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 Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
is closed for the season.
:We will reopen in May of 2009. Hope to see you then!
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 2008 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
NOTICE: The following restroom facilities along the Cape Cod Canal will be closed for the season
North Side:
- Buzzards Bay Recreation Area Closed Dec. 8, 2008 - March 20, 2009
- Herring Run Recreation Area Closed Dec. 8, 2008 - March 20, 2009
- Sagamore Recreation Area Closed until Saturday, April 11, 2009
South Side:
- Tidal Flats Recreation Area Closed until Saturday, May 2, 2009
- Bourne Recreation Area Closed until Saturday, May 2, 2009
- Midway Recreation Area Closed until Saturday, May 16, 2009
- Sandcatcher Recreation Area Closed until Saturday, April 11, 2009
- Sandwich Recreation Area Open year round
36 CFR, Part 327.12(a). Any person who violates the rules and regulations established by the Secretary of the Army in 36 CFR, Part 327, will be cited and referred to the U.S. Magistrate in accordance with Section 234 of the Flood Control Act of 1970. A complete copy of 36 CFR, Part 327 is available at the Corps of Engineers Project Office.
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.
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