Cape Cod Canal

Cape Cod


Cape Cod isn't connected by land to the mainland, but it's not exactly an island, or at least wasn't until the Cape Cod Canal was dug in 1914. The 7-mile-long canal saves ships from having to sail an extra 135 miles around the treacherous tip of the Cape. The canal is also a great recreational resource.

It's bordered on both sides by bike paths that attract not only cyclists but also in-line skaters, power walkers and kids with fishing poles. On a sunny day it looks like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting.

For the lowdown on the canal, stop by the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, near the Sandwich Marina.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cape Cod attractions

1. Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center

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2. Sandwich Glass Museum

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3. Dexter Grist Mill

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4. Hoxie House

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5. Sandwich Boardwalk

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6. Heritage Museums & Gardens

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8. Aptucxet Trading Post Museum

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Explore a slice of the Cape's past at this small, but very informative, museum at the site of a historic trading post.