Garden Island Guest Reviews

“Garden Island is a staycation and escape all at once. We live in Charlotte and our family has enjoyed Garden Island for more than a decade, staying in several different cottages over the years. Our grandkids love swimming, sand castles on the beach, kayaks, paddleboards, and the ever-fun pedalboat. We bring our own kayaks but share the island flotilla, borrowing paddleboards and canoe. We love to entertain as our friends feel island magic from the moment they step onto the ferry. Yet we are close to home and can pick from our garden, grab the mail, and see our local friends. Garden Island works for us.”

- Elizabeth B.

A man standing on a paddleboard in the water, with people kayaking nearby, under a mostly clear sky with some clouds and a treeline in the background.

“My family and I have been coming to Garden Island since at least 2012. My grandchildren have grown up there. The swimming, boating and comfortable accommodations are perfect. We made good friends. The rides back and forth to the mainland were readily available. I couldn’t ask for more.  Garden Island is my idea of heaven. Thank you for all these years of happy vacations.”

- Lois Y.


“Garden Island is a unique and memorable get-away. The scenery is breathtaking; lake and mountains all around. The waterfront provides a safe area for children of all ages to dip their toes in the water or jump o@ the dock if feeling a bit more daring. A walk around the island allows time for exploration or a quiet moment to appreciate the surroundings. My family and I have wonderful memories of the happiest extended family gatherings on the Island. The Shelbourne Museum, a short car ride away, is another highlight of one of the most beautiful areas of Vermont.”

- Emily L.


“Garden Island holds a special place in the hearts of our entire family. We’ve made memories on Garden Island that we will never forget — from spending time in the water, family meals around the table, to yard games and early mornings by the water. Spending time on the island, away from everyday distractions, is like stepping back in time to when life was just a little slower and we could enjoy spending time together!”

- Gretchen C.


“Garden island is a magical place. Get away from all your day-to-day worries and relax and enjoy all it has to offer. The possibilities for fun are endless… From water sports of all kinds to campfires and s'mores to enjoying the majestical views of the lake and the mountains. Or find a quiet place to read your book. It’s the perfect spot for a family vacation.”
- Joanne B.

A calm lake with a mountain in the distance under a clear sky. The sun is shining brightly, reflecting on the water. In the foreground, there are closed umbrellas, lounge chairs, and paddleboards on the sandy beach.

“Garden island is the perfect place for a multi generational family vacation. You can watch a peaceful sunrise together at the beach, then fill your day in varying groups of different activities and enjoy dinner on the porch together. We always love walking around the island observing how the color of the NY mountains change throughout the day. The Best!”

- Hilary C.

Outdoor dining area with a wooden table set for a meal, overlooking a river with a misty shoreline. The scene features trees and a dock in the background, viewed from under a covered porch.

“The 10 steps from my cabin to Lake Champlain was a dream! Garden Island has a PERFECT location on the lake. Waking up early to kayak around the island sticks with me as a favorite part of my vacation. No need for a cell phone except to take pictures! However if you want to plug back in, there is easy transportation off the island to go and enjoy Burlington too. I highly recommend a week (or two!) relaxing on beautiful Garden Island. I can’t wait to return!”

- Jessica L.

People kayaking and paddleboarding on a calm lake under a clear sky, with a shoreline lined with trees and some houses in the background.

“Garden Island, a place where the clock slows down to the rhythm of the calm lake and the crackle of the wood fire while roasting marshmallows.

Garden Island is a special time for families to reconnect trading the digital hum of the mainland to board games, card games, softball, boat activities and of course fishing.

The sunrises over Vermont hills and the sunsets over the Adirondack mountains are breathtaking!

Beyond all the activities the real gift of Garden Island is the time spent with family and the joy of being together on this unique island.”

- Mary B.

A kid riding a yellow tractor toy pulling a wooden wagon with three children inside, all smiling and waving, in a backyard with green grass and trees.

“Our family returns to Garden Island year after year because it’s become such a special gathering place for us. We often coordinate trips with our extended family, and it’s the perfect setting for reconnecting and making memories together. The kids love the freedom to run, play outside, and spend endless time with their cousins. Every summer we leave already looking forward to the next one.”

- Kim V.

Children playing on a swingset near a lake with trees and mountains in the background.