Tours and Guided Trips in the Lakes Region

There are two ways to see the Lakes Region. You can drive the shoreline roads, stop at the town beaches and catch glimpses of the water between the trees. Or you can let someone who knows the lakes take you out on them, or over them. A guided trip is often the fastest way to understand a place as big as Lake Winnipesaukee, and it takes the planning, the navigation and the gear off your plate. This guide covers tours in the Lakes Region NH that make sense year after year, from seaplane flights to private boat charters, fishing guides and a trolley tour of Wolfeboro, all from businesses in our directory.

Seasons, schedules and prices change, so check each operator's site before you book.

Why take a tour in the Lakes Region

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, about 21 miles long and from 1 to 9 miles wide, covering roughly 69 square miles, with a maximum depth of 180 feet. Its open center is called The Broads. A lake that size is hard to take in from shore, and it is dotted with islands, coves and bays that most visitors never see. Squam Lake, smaller and quieter, sits to the northwest.

A guided trip solves several problems at once. You do not need to own or rent a boat, you do not need to learn the lake's channels and hazards, and you get a local's eye for what is worth seeing. For families and groups, a private charter also means everyone can relax instead of one person spending the day at the helm.

From the air: Epic Seaplane Adventures

Epic Seaplane Adventures is based in Tuftonboro and offers scenic seaplane flights and charters. Its signature aircraft is a restored 1952 deHavilland Beaver, a classic bush plane, and the company has offered flights departing from Weirs Beach as well as private flights and pickups around the region. The company also offers private and charter flights, so a group can plan its own trip.

The company has also offered Beaver flights from the Lopstick Lodge in Pittsburg over First Connecticut Lake, which is worth knowing if your travels take you north.

A seaplane flight is short compared to a boat trip, but it gives you the whole lake in one view, which is something you cannot get any other way. It is a good choice for a special occasion or for anyone who wants to understand the shape of the lake before spending time on it.

On the water: Drift Winnipesaukee

Drift Winnipesaukee offers private, captained boat charters on Lake Winnipesaukee. Its boat is a 27-foot Sea Ray bowrider that seats up to 12 guests and comes equipped with coolers, a sound system, a bathroom, and floats and rafts. Charters include pickup and drop-off around the lake, with locations such as Alton Bay, Laconia, Meredith, Gilford and Moultonborough listed by the company, and itineraries can be customized.

That flexibility is the main appeal. Rather than joining a set route, you plan the day around what your group wants, whether that is swimming in a quiet cove, a sunset cruise or a celebration. Drift markets its charters to families, couples and groups, including bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Guided fishing: Guiding Light Fishing Charters

Guiding Light Fishing Charters is a full-time, four-season fishing guide service based in Wolfeboro. It runs guided trips on both Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake, with options that include bass fishing on the big lake and early morning outings on Squam, and it has offered ice fishing trips in winter. The guide provides the equipment and shows you how to use it. You bring appropriate clothing, your food and a valid New Hampshire fishing license.

A guided fishing trip is a good choice for beginners and for experienced anglers who want to learn a new lake. Local guides know where the fish are in a given season, which can make the difference between a long morning and a memorable one.

On land: Wolfeboro Trolley Company

Wolfeboro is a town in Carroll County and a resort area on Lake Winnipesaukee. Wolfeboro Trolley Company runs narrated hop-on, hop-off tours of the town in season, as well as private charters for weddings, concerts, shuttles and parties. The trolley, known as Molly, is a familiar sight in town.

A trolley tour is an easy, low-effort way to get oriented in Wolfeboro, especially for visitors with young children or anyone who would rather not walk long distances. Check the company's site for the current tour season.

Choosing the right trip

For a once-in-a-trip view, book a seaplane flight.

For a group day on the lake, a private captained charter lets you set the plan.

For anglers, a guided fishing trip makes the most of limited time on the water.

For an easy introduction to a lake town, a narrated trolley tour covers the highlights without a car.

You can also combine them. A morning fishing trip followed by an afternoon in Wolfeboro, or a seaplane flight followed by a boat charter, makes for a full and varied day.

Tours through the seasons

Summer is the peak season for lake tours, with warm water and long days. Early fall can be just as good, with fewer crowds and changing leaves along the shoreline, though some operators wind down their schedules after the summer. Winter brings a different kind of guided trip on the lakes, such as ice fishing, when conditions allow. Whatever the season, the best plan is to contact the operator directly and ask what they are running and when.

Booking tips

Book ahead in summer. Small operators have limited capacity, and summer weekends fill first. Booking early gives you more choice of dates and times.

Ask about weather policies. Seaplane and boat trips depend on wind and weather. Ask how the operator handles cancellations and rescheduling before you book.

Know what to bring. Sunscreen, a hat, a light layer and water are good basics on the lake. For fishing, confirm whether you need your own license, which Guiding Light requires.

Confirm the pickup point. Lake Winnipesaukee is big, and the drive between towns can take longer than expected. Make sure you know exactly where to meet.

Tip your captain or guide. It is customary for private charters and guided trips, and these are often small, local businesses.

Other ways to explore

The Lakes Region has plenty of self-guided options too, from public beaches and state parks to hiking trails with lake views. A guided trip on one day and a self-guided day on another is a good balance for most visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take a seaplane tour of Lake Winnipesaukee?

Yes. Epic Seaplane Adventures, based in Tuftonboro, offers scenic seaplane flights and private charters over the lake.

Are there private boat tours on Lake Winnipesaukee?

Yes. Drift Winnipesaukee offers private, captained charters with pickup at several locations around the lake.

Do I need a fishing license for a guided trip?

Guiding Light Fishing Charters asks guests to bring a valid New Hampshire fishing license. Check with any guide before your trip.

Is there a trolley tour in Wolfeboro?

Yes. Wolfeboro Trolley Company runs narrated hop-on, hop-off tours in season and private charters.

Sources

• Lake Winnipesaukee, Wikipedia (size, depth, The Broads): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Winnipesaukee
• Squam Lake, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squam_Lake
• Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfeboro,_New_Hampshire
• Epic Seaplane Adventures official site and Lopstick Lodge page: https://www.epicseaplaneadventures.com/lopstick-lodge
• Union Leader, The best views of the lake come from the air: https://www.unionleader.com/nh/travel/attractions/the-best-views-of-the-lake-come-from-the-air/article_3368bcbc-2746-11ef-b1c4-77c78971dcdc.html
• Visit NH, Epic Seaplane Adventures listing (Tuftonboro): https://www.visitnh.gov/business/detail/1454
• Drift Winnipesaukee official site: https://www.driftwinnipesaukee.com
• Guiding Light Fishing Charters official site: https://www.guidinglightfishing.com
• Wolfeboro Trolley Company official site: https://www.wolfeborotrolley.com