Cape Cod Canal Part I (Bourne, Cape Cod, MA)

Date Of Visit: August 1, 2020

Location: Bell Rd, Bourne, MA

Hours: Open daily dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking is available at the beginning and end of the trail There are roughly 40 to 50 parking spots in two small parking lots at the beginning of the path of the canal

Highlights: scenic, wildlife, boating, cycling, fishing

Summary: the Cape Cod Canal, constructed from between 1909 and 1914, the 6 miles (on the Bourne side) has some beautiful views and many opportunities for recreational activities or bird watching.

Altjough it’s a haven for cyclists and fishing enthusiasts, the Cape Cod Canal has so much more than just running. cycling and fishing to enjoy along the canal. in fact with its beautiful views and wildlife, the Cape Cod Canal has a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy.

I arrived at the canal just in time for sunrise. Like most places, the canal is so much different during sunrise. It’s almost like it’s a completely different place. It’s so serene and quiet.

One of the bridges, ironically called the Railroad Bridge, was built to transport trains along the canal. It is still in function to this day.

One of the more popular activities on the canal take place in the water. Boaters of all types of water crafts cruise along the canal.

Just be careful to not get too close. I’m sure the boater did this on purpose. But the cool water felt good. Luckily my gear didn’t get wet.

There is also a wide variety of bird life along the canal.

Since there are a lot of fish in the canal the birds spend a lot of time hunting along the canal. And sometimes they find a fish or two.

But birds aren’t the only animals along the canal. If you’re lucky and you look at the right spot at the right time you might see some other surprises.

This seal was swimming in the canal. Since the canal opens up to Cape Cod Bay, it’s not uncommon to see them there.

But the biggest attraction for most of the visitors to the canal is the fishing. In fact, it was pretty hard to find an area to photograph without a fishing enthusiast being in the shot. The fishing enthusiasts do get there early. The canal was pretty packed with them by the time I had arrived at 5:30. One of the people told me he got there at 3:30.

I didn’t see many of the fishing enthusiasts catching anything but colds and the feels.  But this guy did catch one pretty big fish!

And, for those of you who do care he did release it back to the canal.

Most of the fish in the canal are bass, herring, mackerel and whiting as well as other smaller fish.

My favorite part of the canal is the beautiful views along the canal. I walked the entire 6 miles each way and the path is pretty flat. Just be careful of all of the cyclists and runners. And don’t forget to wear comfortable walking or running shoes. The path is closed to motor vehicles.

The canal is dog friendly. I saw this cute 10 month old Alaskan Shepherd Bernese mix named Dorothy along the canal.

The canal has two sides of course. So, stay tuned to the second part of my Cape Cod Canal trip!