Lake Sunapee Public Boat Launch

Benjamin Templar

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

If you’re looking for a scenic, relaxed spot in Sunapee, New Hampshire — the Lake Sunapee Public Boat Launch at 29 Lake Avenue is a gem. Nestled right on the pier, it offers one of the most beautiful waterside views you’ll find in the area, across all seasons. Whether it’s the quiet early-morning mist, the bright summer sun, or the soft golden hues of autumn, this pier and the launch give you a front-row seat to nature’s show. Location-wise, it’s perfectly situated: the boat launch sits right at the pier, and just steps away is the restaurant known today as Blue Canoe (formerly “The Anchorage”)—a place with legendary rock-&-roll lore. It’s famously known as the spot where Steven Tyler and Joe Perry (of Aerosmith) first crossed paths back when Joe Perry was working as a cook there. That little historical detail adds a fun layer of character to the visit. What I particularly loved about the boat launch is that it’s very “open.” There isn’t heavy supervision or enforcement — basically, your boat docks, you launch, you enjoy. That freedom means you can truly soak in the setting, wander the pier, maybe bring a coffee or watch boats drift in and out. On the flip side, because it’s so loosely monitored, you’ll want to be mindful — there’s no guarantee of checks for contamination or oversight of every craft, so if you’re very particular about water cleanliness or invasive species, it’s something to consider. Another thing to note: there’s a large boat cruise that operates from the pier near the launch. It’s a two-hour ride aboard a restaurant-boat, departing once or twice daily, meal included. Pricing is high (~$200 per person, last I checked) so it’s more of a treat than an everyday outing. If you catch it on a nice day though, it’s a special experience. But it is $1,000 for 5 people! 🙁 However, one major downside is the cruise ship’s horn. Fifteen minutes before departure, again at departure, and even about half an hour before leaving, they blast an extremely, extremely, extremely loud horn — one that can be heard across the entire Lake Sunapee. And Lake Sunapee is big. If you happen to be near the pier when it goes off, it is genuinely painful and can easily damage your ears. It’s unreasonably loud, almost to the point of feeling careless toward people standing nearby. It’s not just annoying — it’s unhealthy and potentially dangerous for anyone caught in the blast radius. In short: For the pier, the views, the proximity to the Blue Canoe and the boat-launch freedom — Lake Sunapee Public Boat Launch is highly recommended. Whether you’re launching your own craft, strolling the pier, or simply enjoying the waterfront ambiance, it hits all the right notes. Just come prepared (and maybe bring your own gear) and you’ll have a great day — and definitely protect your ears if that cruise ship is scheduled to depart soon.

Kim Whamond

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Went on a cruise around Lake Sunapee. It was a beautiful day and our captain was wonderful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

Angela Sliva

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Beautiful cruise!! Not overly expensive! The Captain was awesome!

Mary Bezon

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

We really enjoyed our cruise around lake Sunapee, a special date with my darling!