips, along with a snack bar next door. You’ll find overnight accommodations around the corner at West Shore Cabins, whose quaint lodgings include porches and decks that are perfect for taking in the spectacular sunsets.

While no one makes rum on these islands, there’s plenty of wine to keep the crew happy in fall. Allenholm Farm and Hackett’s Orchard, both in South Hero, have pick-your-own apples, cider, and great baked goods, while Snow Farm Vineyard offers tours, music and wine at its tasting room in South Hero.

Fresh, local provisions, sparkling waters, friendly folk and great fishing: It all adds up to a boater’s paradise, right here in New England!