The Bourne Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal

The Cape Cod Canal is the first thing that you see when you drive to Cape Cod. When it was built in 1914 it changed us from a 60-mile piece of land sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean into an island. Most people don’t think of Cape Cod as an island until they try to get to us on a busy Friday afternoon. There are only two ways to drive on and off Cape Cod – the Sagamore and Cape Cod bridges. That’s four lanes on and four lanes off. 

The canal was built so that merchant ships could avoid the dangerous waters off of Provincetown. It also provides a more direct route between Boston and other east coast seaports. While shipping time and safety were the reasons for the construction of the canal, most people view the Cape Cod Canal as a recreation area.

There are wide paved walkways on both sides of the canal. They are popular spots for walkers, runners and bicyclists and lots of dog walkers We all manage to peacefully co-exist as we get our daily exercise. You’ll also find convenient public restrooms. You’ll also see lots of fisherman sitting along the banks. I’ve been told that it’s one of the best fishing spots on Cape Cod – especially when the “stripers are running.” There are benches for you to sit on if you need a rest. Many of us just make ourselves comfortable on the grass as we watch the boats and large ships go by.

Seafood Sam's Restaurant at the Cape Cod

If you find yourself getting hungry there’s several options for you. You can have an elegant lunch or dinner at the Aqua Grille, with its excellent marina view. For a more casual and family-friendly atmosphere, try Seafood Sam’s. They have a great open air balcony that you can sit on and enjoy the Canal View. Buy your fresh seafood at Joe’s Lobster Mart (a canal-side tradition since 1971) and take it back home for a delicious seafood grill or barbecue.The Sandwich Marina is the focal point of the recreation area. Just visiting it and looking at all of the boat names makes me feel like I’m on vacation. My favorite boat name lately has been Luna-Sea. That describes the way many of us feel about boating and sailing on Cape Cod. During the winter, most of the boats come out of the water and are stored nearby. You’ll see both recreational boats and commercial fishing vessels. Sandwich Marina on the Cape Cod Canal

Sandwich Marina on the Cape Cod Canal

There’s even a tot lot childrens’ playground, where you can let the kids blow of steam, while you relax. If you’d like to learn more about the history, construction and operation of the Canal be sure to stop in at the Canal Visitor Center. It’s run by the Army Corps of Engineers and is open for the summer, generally from May to October, with FREE Admission. There’s a 41-foot US Army Corp of Engineers patrol boat for the kids, a continuously-playing documentary about the history and ecology of the Cape Cod Canal. You can also see real-time radar images of the canal. And when you need a rest, check out the rocking chairs on the back deck.

All in all the Cape Cod Canal Recreation Area is a great place for a family to spend an afternoon. You can walk along the canal, watch the boats, let the little kids play in the tot lot, learn some interesting facts about the Cape Cod Canal, and eat some great food. And most of it is FREE!