The Cape Cod Canal
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Things to do on the Cape Cod Canal - the Bridges, Photos, Videos and History of the Canal
Sagamore Bridge
The most popular way to visit Cape Cod
The Sagamore Bridge is the most popular way to visit Cape Cod. It can easily be found at the end of Route 3 south, and is the unofficial beginning of the Cape Cod peninsula. The Sagamore Bridge is identical to its sister bridge, the Bourne Bridge, however, it receives more traffic on a daily basis than the Bourne. The bridge was constructed between 1933-1935, as the plaque above the bridge states. From the top of the bridge, you can view the length of the canal and the eastern entrance in Sandwich. It can be reached via the sidewalk over the bridge (which is very small.). Heading south over the bridge, you will be on Route 6 east, which ends in Provincetown.
The bridge is located in the town of Bourne, and is minutes from the towns of Plymouth and Sandwich.
A great way to see the Cape Cod Canal is through one of the cruises that depart from Onset, MA, part of Wareham. These run from Memorial Day to past Labor Day and offer views of all three bridges and much of the Elizabeth Islands to the southwest.
Bourne Bridge
The western auto bridge on the Cape Cod Canal
The Bourne Bridge is the lesser traveled of the two auto bridges that cross the Cape Cod Canal. It is identical in every way to the Sagamore Bridge, except for a slightly longer ramp leading up to the bridge, making it appear longer. The Bourne Bridge is a good decision as a route if you're headed towards the Cape, since it is slightly less congested. Passing over the bridge, you'll come to the Bourne Rotary. You can head east on Shore Road to follow the canal, or head south towards Falmouth on Route 28.
Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge
Cape Cod train bridge - located in Buzzards Bay
The Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge is the most scenic of the three bridges on the Cape Cod Canal. It is located near the western end of the canal, and can be driven to via Main Street in Buzzards Bay (part of Bourne). You can also catch a great view of the Railroad Bridge at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which is directly on the canal. The bridge is not often in use, so when the bridge rises and descends, it's a special occasion. The bridge also marks the beginning of the scenic Cape Cod Canal Service Road on the north side of the canal.
Which Bridge Do You Use?
Vote on which bridge you use over the canal!
Sagamore Bridge vs. Bourne Bridge
Which bridge is better to travel over - the Bourne Bridge or Sagamore Bridge?
Yes, they are both identical in appearance, but which one is better in terms of traffic and views from the bridge?
Which bridge would you recommend other people travel over, Bourne Bridge or Sagamore Bridge?
Bourne Bridge
judy says:
the bourne bridge
Sagamore Bridge
southshoretees says:
If it's off season, pick the Sagamore Bridge. It's much easier to drive to most of Cape Cod via Route 3 to Route 6, which travels to most every town on the Cape. If you're headed to Falmouth, the Bourne Bridge obviously would make more sense, but you can still use Route 6 on the north side of the bridge to get to either bridge.
Boat Traffic on the Cape Cod Canal
Shipping vessels move through the canal
Towns Near the Cape Cod Canal
Find things to do in these adjacent towns to the canal:
These towns are located right next to the canal:
What's Your Favorite Thing to do on the Cape Cod Canal?
Vote for your favorite canal activity!
Hiking, Biking, and Paddling on Cape Cod
Nature excursions on Cape Cod's beautiful areas
"Known for its spectacular coastline and more than 100 miles of bike trails, Cape Cod in Massachusetts is an ideal destination for an activity-packed outdoor vacation. This new book from the Appalachian Mountain Club describes the 50 best hiking, biking, and paddling trips in this beautiful coastal area, including many excursions within the Cape Cod National Seashore."
AMC Discover Cape Cod: AMC's guide to the best hiking, biking, and paddling (Appalachian Mountain Club)
Amazon Price: $9.47 (as of 05/30/2012)
Used Price: $10.75
Find some of the best spots to visit on Cape Cod, from the Cape Cod Rail Trail to the Cape Cod Canal, to the hidden inlets and scenery of Wellfleet.
Drive Through the Cape Cod Canal in 29 Seconds
A boat trip along the canal - sped up FAST!
Where to Park on the Cape Cod Canal
Find parking on the canal at these spots
There aren't too many places to park on the Cape Cod Canal's southern side, but they do exist. Here are spots on both sides that you can find parking:- Across from Bournedale Road on Route 6 in Bourne. This large parking lot fills up quickly in the summer. This lot also has access to the popular Herring Run at the canal.
