Last week Boston area news stations shared video of a right whale and her calf meandering along the Cape Cod Canal.

Crowds gathered at the sight.

But as a regular at the Cape Cod Canal, I can attest that almost every day you visit you’ll see something special.

I’d suggest that a day trip to the Canal – for a bike ride, stroll, picnic or just to take it all in – is a must. While you may not see a mama whale and her calf every time, you’ll experience seaside life up close.

In my years of regular cycling along the canal pathways, I’ve seen Tall Ships sail past close enough for the crew to look me in the eye and yell hello, yachts so impressive I’ve often Googled the name to see if the owner is someone famous, fishermen and women of all ages pulling in big stripers from their shore perches, and more.

Any season at all, it’s worth a trip. With very little planning and some basic information, you can pull of an amazing day along the water. Here are some details.

Getting there; parking: The Cape Cod Canal was officially completed in 1916 and connects Buzzards Bay in the west to Cape Cod Bay in the east. You can take in the canal and all it offers from the north side (before either bridge) or the south side (just over the bridge). Both sides have a smooth, lined and pretty much flat walking/biking path that runs seven miles each way.

You can easily park for free, even in the summer. On the north side, the Buzzards Bay end, you can park for free in a large lot just below the famed Railroad Bridge.

At the other end of the north side, prior to Memorial Day, you can park for free at Scusset Beach, which juts out into Cape Cod Bay.

On the South side, your best parking bet is near the Sandwich Marina – free before Memorial Day and somewhat limited after

Once there, there are many ways to enjoy your day.

Walking/cycling: The Canal pathways, maintained meticulously by the National Forestry Service, are a perfect strolling, jogging and cycling spot for all ages and every level.

Cyclists tend to face some wind either one way or the other (as a regular there, I like to check my weather app and park so my first seven miles are into the wind, making the seven miles back feel like a gift).

But even toddlers on trikes can enjoy the ride. It’s easy and safe. Cyclists and walkers tend to know to stay on the proper side of the lines, and most cycllists either use a bell or politely call out “on your left!” before passing you. Dogs must be leashed.

There are plenty of benches along the way for breaks, and the grassy shore of the canal itself is a nice spot to take a rest as well.

Some special things you can experience include:

Seeing the Railroad bridge go up and down. Since 1935, this bridge sits, when all the way up, at 135 feet above the water’s surface. But a few times a day, it lowers down to let trains cross to or from Cape Cod—and it never gets old.

There’s no exact schedule of when it lowers and goes back up, but the Cape Cod Flyer schedule can give you hints. And if you park down that way and spend some time hanging out or picnicking, chances are you’ll see this unique and exciting bridge in action.

Get up close with lots of boats: On cold, pre-summer days, traffic is lighter, but almost every day many interesting boats and ships pass through the canal (the canal cuts a whopping 145 miles of sea travel off a trip).

Often, when Tall Ships are coming to the area (Plymouth Harbor and others) they cut through the canal, giving you and up close look of the ship in action. Barges are a regular thing as well, often from all parts of the world.

And pleasure crafts, from simple to sublime, go through all the time. When there’s an upcoming event like the Newport Jazz festival, it’s prime season to spot yachts up close.

Dining and treats: Either side, you’re close to some great dining and snack choices. For a delicious smoothie, healthy food options and cold, fresh juices, try Vela Juice Bar (https://www.velajuicebar.com) at the Buzzard’s Bay end. Also at Buzzard’s Bay, a perfect post Canal lunch or dinner spot is Mahoney’s on Main (https://mahoneysonmain.net).

And all along, you’ll find ice cream spots, lobster shacks and more.

Early and late day beauty: I’ve seen the sun rise and set on the canal and both are amazing. One day, the clouds reflected the rising sun on the Bourne Bridge and make it look glowing pink – like a promo for the upcoming Barbie movie. And every day, the sun sets behind that Railroad bridge; a breathtaking moment that, I think, is as remarkable as a mother whale and her baby, but more predictable.