Lake Champlain Transportation Company facts for kids

An LCTC ferry on the Burlington-Port Kent route

The Lake Champlain Transportation Company (often called LCTC or LCT) is a company that operates ferries across Lake Champlain. These ferries connect the states of New York and Vermont in the United States.

Lake Champlain is a very large lake, one of the biggest in the U.S. It's so wide and deep that there aren't many bridges across its main part. This means ferries are super important for people and cars to get from one side to the other. About one million passengers use these ferries every year!

The company was owned by Raymond C. Pecor Jr. from 1976 to 2003. After that, he sold it to his son, Raymond Pecor III, who is now the president.

Ferry Routes and Services

The Lake Champlain Transportation Company offers ferry services at different points across the lake. These routes help people and vehicles travel between New York and Vermont.

The ferries are designed to carry all kinds of vehicles, like big trucks, cars, and even bicycles. They also welcome foot passengers. Most of the ferries are "roll-on, roll-off," meaning vehicles can drive on one end and off the other. This makes loading and unloading quick and easy.

During the summer, the company also offers fun activities. You can go on dinner cruises from Burlington or special trips to watch the Fourth of July fireworks over the water.

Charlotte–Essex Ferry

The ferry route between Charlotte, Vermont and Essex, New York runs all year long. Sometimes, if the lake freezes too much, the ferry might not be able to operate. This route became a year-round service in 1998.

For a long time, before a bridge was built in the 1920s, this was the main way to cross Lake Champlain.

Burlington–Port Kent Ferry

The ferry from Burlington, Vermont to Port Kent, New York used to cross the widest part of the lake. This trip took about one hour.

However, this ferry route no longer operates. Its last trip was in 2019.

Grand Isle–Plattsburgh Ferry

The Grand Isle, Vermont to Plattsburgh, New York ferry is special because it can break through ice. This means it runs 24 hours a day, all year round! The crossing on this route is very quick, taking only about 12 minutes.

In 2001, there was a plan to build a bridge that would replace this ferry route, but the company spoke out against it.

Crown Point–Chimney Point Temporary Ferry

The Vermont ferry running at Crown Point. You can see cranes in the background building the new Lake Champlain Bridge in November 2010.

For a while, a temporary ferry ran between Crown Point, New York and Chimney Point, Vermont. This ferry was free to use, paid for by the states of New York and Vermont. It operated 24 hours a day.

This temporary service was needed because the old Champlain Bridge had to be taken down due to structural problems. The ferry helped people cross the lake while a new bridge was being built. Once the new Lake Champlain Bridge opened on November 7, 2011, the temporary ferry was no longer needed and stopped running.

The LCTC Ferry Fleet

The Plattsburgh, Cumberland, and EWW ferries.

The Lake Champlain Transportation Company uses several ferries. Some of these vessels are specially built to operate in icy conditions during winter.

Here are some of the ferries they use:

• The Adirondack (built in 1913, it's one of the oldest double-ended ferryboats still in service! It's named after the Adirondack Mountains.)
• The Champlain (built in 1930; it also serves as a charter cruise boat for groups.)
• The Evans Wadhams Wolcott (built in 1988 to run in ice; often called the "EWW." It's named after the people who helped start the modern company.)
• The Governor George D. Aiken (built in 1975; named after a former governor of Vermont and U.S. Senator.)
• The Grand Isle (built in 1953; it was updated in 1995 and made longer. This ferry can now run in ice and is named after a town in Vermont.)
• The Northern Lights (built in 2002 to look like an old steamboat called the Ticonderoga; used for scenic cruises.)
• The Plattsburgh (built in 1984 to run in the ice; named after Plattsburgh, New York.)
• The Valcour (built in 1947 using materials from World War II. It's named after Valcour Island, where a famous battle took place.)
• The Vermont (built in 1992 to run in ice.)
• The Cumberland (built in 2000 to run in ice; named after Cumberland Head, New York, where the Plattsburgh ferry dock is.)
• The Raymond C. Pecor Jr. (built in 2010; named after Raymond Pecor Jr., who led the company before his son, Raymond Pecor III, took over.)

The company received money from a special government program to help reduce pollution from their ferries. This helps make the air cleaner.

History of Ferries

Long ago, from about 1820 to 1850, there were "horse ferries" on Lake Champlain. These boats were powered by horses walking on a treadmill! Over time, steamboats became more popular and took over from the horse-powered ferries around the 1850s.

Ice-breaking on Lake Champlain

During the winter, Lake Champlain can freeze over. This makes it hard for ferries to travel, especially on longer routes like the old Burlington-Port Kent one.

However, the Grand Isle-Cumberland Head route is shorter. Ferries on this route are designed to break ice. They have strong hulls and propellers that can push through thin or broken ice. By running constantly, these ferries keep a clear path open in the lake throughout the winter. This allows them to provide 24-hour service even when it's very cold.

Charitable Giving

The Lake Champlain Transportation Company is a big supporter of the Pecor Family Foundation. This foundation gives money to many charities, like the American Cancer Society and United Way. They also support schools and universities, such as the University of Vermont and Champlain College.

See also

• List of icebreakers
• Maritime Transportation Security Act

Images for kids

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  EWW sitting in the Grand Isle slip during ice-breaking season

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  EWW moving west through the icy channel towards Plattsburgh

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  Cumberland headed east to Grand Isle