Lake George

Nestled in the pristine Adirondacks, Lake George is a year-round tourist destination. It is 45 minutes (36 miles) outside of Saratoga Springs and 1 hour (60 miles) north of Albany, and is worth the effort it takes to get there. The area is pleasant for families, with many activities for all ages.

Note that some restaurants and activities are only open during certain times of the year.

By car
The best way to enter into Lake George is by car. Many people live in Saratoga Springs but work in Albany, creating a lot of traffic during peak hours.
 * From Interstate 90 in Albany, take Exit 24 to get onto I-87 North. Lake George is 50 miles (80 km) north; I-87 exit 21 or 22 take you directly to the village.
 * From Montréal, Autoroute 15 southbound becomes I-87, the Adirondack Northway.

By train

 * There is also an Amtrak train station in Saratoga Springs.
 * Albany-Rensselaer has more extensive Amtrak service, but is 50 miles (80 km) distant.

By plane

 * has the closest scheduled passenger flights.
 * Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in nearby Queensbury has general aviation.

By bus

 * has scheduled passenger bus service between Albany and Montréal.

By trolley
Greater Glens Falls Transit operates public transport between Lake George and Glens Falls. For most of the year, that consists of a single bus route heading north from Glens Falls and stopping in the middle of Lake George. But during tourist season—late June through Labor Day—GGFT operates a set of trolley routes in and around Lake George.

In season, the trolleys run daily from 7AM to 10:30PM. Separate routes go north and south from Beach Road in Lake George (near the steamboat docks); the direction for each trolley is clearly marked with a sign in the front and back windows. The base fare for all routes is $1 with children under 5 free and half price for those above the age of 60 and those with disabilities. There is a zone change fee, but that only applies when traveling from a southbound trolley to a northbound trolley or vice versa. All trolleys are easily spotted due to their bright red color, but if you are unable to find one the docks are a good place to go because all routes begin there. The run times for trolleys vary throughout the day, but generally you shouldn't have to wait more than half an hour. The schedule is on the GGFT web site.

The North route serve Hearthstone Campground, Diamond Point, and Bolton Landing. The South route serves various RV parks and motels between Glens Falls and Lake George, along with Six Flags, the outlet mall, and Glens Falls itself.

By car
All of the main attractions of Lake George are contained on Route 9. However, parking and traffic can be a nightmare, especially during the tourist season. All parking in the village is paid parking ($1-2/hr prepaid metered) though you may be able to find some free parking on the back roads. There is a great deal of traffic during the daytime so be prepared to stop. Driving is probably the worst way to get around the village and you’ll burn more gas waiting in traffic than while driving.

By foot
Many of the motels in Lake George are within walking distance of the village so if you are tight on cash, walking is a viable option.

By boat
Some places have docks for visiting by boat. An incomplete list is:
 * Lake George Village ($2/hr prepaid meter)
 * Bolton Landing (free but limited space)
 * The Algonquin restaurant (docking assistance provided)
 * The Hacker-Craft showroom (very limited space)

Summer activities
Of course in the summer there is always fun to be had when you are out by the water, but always expect to see lots of fellow tourists in Lake George.



Rafting and tubing
From an easy stroll down stream to the more adventurous whitewater rafting, Lake George and surrounding areas has plenty to offer. To name a few:



Boating
Lake George wouldn't be a lake without plenty of boat activities available. Some fun things to try include:


 * Boat owners:There are a few docks and ramps, but be sure to plan ahead for this. Not all ramps have free access and there is not always space for docking. There are beautiful islands out on the lake to visit, Diamond Island being the most popular. Many people enjoy snorkeling and searching for quartz crystals in the water surrounding the island.
 * Boat rentals:There are a few places to rent motor boats from down on the boardwalk. Rent a boat for a few hours, or take an all-day journey up the lake. Boat rental prices on the lake tend to be quite high.
 * Boat rentals:There are a few places to rent motor boats from down on the boardwalk. Rent a boat for a few hours, or take an all-day journey up the lake. Boat rental prices on the lake tend to be quite high.

Parasailing

 * There are some places to do this right on the boardwalk as you are walking by, it’s really convenient and definitely a fun must do for those who aren’t afraid of heights.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

 * There are a few companies to choose from if you are interested. The views from above are great!

Horses

 * In Lake George and surrounding areas there are a few options for those who are interested in horses. Horseback riding is always popular, either near the water or off the beaten path on a trail, for different skill levels. Also horse drawn carriage rides through town, for getting around or just a simple scenic tour. The average cost of these rides is $8 per person, depending on how far you are going, of course.

Hiking

 * There are some trails offered as well as guided hikes usually up or around Prospect Mountain.

Concerts
The Lake George Community Band performs several free outdoor concerts in the summer. Since 2005, they've hosted the Lake George Community Band Festival on a Saturday in July; head to the to enjoy up to eight community concert bands from New York and surrounding states and provinces, all at no charge.

Winter activities
Lake George is not just a summer vacation spot; there is plenty to do here in the winter as well. For those who like the outdoors there is skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and the scenic Hudson River Railroad runs in the winter as well. If you would rather stay indoors, you may like to try wine tasting at the Adirondack Winery and Tasting Room, indoor golf, visiting local museums and historical sights or stopping into some of the local shops in the heart of the village.

Skiing and boarding
 * Lake Placid - This amazing ski getaway is located only an hour and a half away and was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics.
 * Lake Placid - This amazing ski getaway is located only an hour and a half away and was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics.
 * Lake Placid - This amazing ski getaway is located only an hour and a half away and was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Winter Carnival
 * Every February, Lake George holds races and other events out on the ice when the lake freezes.

Buy

 * A multitude of shops are all along the “main drag”, they are smaller and tourist oriented; these are great for souvenirs and within walking distance of hotels on the water. Also there is a shopping complex, if you are looking for department and outlet stores.  It is located south of the village on Rt 9.

Eat
Lake George offers a variety of restaurants. Here are some of the local favorites. Note that some may be closed during the winter.



Drink
There are a handful of bars and pubs in Lake George, but here are a couple of locations that are especially good! So if you’re 21 or older, be sure to check out these hot spots!



Hotels and motels
There are a great many places to stay in and around Lake George, all within walking distance of the main drag.

Campgrounds
Camping is beyond huge in the Adirondacks.



Go next

 * Bolton Landing
 * Saratoga Springs
 * Glens Falls
 * Warrensburg