Leddy Park

Updated April 16, 2024

## Leddy Park (Burlington, Vermont): Lake Champlain Beach Time + Greenway Access + Ice Arena Details

If you want one Burlington stop that actually works for mixed groups—walkers, cyclists, beach people, birdwatchers, and anyone traveling with kids—Leddy Park is the cleanest “do a lot without overplanning” option in the city’s New North End.

Place details (for your map/app):
– Name: Leddy Park
– Address: 216 Leddy Park Rd, Burlington, VT 05408 Wildways
– Coordinates: 44.503951, -73.2502551 (given)
– Type: Tourist attraction / public park

What makes Leddy different is the combination of Lake Champlain access, an informal trail network through natural areas, and direct connection to the Burlington Greenway, the paved shoreline path that runs about 8 miles from south to north. Wildways

—

## What you can do at Leddy Park (facts you can plan around)

### Swim or hang out by Lake Champlain
Leddy Park includes a beach on Lake Champlain and is recognized as a lakefront green space. Wildways
If you’re building an itinerary, treat this as a beach + picnic + shoreline walking stop that pairs well with an easy bike ride on the Greenway. VT

### Walk shaded trails in the quieter parts of the park
Burlington Wildways describes Leddy as having natural areas ranging from the beach to an upland forest, plus an informal network of trails through less-used, shadier sections. Wildways
That’s your cue that this isn’t just “fields + beach”—there’s legit tree cover when the sun is cooking.

### Use the Burlington Greenway / Island Line Trail connection
The Burlington Greenway is an 8-mile paved multi-use path along Lake Champlain, and it’s part of the broader Island Line Trail system. VT
Wildways also notes you can access Leddy’s trails via the Greenway, and that cyclists will find bike racks and even a trail-side pump/repair station near the arena. Wildways

Practical idea: If someone in your group wants “activity” and someone else wants “sit,” have the movers do a short out-and-back on the Greenway while the rest claim a picnic spot.

### Ice skating and hockey programming at the on-site arena
Leddy is home to the Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena, and the City of Burlington lists it as a full-service arena with:
– a full-size “Standard” ice surface (200 ft x 85 ft)
– a “Studio” rink (87 ft x 66 ft) available mid-September through March VT

If you’re traveling in colder months, this can be the difference between “we’re stuck indoors” and “we did something Burlington-y.”

—

## Getting there, parking, and what costs money

### Parking status (don’t assume—Burlington changes this seasonally)
Burlington’s Waterfront Parking page currently lists:
– Leddy Park: Free
– Paid parking currently not in effect VT

It also states: “Park admission is always free by foot, bike, or other non-motorized transportation.” VT

### Why you should still check before you go (important nuance)
A published 2025 ordinance update spells out that, during the summer season (generally May 15 to Labor Day, or as posted), the City has rules covering motor-vehicle entrance fees for certain parks including Bernard J. Leddy Park, with fees determined annually. Days

How to treat this: parking/entry policy can change year to year; use the City’s parking page as your “source of truth” right before your visit. VT

—

## Dog rules (this is where people mess up)

Burlington’s rules are explicit:
– Dogs are allowed in parks/public spaces but must be on a leash. VT
– Dogs are not allowed on public swimming beaches, including Leddy. VT
– Dog parks are open dawn to dusk. VT

So if someone is planning “beach day with the dog,” split the plan: beach time for humans, then dog exercise elsewhere.

—

## Accessibility, facilities, and low-friction logistics

Wildways lists Leddy Park features including:
– bathroom
– beach
– biking
– birdwatching
– ice skating
– picnic area
– water access Wildways

And the City’s Greenway page confirms seasonal restrooms exist at several points along the path (useful when you’re traveling with kids or planning a long walk/ride). VT

Local-planning tip: If you’re using Leddy as a “reset stop” (bathroom + snack + sit-down), pair it with a short Greenway segment rather than trying to stack too many downtown stops the same day.

—

## A simple, high-success itinerary using Leddy Park

### Option A: 90 minutes (minimal planning, high payoff)
– Arrive, locate bathrooms/picnic area (Wildways lists bathrooms + picnic area) Wildways
– 20–30 minutes beach/lakefront time Wildways
– 30–45 minutes walk a shaded trail segment in the natural areas Wildways
– Quick loop on the Greenway (even 10–15 minutes out/back changes the feel of the visit) VT

### Option B: Half-day (for active travelers)
– Bike the Greenway segment through/near Leddy (8-mile Greenway context for routing) VT
– Stop at Leddy for lake access + picnic
– If it’s cold season: swap the beach block for public skate (arena details + fees are posted on the facility page) VT

—

## Two contextual internal links you can add (swap to match your site structure)
– Planning more Burlington time? Link this: Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont
– Building a walking/biking day? Link this: Burlington Greenway & Island Line Trail Guide

—

## Outdated-data flags (what to verify before publishing)
– Parking/fees: The City currently lists Leddy as free with paid parking not in effect, but ordinances allow seasonal fee frameworks—recheck the City parking page before each season. VT
– Ice arena schedules: Public skate availability is posted and updated by the City; don’t hardcode dates/times in evergreen content. VT
– Dog policies: Beach restrictions are clearly stated by the City; keep this prominent to prevent bad experiences. VT

Key Highlights

Leddy Park

Location

Places to Stay Near Leddy Park

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides