Updated on December 15th, 2020
This summer we made a quick stopover at City Bay on North Hero while exploring the inland sea of Lake Champlain. It was good luck to find the City Bay has a well stocked general store because we were in desperate need of sunscreen. That seems to be a recurring them for us in life. Desperate for sunscreen we find hidden gems all over the place!
City Bay, North Hero, Vermont
44.817468, -73.285902
Chart —Maps 13 and 17
Getting There
City Bay is on the eastern side of North Hero Island and is part of the inland sea of Lake Champlain. There are two access points to the inland sea.
From the South and for Air Draft Exceeding 25 Feet
Use Grand Island drawbridge between Grand Island and North Hero Island. The bridge (as of this writing in 2018) opens every hour on the hour. I recommend hailing the bridge to request an opening regardless, as we have been chastised for both calling and not calling. Better to call and not need to then not call and be stuck for another hour. The Vermont Agency of Transportation has more information about the bridge and its schedule here.
From the North and an Air Draft Not Exceeding 25 Feet
There is a fixed bridge on the west side of North Hero Island via the Alburg Passage. Head north to the end of the passage and then out into the inland sea. City bay will be south of where you enter.
Approach City Bay from the south, being careful to avoid the two reefs. The bay is fairly shallow especially in the southwestern area and I recommend paying close attention to both your depth sounder and charts.
Staying There
The bottom is mostly mud in the City Bay area. There is good holding in 10-15 feet of water. Avoid the western part of the bay as it gets shallow quickly.
Quick Facts
- When to Avoid: If winds are out of the East or Southeast it’s best to avoid City Bay.
- Fuel: Available at the Hero’s Welcome there is however only 3 feet of water at the gas dock, so you will likely need to bring fuel cans ashore.
- Pump Outs: None
- Restrooms: Hero’s Welcome
- Showers: None
- Cell Service: Slow data but available.
- Dog-Friendly?: City Bay is very dog-friendly. There was easy access to a dinghy dock and plenty of grassy areas. The town has sidewalks for a nice walk.
Things to Do
Hero’s Welcome Generals Store: They have everything you could possibly need and then some! Groceries, Home goods, books, clothes, a deli, and an ice cream shop are all in the main building. Two out-buildings contain boating essentials, fishing gear, and outdoor furniture. They have bikes, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent at reasonable prices.
North Hero Community Hall: The most recent weekend we were in North Hero there was an art gallery set up in the hall. I am not sure how regular events at the hall are, but the little gallery was nice.
The Back Chamber: Small antique store.
North Hero House: The North Hero House has kayaks and canoes available for rent for guests and non-guests alike.
Restaurants and Provisions
Hero’s Welcome General Store: They have delicious sandwiches and mediocre ice cream. There is also a small grocery store for the staples.
North Hero House: Has two dining options, the first is upscale dining in the inn and the second is a more casual pier bar. We have not eaten at either but have heard good things around the marina.
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