Recreation along the Cape Cod Canal

In addition to being a preeminent navigation project, the Cape Cod Canal offers an amazing variety of recreational opportunities. Explore below to discover how much there really is to do at the Cape Cod Canal!

Canal Visitor Center

The US Army Corps of Engineers welcomes the public to the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center. Explore the rich history, fascinating features, and vigilant operation of the Cape Cod Canal and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Visitor Center features include a retired 41-foot US Army Corps of Engineers patrol boat, a 46-seat theater showing continuous DVD presentations on Canal History, Canal Critters, and Canal Wildflowers, real time radar and camera images of the waterway as well as a variety of interactive exhibits for all ages. The rocking chairs located on the deck outside the building provide a perfect spot to enjoy the sea breeze while watching ships transit the Canal. Corps Park Rangers staff the Visitor Center and provide free public programs on a variety of subjects. Tide charts, Canal guides and brochures are also available.

The Visitor Center is open seasonally from May to October. Admission is free.

The Visitor Center
is currently
Closed for the season.
It will reopen in
May 2010.

 Click here to view the 2009 Canal Visitor Center Brochure. Canal Visitor Center is located at:
60 Ed Moffitt Drive
Sandwich, Ma 02563
508-833-9678

Bicycling and Walking

Service roads which parallel both sides of the Canal are available for bicycling, jogging and walking. Each service road is approximately 7 miles long.

Parking areas, comfort stations and picnic areas are provided at various access points along both sides of the Canal. Benches are placed along the service roads for the enjoyment of our visitors. See our recreation map for access locations and offerings.

 View our Cape Cod Canal Self-Guided Bike Hike Page here

Ship Watching

The Canal provides a unique, close-up view of ocean going ships and tugs underway as they utilize the canal route between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay.
Cruise lines, cargo ships and jumbo car carriers can be seen from the Canal banks. From the simple lines of a working harbor tug to the sleek look of a luxury yacht, the Canal provides a continuous parade of vessels to observe and enjoy.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted from the Canal banks in all areas except Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the Canal Administration area in Buzzards Bay. Caution is advised as the rip rap slopes can be slippery. Access point for handicap fishing is available at the Sandwich bulkhead area and the Scusset Beach fishing pier. Salt water fishing and lobstering are subject to State regulations and licensing.

*** Please note: The taking of herring and alewives at the Bournedale Herring Run by any means is strictly prohibited until further notice. In response to recent drastic declines of many river herring spawning runs, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has prohibited the harvest, possession or sale of herring statewide through 2011 under CMR 322.6.17. ***

Interpretive Services

The multidisciplined workforce at the Cape Cod Canal includes a staff of Park Rangers who provide a diverse interpretive program including guided walks, bike hikes, evening presentations and special programs for children.

Programs are generally offered Spring, Summer and Fall.
Click here for a schedule.

The ranger staff is also available to present informational slide presentations to public groups seeking knowledge about the Cape Cod Canal. Please email Park Ranger Samantha Gray or call (508)759-4431 x622 if you would like to schedule a presentation.

Boating

If adequately powered, recreational vessels may transit the Canal. Sailing in the Canal is prohibited; sailboats must use auxiliary power during Canal passage. All boaters should familiarize themselves with the Canal's changing currents prior to attempting Canal transit. In a restricted channel such as the Cape Cod Canal, smaller vessels should stay to the right and give way to the larger commercial vessel traffic.

Swimming

Because of the swift current, swimming and scuba diving are prohibited in the Canal. A swimming beach on Cape Cod Bay is available at Scusset Beach State Reservation.

Hiking Trails

The Bournedale Hills Trail extends 1.4 miles along the north side of the Canal from Bourne Scenic Park to the Herring Run. The trail includes a .8 mile self guided loop which interprets the Canal's historic and natural features.

Within Scusset Beach State Reservation the .7 mile trail to Sagamore Hill provides access to an area that was once a Native American Indian meeting ground and later the site of a World War II Coastal Fortification.
The top of Sagamore Hill commands a view of the Canal's east entrance and Cape Cod Bay.

Marina Services

On a fee basis, boaters may utilize the marina's slips or boat ramp. On the west end of the Canal the Buttermilk Bay channel provides boaters access to the Taylor Point Marina, which is owned by the Town of Bourne.

Canal Access Points

Convenient Canal access points have been developed and equipped with comfort stations, picnic areas and parking lots. These access points are located along the Canal off the major roadways. See our Recreation Map on this website for locations.

Camping

Trailer and tent camping areas are provided on Canal lands at two locations, on the north side of the Canal. Under a long term lease agreement with the Corps of Engineers, Bourne Scenic Park is operated by the Bourne Recreation Authority. The park offers facilities for both tent and recreational vehicle camping.

Another long term lease has been issued by the Corps of Engineers to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for operation of Scusset Beach State Reservation. Located on the east end of the Canal, Scusset Beach State Reservation has camp sites for recreation vehicles.