Two Hours Aboard the Northern Star: New England’s Only International Lake Cruise

NEWPORT BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Two Hours Aboard the Northern Star: New England’s Only International Lake Cruise

A 2-hour scenic shoreline cruise on Lake Memphremagog from Newport that crosses briefly into Canada; this guide distills what to expect, what you’ll see, and practical details to plan your trip.

Two Hours Aboard the Northern Star: New England’s Only International Lake Cruise.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Newport
Operator
Northern Star Cruises
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Northern Star Scenic Lake Cruise runs a classic, two‑hour shoreline circuit on Lake Memphremagog from Newport, Vermont. The voyage is billed as New England’s only international lake cruise: guests hear local history and folklore from an onboard historian, sample light snacks and beverages, and pass the visible US–Canadian boundary that slices through a hillside and island before returning to port.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

A Brief Crossing into Canada

The cruise includes a brief passage into Canadian waters so passengers can say they’ve cruised into a foreign country, and offers a close view of the actual US–Canadian boundary line cut through a hillside and an island.

THE VESSEL

A Classic Private‑Yacht Experience

The Northern Star is styled after plumb‑stem canal cruisers and offers private‑yacht decor, comfortable seating, a climate‑controlled main salon and outdoor sun decks for viewing.

THE STORY

Local History, Folklore and Onboard Narration

An onboard historian and storyteller narrates the lake’s history and folklore during the two‑hour excursion, adding context to shoreline sights and the international boundary.

What the day feels like

What the Cruise Feels Like

Boarding the Northern Star feels like stepping onto a private yacht: warm crew greetings, relaxed seating in a climate‑controlled salon and the option to stand on open sun decks as the shoreline slides by. The two‑hour cruise is paced for sightseeing and storytelling, with beverage service and light snacks available on board.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this cruise suits — and why.

1
FamiliesThe operator designs cruises around family values and relaxed yacht comfort, making the outing suitable for family groups seeking an easy, narrated shoreline experience.
2
Friends & CouplesThe intimate yacht decor, beverage service and scenic deck space suit small groups or couples looking for a classic, social cruise.
3
History Buffs & StorytellersAn onboard historian and storyteller provides local history and folklore throughout the two‑hour excursion, making the cruise a strong fit for those interested in regional stories.
4
Sightseers Seeking Easy AccessWith climate‑controlled interiors and outdoor sun decks, the cruise is arranged for comfortable viewing rather than strenuous activity, appealing to travelers who want scenic access without a hike.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Length

The cruise is a two‑hour excursion on Lake Memphremagog; departures operate from Newport, Vermont.

What to Bring

The vessel offers full beverage service and light snacks; passengers have access to a climate‑controlled main salon and outdoor sun decks—dress in layers for deck exposure.

Reservations & Onboard Services

Reservations are highly encouraged; the yacht features private‑yacht decor, comfortable seating and an onboard historian/storyteller.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the cruise?

The Northern Star Scenic Lake Cruise runs for two hours.

Do we cross into Canada?

Yes. The cruise takes you into Canada for a few minutes and shows the actual US–Canadian boundary line cut through a hillside and island.

Is food or drink available on board?

Full beverage service and light snacks are always available on board.

Will there be narration or historical information?

An onboard historian/storyteller provides narration on the lake’s history and local folklore during the excursion.

What is the vessel like?

The Northern Star is styled after classic canal cruisers with private‑yacht decor, a climate‑controlled main salon and outdoor sun decks with comfortable, relaxed seating.