Beyond the fire ring
Local attractions
Camp is home base — but you're in one of the most beautiful corners of New Hampshire. Here are the lakes, summits, and trails worth a day trip when you want to roam beyond Bartertowne.
Water
Lakes & ponds
Canaan Street Lake
A historic 291-acre lake famous for exceptionally clean water, a sandy town beach, and a shallow boat launch. Swimming, paddling, and quiet mornings.
Mascoma Lake
The Mascoma Lake Natural Area offers hiking, swimming, and boating just down Route 4 toward Lebanon.
Goose Pond & Clark Pond
Quieter state-maintained launches for fishing and small craft — 625 and 104 acres of calm water in the hills.
Up high
Summits & trails
Mount Cardigan
A 3,121-ft bare granite summit with 360° views from Monadnock to the White Mountains and into Vermont. The West Ridge Trail is a classic, family-friendly climb.
Northern Rail Trail
58+ flat, even miles from Lebanon to Boscawen — perfect for walking and biking. The Canaan trailhead on Depot Street has picnic space and easy downtown access.
Bear Pond Natural Area
923 acres of untouched land in the heart of Canaan, open to foot traffic only. Wild and quiet.
Town & seasons
In town & around the calendar
Downtown Canaan & the Town Green
At Routes 4 and 118 — locally owned shops and restaurants, plus band concerts, a farmers' market, and the town-wide yard sale on the common.
Ragged Mountain Resort
A few miles out for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing when winter settles into the Upper Valley.
Canaan Old Home Days
The town's biggest event since 1899 — three days of craft fair, competitions, and a themed parade down Route 4 the first weekend of August.
Canaan Historic District
The 1793 Meeting House and Canaan Street's preserved village — a quiet walk through New Hampshire history.