Lake Champlain Transportation Company

Lake Champlain Transportation Company

Company type	Private Company
Industry	Transportation
Founded	1826; incorporated 1976
Headquarters	Burlington, Vermont, United States
Key people	Raymond Pecor III, President
Products	Ferry service, Sightseeing cruises
Website	ferries.com

The Lake Champlain Transportation Company (commonly abbreviated as LCTC or LCT) manages three vehicle ferry lines traversing Lake Champlain between New York and Vermont. Established in 1826 and formally incorporated in 1976, the company was initially owned by Burlington entrepreneur and founder Raymond C. Pecor Jr. until 2003, when ownership transferred to his son, Raymond Pecor III, who currently serves as president and chairman.

As the thirteenth-largest lake in the United States, Lake Champlain reaches widths up to 12 miles and depths over 300 feet. Due to its vast expanse, no bridges span the lake north of Crown Point, NY, or near the Canada–U.S. border to the south. This absence of fixed crossings makes LCTC’s ferry operations essential for transportation in the area. Annually, roughly one million travelers utilize these ferry routes, highlighting the company's dominant presence and crucial function in both local transit and tourism industries.

Service area

Initially, ferry service was offered at three locations running from south to north:

• Charlotte, Vermont to Essex, New York
• Burlington, Vermont to Port Kent, New York
• Grand Isle, Vermont to Plattsburgh, New York at Cumberland Head

Each corridor is served by a minimum of two double-ended diesel-powered ferries traveling in opposite directions. These roll-on/roll-off vessels are designed to carry large trucks, automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians and can operate in single-ended mode if required. In compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, some vessels conduct inspections of vehicles and luggage. Many routes offer picturesque views during the crossing.

During summer months, operations expand to include dinner cruises and private charters departing from Burlington, featuring special trips such as those for viewing the Independence Day fireworks along the Burlington waterfront.

Charlotte–Essex

The Charlotte–Essex ferry runs throughout the year except when thick ice conditions prevent navigation. This route became a year-round service in 1998 and has maintained near-continuous operation aside from two winter seasons. Prior to the 1929 opening of the Champlain Bridge, this route served as the primary means for crossing the lake.

Burlington–Port Kent

Operating seasonally across the lake’s widest section with crossings lasting about one hour, the Burlington–Port Kent ferry discontinued service in 2019 and has remained inactive since that time.

Grand Isle–Plattsburgh

Offering nonstop, year-round ice-breaking service with an approximate crossing time of 12 minutes, the Grand Isle–Plattsburgh ferry is a critical route. In 2001, LCTC opposed a proposed bridge replacement project, underscoring the ferry’s ability to fulfill transportation demands. This route achieved a record volume of nearly 807,000 vehicles within a single year.

Crown Point–Chimney Point

Between 2009 and 2011, a state-supported ferry service operated around the clock connecting Crown Point, New York, and Chimney Point, Vermont. This temporary arrangement was in place during the demolition and reconstruction of the Lake Champlain Bridge. The ferry service concluded with the inauguration of the new bridge on November 7, 2011.

Active Ferries

The Lake Champlain Transportation Company manages a fleet that includes six vessels capable of navigating icy conditions:

• Evans Wadhams Wolcott (1988; ice-capable; named in honor of company founders Lewis P. Evans Jr., Richard H. Wadhams, and James G. Wolcott)
• Governor George D. Aiken (1975; named after Vermont’s governor and U.S. Senator George Aiken)
• Grand Isle (1953; refurbished and lengthened in 1995; ice-capable; serves the Charlotte-Essex route)
• Northern Lights (2002; styled to resemble the steamer Ticonderoga; utilized for scenic tours and private charters under the "Lake Champlain Cruises" brand)
• Plattsburgh (1984; ice-capable; named after Plattsburgh, New York)
• Valcour (1947; constructed from World War II surplus materials at Shelburne Shipyard; the final ferry built on Lake Champlain)
• Vermont (1992; ice-capable)
• Cumberland (2000; ice-capable; named for its ferry slip location at Cumberland Head, NY)
• Raymond C. Pecor Jr. (2010; named in honor of former company president Raymond Pecor, father of current president Trey Pecor)

To enhance environmental performance and operational efficiency, the company secured roughly $600,000 through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding via the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program aimed at reducing ferry emissions.

Retired Ferries

Among the notable ferries formerly operated by LCTC are:

• Adirondack
  • Launched in 1913, it held the distinction of being the oldest double-ended ferryboat still in service until its retirement.
  • Decommissioned and scrapped in 2022.
• Champlain
  • Built in 1930 and also served as a charter cruise vessel under "Lake Champlain Cruises."
  • Scrapped in 2022.
• Charlotte
• Essex
• Mount Marcy

Historical Background

From approximately 1820 through 1850, Lake Champlain was serviced by around five horse-powered ferry crossings. The discovery of the Burlington Bay Horse Ferry wreck in 1983 highlights this early mode of transport. Horse-drawn ferries reached their height during the 1830s and 1840s before steamboats replaced them by the mid-19th century.

An online historical record details vessels owned by Lake Champlain Transportation Co. spanning from 1948 to 2010, illustrating changes in its fleet composition and operational approach.

Icebreaking Operations on Lake Champlain

Winter conditions frequently cause Lake Champlain to freeze over, interrupting ferry operations on longer routes such as Burlington to Port Kent. Conversely, the shorter crossing between Grand Isle and Cumberland Head remains accessible for significant vehicular traffic, justifying efforts to maintain service there. Ferries assigned to this route are equipped with reinforced hulls and propellers designed to break through ice, allowing continuous passage through thin or fragmented ice fields and keeping a navigable channel open throughout winter.

Historically, ferries made limited overnight trips during winter months to prevent solid ice formation. Today, scheduled overnight sailings operate continuously to guarantee uninterrupted transit across the lake during freezing conditions.

Charitable Contributions

Between 2006 and 2008, Lake Champlain Transportation emerged as the primary donor to the Pecor Family Foundation, providing more than $250,000 in support. This foundation funds prominent organizations such as the American Cancer Society and United Way, along with academic institutions like the University of Vermont and Champlain College.

See also

• List of icebreakers
• Maritime Transportation Security Act

References

• Lake Champlain Ferryboats