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 Cape Cod Canal
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 photo - People on bicycles
 
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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. photo - Visitor Center - Marine Traffic Control Display - Photo by Kevin Burke


Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
is currently closed for the season.


We will reopen in May 2012.


2012 Hours of Operations
May 1 - Oct 28
Open 7 Days a Week
10am - 5pm


 


  The Cape Cod Canal is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our dynamic team at the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center. We have two exciting positions available. Click here for details.


 If you have questions about the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center or would like to book a group tour in the Spring, please contact Park Ranger Samantha Gray at 978-318-8622 or samantha.a.gray@usace.army.mil .

 Click here to view the 2012 Canal Visitor Center Brochure.
Canal Visitor Center is located at:
60 Ed Moffitt Drive
Sandwich, Ma 02563
508-833-9678

 

BICYCLING AND WALKINGphoto - Bicyclists, Skaters and Walkers on the Canal service road. Photo courtesy of Kevin Burke.


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

Benches are placed along the service roads for the enjoyment of our visitors. See our recreation map for access locations recreation map for access locations.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

CANAL RECREATION AREAS

Multiple Canal access points along both sides of the Canal have been developed into Recreation Areas equipped with comfort stations, picnic areas and parking lots.
Midway Recreation Area is a beautiful wooded area, ideal for families, offering individual and group picnic options with charcoal grills, volley ball and more. Click here for more details on Midway Recreation Area.
For a listing of all of the Recreation Areas along the Canal, see Recreation Map.

 

SHIP WATCHING

photo - Mayflowerll - Photo by Kevin Burke

 

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

photo-Catch of the Day! - Photo courtesy of Kevin Burke


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.

 

Saltwater anglers in Massachusetts are required to purchase a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit. For more details and to obtain a permit click here to visit Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website.

*** 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 under CMR 322.6.17. ***

 

INTERPRETIVE SERVICES

photo - The Marinelife "Touch tank"

 

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.

For more safety tips and regulationson boating in the Canal, click here for the Recreational Boating Guide.

 

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.

photo-Guided walk at Sagamore Hill
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

photo - On the boat ramp
The East Boat Basin located on the south side of the Canal in Sandwich has slips for recreational and commercial vessels. The area is leased by the Corps of Engineers to the Town of Sandwich.

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.

 

 

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.

photo - Aerial View of the Cape Cod Canal

To view more recreation information from the US Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, please visit their Web Site at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/recreati.htm.

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