st. anne's shrine

I wasn't impressed by St. Anne's Shrine. It's basically a statue and a pavilion near the lake. There's much more exciting things to do on the islands, you're not missing much if you decide to skip this one.

This is a perfect drive from Burlington, less than an hour. The shrine is right on the water which makes it a great destination for picnicking, sunbathing in modest attire, and camping - all of which are available at the shrine. There is also a small cafeteria with limited hours - be sure to check the website before planning on it!St Anne's Shrine has both a Catholic and an historical focus. Here's a snippet from their website:"From its earliest occupation by the white man, the territory now known as the State of Vermont had been placed under the protection of St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed Mother. As early as 1666, the French erected a Fort and Chapel on Isle La Motte as their southernmost fort against hostile Indian attacks on the settlements in Montreal and Quebec. This was dedicated under the invocation of “la bonne Sainte Anne”. It was here that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first known time in the Northeast, and here too that the first Episcopal visit took place when in 1668, the Bishop of Quebec journeyed by canoe to Fort St. Anne to confirm a number of Indian converts. Although the Fort was abandoned within a few years, the ruins remained a mute witness to the devotion of its builders, which would be reawakened with the establishment of Vermont as a Diocese."This is the place where Samuel de Champlain landed and there is a statue of him on the grounds at the site of his landing. Although there was a French fort on the site for over 200 years, there doesn't seem to be any sign of it left.The open air church is beautiful and peaceful. It's a great place for prayer and deep thinking. I think we'll be back here soon.

I didn't know what to expect after picking up a travel brochure at our inn. As others have mentioned in their review, the Shrine has beautiful grounds and I was surprised at the historical aspect which I also really enjoyed. In addition, the stations of the cross and the crucifix meant the most to my husband and I - all of which are down by the lake. The grounds are simply beautiful and peaceful - one of the highlights of our visit. We walked all around the grounds seeing only a few other people on a recent morning and an outdoor service (mass) had just begun which had a few people in attendance. We also walked along the beach which borders the property. Overall, the flowers, the Shrine, the statues, etc. are meticulously cared for and is open for all to enjoy or to partake in - depending on one's personal preference.

Stopped here while we were touring the Champlain Islands. Nice place to relax and meditate. Right on the lake. Plenty of parking as well as shrines and chapels to pray at. History was interesting and grounds are very nice for walking, sitting, and relaxing. A nice place for some peace and quiet.

Beautiful lakeside Shrine and historic site with lovely chapel and well outfitted visitors center. You can even go swimming right there.

Stopped at the St. Anne Shrine late in the day and caught a beautiful sunset over the Lake. On our return trip the next day the Shrine was open as was the gift shop and history room. The grounds are on either side of the West Shore Road so watch for traffic when crossing. During pilgrimage season the Shrine is much busier with people- a lot of tourist groups stop here for the day. Toward the end of summer the visitors are fewer and those who do come spend more time praying or walking the grounds in reflection or sitting and contemplating in the gazebo. This would be a great destination wedding site, with Mass said out of doors. We attended a service on Saturday evening and it was quite crowded with a lot of out of towners. Worth a detour to see if visiting the Islands.

the shrine was very serene and peaceful.....the statue of Samuel de Champlain lies in the middle of the park and the view of the lake is very beautiful. we ate at the picnic area which is near the lake.

Located by the Samuel de Champlain statue, this religious and very serene scenic spot is a must see. Gift shop and outdoor services held. Parking and beautiful drive thru the Champlain Islands to Isle LaMotte.

I am not able to really review the shrine, but the accommodations for a day trip bicycle rider are very good. I would like to go back and enjoy the spiritual aspect of the Shrine soon.

The shrine itself is sort of matter of fact. The location with its view of the lake is nice, Nice small beach to walk. For me the sense of history is special The statue of Samuel Champlain ties the site to colonial times, the French and Indian Wars and the war of 1812.

St. Anne's Shrine sits on the beautiful Lake Champlain. It is a quiet, peaceful experience with a main chapel and smaller chapel that are covered, several other areas where one can sit and reflect as well as stations of the cross-if your are into that. Bonus is the history of Samuel de Champlain who was the French explorer that named the Lake in 1609. There is also a cafe and gift shop at the location.

It's about the history and the location. We biked over from North Hero -- makes a nice day trip with a scoot around the island. They've got real bathrooms there, too -- great for a pit stop.

location on Lake Champlain. easy drive from our B & B. Peaceful and prayerful too. if you are in that area well worth the drive.

I make a pilgrimmage to St. Anne's Shrine in Isle la Motte, Vermont at least twice a year. I pray to St. Anne and ask her for certain favours especially for the health of my feet. So far so good. I thank God that I have the gift of faith. Just an added note: The cafeteria makes the best tuna sandwiches ever!

A friend (who's a local Vermont resident) insisted on bringing us to this shrine. Thought a 'shrine' meant big, glitzy and touristy. Well, there were certainly visitors from out of town when we were there (it was the Canada Day long weekend so lots of cross-border Quebecers in town), but big and glitzy it wasn't.The main shrine (housing the altar with the tabernacle) is housed in a wooden chapel which opens up to an open air hall of sorts (no walls but had a roof) where the congregation sits for mass. It was wonderful to see multi-generational island residents gathering for the celebration of the Eucharist (btw, the homily by the parish priest - a high-priced Manhattan accountant with a late vocation -- was also profound in its simplicity.)Across a narrow road from the shrine, sparkling Lake Champlain beckons. There are well-kept grounds where stations of the cross are set up with simple crosses anchored by rough hewn stones/boulders from the lake. A wonderful spot for quiet reflection .... and thanksgiving to the Creator who gives us such beauty in nature . This is what a shrine should be!