Canaan VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Canaan, Vermont.
1. Alice Ward Memorial Library
LOCAL LITERARY HUB
Alice Ward Memorial Library serves as a cultural cornerstone in Canaan, offering a rich collection of books and community resources. The library hosts various programs and events throughout the year, catering to readers of all ages. It provides a quiet space for study and reflection while connecting residents with educational materials and regional history.
2. April's Maple
SWEET VERMONT TRADITION
April's Maple offers visitors an authentic Vermont maple syrup experience in Canaan. Guests can tour the production facilities and learn about the traditional process of transforming maple sap into syrup. The establishment also features maple-themed treats and products for purchase, making it a sweet stop for tourists exploring the Northeast Kingdom.
3. Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum
LIVING AGRICULTURAL HISTORY
The Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum preserves an authentic 19th-century farm experience in Canaan. Visitors can explore the original farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings filled with period furnishings and agricultural implements. The museum offers a glimpse into rural Vermont life through guided tours and historical demonstrations that bring the past to life.
4. Jardin Sapins et Merveilles
ENCHANTING GARDEN ESCAPE
Jardin Sapins et Merveilles presents a serene garden environment showcasing the natural beauty of Vermont's plant life. The garden features thoughtfully designed landscapes with various tree species, flowering plants, and artistic elements throughout the grounds. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along winding paths while appreciating the changing seasonal displays and horticultural artistry.
5. Beaver Brook Falls Natural Area
PRISTINE WILDERNESS WONDER
Beaver Brook Falls Natural Area showcases the untouched natural beauty of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom with its cascading waterfall as the centerpiece. The area offers hiking trails through lush forests where visitors might spot local wildlife including moose, deer, and various bird species. The pristine waters of Beaver Brook provide excellent opportunities for nature photography and peaceful contemplation.
6. Fletcher Park Ice Skating Rink
WINTER RECREATION DESTINATION
Fletcher Park Ice Skating Rink offers free skating in a picturesque outdoor setting during Canaan's winter months. The well-maintained ice surface welcomes skaters of all skill levels in a charming community atmosphere. The rink serves as a social gathering place where locals and visitors can enjoy traditional winter recreation while surrounded by Vermont's snowy landscape.
7. Mount Monadnock Trails
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKES
Mount Monadnock Trails provide hikers with access to some of the most spectacular views in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The network of trails offers routes for various skill levels, from beginner paths to more challenging ascents leading to panoramic vistas. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems while climbing through forests that transition to alpine environments near the summit.
8. Averill Mountain
WILDERNESS HIKING ADVENTURE
Averill Mountain offers outdoor enthusiasts a genuine wilderness experience just a short distance from Canaan. The mountain features well-marked trails that wind through diverse northern forest ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Hikers reaching the summit are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes, forests, and neighboring peaks of the Northeast Kingdom.
9. Big Averill Lake
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
Big Averill Lake provides a pristine boating and fishing environment in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom near Canaan. The crystal-clear waters are home to several fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking trout and other freshwater catches. Surrounded by unspoiled forests, the lake offers peaceful kayaking, canoeing, and sailing opportunities with stunning mountain backdrops.
10. Little Averill Lake
SECLUDED NATURAL GEM
Little Averill Lake offers a more intimate and secluded water experience compared to its larger neighbor near Canaan. The lake is known for its exceptional water clarity and natural shoreline largely untouched by development. Visitors can enjoy quiet paddling adventures while potentially spotting loons, herons, and other wildlife that make their home around this pristine body of water.
11. Connecticut River Headwaters
HISTORIC RIVER ORIGINS
The Connecticut River Headwaters are accessible from nearby Canaan, marking the beginning of New England's longest river. This significant ecological and historical site offers visitors insight into the watershed that shaped settlement patterns throughout the region. The area features interpretive materials about the river's importance to transportation, power generation, and habitat for countless species.
12. Balsams Resort Ski Area
ALL-SEASON MOUNTAIN RESORT
The Balsams Resort Ski Area provides affordable winter recreation opportunities within an easy drive from Canaan. The resort features slopes for all ability levels along with snowshoeing trails through picturesque winter landscapes. Beyond skiing, the historic resort area offers a glimpse into the grand hotel era with its distinctive architecture and mountain setting.
13. Greenfield State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Greenfield State Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities within driving distance of Canaan. The park features a large pond with a sandy beach, making it perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating during warmer months. Extensive trail systems wind through the park's forests, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature.
14. Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette
SPIRITUAL RETREAT SETTING
The Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette provides a tranquil spiritual retreat near Canaan with beautiful grounds for reflection and prayer. Visitors can explore the religious buildings, outdoor grottos, and peaceful walking paths throughout the property. The shrine is particularly known for its spectacular holiday light displays that attract visitors from throughout the region.
15. Enfield Shaker Museum
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY
The Enfield Shaker Museum preserves and interprets the history of the Shakers who once lived and worked at this site near Canaan. Visitors can tour historic buildings including the Great Stone Dwelling, which was once the largest Shaker dwelling house ever built. The museum's collections showcase Shaker craftsmanship, innovations, and the community's approach to sustainable living through exhibits of furniture, textiles, and tools.