Audio Guide: Burlington Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Burlington

19th century American romantic poet and writer William Cullen Bryant described Lake Champlain as the most beautiful sheet of water he ever saw.

Burlington, the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont, sits along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, with views stretching toward the Adirondack Mountains. The city was chartered in 1763 by New Hampshire’s colonial governor, Benning Wentworth, during a period of competing land claims in the region.

The origin of the name “Burlington” is not entirely certain, but it is widely believed to honor Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington, a British nobleman known for his patronage of architecture and the arts. Like many colonial place names, it reflects ties to British influence during the 18th century.

Settlement progressed slowly at first due to conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War, but by the late 18th century, Burlington had begun to develop as a small trading and agricultural centre. Its location on Lake Champlain made it a strategic hub for transportation and commerce. During the War of 1812, the lake became an important military route, and nearby waters saw naval activity, including the American victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh.

In the 19th century, Burlington grew into a thriving lumber port, exporting timber harvested from Vermont’s forests. The arrival of the railroad further strengthened its role as a commercial centre, linking it to markets in New York and beyond. The city also became home to the University of Vermont, founded in 1791.

By the 20th century, Burlington transitioned from an industrial economy to a more diverse one focused on education, tourism, and local enterprise.

Walking through Burlington’s downtown, visitors move along the lively Church Street Marketplace, where brick-paved streets are lined with cafés, independent shops, and restaurants. Nearby, landmarks such as the Fletcher Free Library and the Chittenden County Superior Courthouse add a sense of history and civic presence. A short walk leads to Waterfront Park, where open green spaces and lake views create a relaxed connection to nature.

As you follow this walk, take a moment to pause by the water’s edge. With the light shifting across Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks rising in the distance, you may find yourself seeing exactly what captivated Bryant nearly two centuries ago—and understanding why he found this “sheet of water” so unforgettable.