- At the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, you can find a parking lot on the eastern side of the bridge. Follow Canal St. off of Main St. (Route 6) in Bourne to find a parking lot and access to the Service Road.
- From the Bourne Rotary on Route 28, follow Trowbridge Road to Shore Road, to Bell Road, to the Canal Service Road that leads to a parking lot.
- There are several pullovers on Shore Road in Bourne, on the canal's southern side. Look for pullover spots on the left side if you're heading east.
- The Sandwich Marina and Coast Guard provides access to the canal's eastern entrance.
Links About the Cape Cod Canal
Official websites dedicated to the canal
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Live webcams, photos and information about the Cape Cod Canal can be found on this extensive website.
- Cape Cod Canal Chamber of Commerce
- Find things to do near the Canal and throughout Cape Cod on this website.
- Cape Cod Bike Guide
- Think you're ready for a bike read on the Cape Cod Canal? Learn if this hike is for you, and what you can expect along the ride.
Cape Cod Canal Bike Tour
Up each side of the bridges and Canal Service Roads via bike
Recommended Books About Cape Cod
Cape Cod Books - with great reviews
The Cape Cod Canal and Sagamore Bridge at night.
Cape Cod Canal in the News
The latest about the canal from Google
- Cape Cod bear might have come from Middleboro
- By Alice Elwell State wildlife officials believe the 2-year-old bear that swam the Cape Cod Canal strayed from Middleboro in his quest to find a mate. Jason Zimmer, southeast district supervisor with the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, ...
- GUEST COLUMN: Rearview mirror on Route 6
- BY DON DOUCETTE Dave Granlund's welcome humor "Sagamore Bridge Repairs" editorial cartoon (May 20) caught my eye and caused a chuckle as it is most timely regarding the summer highway frustrations of Cape Cod motorists. The Cape Cod Canal bridge ...
- NRC releases official statement: Entergy's Pilgrim plant
- Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant on the shores of Cape Cod Bay a few miles north of the Cape Cod Canal. Photo courtesy of Entergy from NRC.gov. According to NRC motions to reopen the adjudicatory hearing contesting the license renewal application are ...
- Those who left Cape late faring better in traffic
- Meanwhile, locals have been using shortcuts to off the peninsula, and traffic is reported flowing more smoothly earlier in the dayy off the Bourne Bridge, which is on the western end of the Cape Cod canal.
Bird's Eye View of the Cape Cod Canal
A view from the Goodyear Blimp of the canal
The Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge,in Bourne.
Have You Been to the Cape Cod Canal?
Share a favorite spot, memory, or things to do on the canal!
Have you been to the Cape Cod Canal? Share your favorite places to fish, the best places to get an ice cream or fish and chips, or just tell everyone about the fun time you had at the canal in the guestbook below! Thanks for stopping by!
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CapeCodCanalRat
Dec 6, 2011 @ 10:22 pm | delete
- Great lens! I love fishing the Canal. If you are looking for Cape Cod Canal fishing spots, definitely check out my lens - http://www.squidoo.com/10-best-cape-cod-canal-fishing-spots
Keep up the good work!
Ryan
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mbgphoto May 1, 2011 @ 10:37 am | delete
- Beautiful briges...blessed.
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The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm
A story of the making of the Cape Cod Canal
The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 05/30/2012)
The cradle of New England's shipping doubled as its casket, earning the sailing route around Cape Cod the nickname of graveyard of the Atlantic. From the moment sailors began rounding the Cape, they wished they could sail through it instead. Only after three hundred years of wrecked ships and bureaucratic limbo did August Belmont Jr. arrive- financier of New York's legendary subway system; breeder of one of the world's finest horses, Man O' War; and grandson of one of the world's most famous seamen, Commodore Matthew Perry, who opened Japan to the West.
Modern Marvels: Cape Cod Canal on the History Channel
Buy the DVD from the History Channel!
History -- Modern Marvels Cape Cod Canal
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 05/30/2012)
In a battle against the ferocious Atlantic or safe passage through waters where ships wrecked and lives were lost, it was an engineering feat that many believed impossible. This is the story of the Cape Cod Canal and the men who braved the natural elements and the Great Depression by venturing into new engineering territory.
