If you’re interested in lake homes for rent in Vermont, look to Lake Champlain. Considered the sixth Great Lake by many, Lake Champlain stretches down from Quebec, Canada, into New York and Vermont. The Vermont territory of the lake features unparalleled scenery, boundless recreation options, thriving communities, and one elusive lake monster affectionately called “Champ.”

The natural freshwater lake is so grand in scale and intricate in topography that it is distinguished into five unique sections. The “Main” section is the widest and deepest. The “Inland Sea” borders the Champlain Islands to the east, and Missisquoi Bay reaches Quebec to the north, while Mallet’s Bay is divided from the main lake by a railroad causeway. The “South” lake narrows down to resemble a river. These distinct regions of the lake host different habitats for wildlife and foliage, which translates into great fishing! Be on the hunt for perch, catfish, panfish, trout, salmon, walleye, crappie, and even smallmouth bass. And remember to keep your fishing pole out even after the first frost sets in: ice fishing draws avid anglers to Lake Champlain every year.

Lake Champlain’s complex geography is accentuated by the presence of seventy-one islands dispersed across the lake. These islands range from being sparsely populated to hosting entire counties, and they beg to be explored. Either launch your own motorboat, sailboat, or Jet Ski, or hop aboard a public ferry for a scenic tour of the lake’s majestic shoreline, landscapes, and lakefront properties. With 435 square miles of lake to navigate, you won’t soon run out of new sights to see. If you're looking for lake homes for rent along Lake Champlain, you'll not only enjoy full access to its crystal clear waters, but you'll also be able to take advantage of all the recreation accommodations offered at state parks such as Kamp Kill Kare and North Hero. Kill Kare boasts a sandy-bottom beach on 17 acres of land, and North Hero State Park features a public boat launch, picnic sites, and 399 acres of recreation space.

Burlington, Vermont, is the largest and most engaging of Lake Champlain’s neighboring cities. Surrounded by the Adirondack and Green Mountains, Burlington attracts 3 million visitors a year with its European flair, college-town mentality, and New England charm. Some are attracted to the historical architecture, some are hungry for the award-winning dining scene, and others thirst for the fine libations—the town flourishes with prized craft wineries and breweries. Some with lake-view homes look to the links for their entertainment, as Lake Champlain and Burlington host several notable golf courses. The Vermont National Country Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, and the Kwiniaska Golf Club is one of the longest in the state.

If you’d like to live on a Lake Champlain golf course, visit GolfHomes.com for property listings.

Lake Champlain is known for being so much more than a weekend getaway or vacation destination: it’s a way of life!