Viking Expeditions Cruises – NEW! Great Lakes Treasures (United States, Canada) 10 Days

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Milwaukee was first settled by Europeans in 1818, when French-Canadian fur trader Solomon Juneau arrived. German, Polish and Eastern European immigrants followed, bringing with them a long tradition of beer brewing. For several decades in the 20th century, Milwaukee became the world’s most prolific beer producer. Today, the city is a vibrant center of art, history and culture. The RiverWalk, a pedestrian walkway along the Milwaukee, is a popular spot for enjoying relaxing strolls or viewing public art installations.

Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States
Steeped in the charms of simpler times, Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes. Located in the Straits of Mackinac where Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas are closest and Lakes Huron and Michigan meet, this bucolic haven preserves gilded Victorian-era treasures along car-free streets traversed by horse-drawn carriages. The perimeter road is the only state highway in the US that does not permit motor vehicles. More than 80% of Mackinac is protected as a state park, from its Greek Revival Grand Hotel and British-built Fort Mackinac to its preserved wilderness areas.

Shore Excursions – Mackinac by Horse-Drawn Carriage
Duration: 1 hour     
Discover the historical sights and yesteryear charm of scenic Mackinac Island. A National Historic Landmark, the island has undergone extensive preservation and restoration, including the banning of almost all motor vehicles. You will embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride to view major landmarks. See Fort Mackinac, one of the few Revolutionary War fortresses still in existence. Built atop a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, this former military outpost was the site of two strategic battles during the War of 1812. Admire the elegant facade of the Victorian-era Grand Hotel; a vacation destination for several US presidents, the hotel’s 660-foot-long front porch is billed as the “longest in the world.” Stroll the bustling downtown streets, then enjoy free time to explore the shops or sample the island’s renowned fudge.

Shore Excursions – Mackinac by Foot
Duration: 2 hours     
Take to the streets of Mackinac for a walk that will offer insight into the island’s history, culture and heritage. At the pier, meet your knowledgeable guide, who will offer an insider’s perspective into life on the island as you pass important historical, cultural and architectural sights. Your route will take you by charming Market Street, the bucolic green space of Marquette Park, the island’s bustling harbor, historic Victorian-era cottages and hotels, and Mission Church—built in 1829, it is the oldest surviving church in the state of Michigan. You will also pause to take in the sweeping views from scenic East Bluff. Conclude your tour at a local fudge shop, where you will have an opportunity to sample these tasty local sweets, before returning to the pier and your ship.

Georgian Bay (Killarney), Ontario, Canada
Killarney was founded by a French-Canadian fur trader in 1820; he named the post Shebahonaning, or “canoe passage.” Its location on the northern shore of Georgian Bay made it ideal for trading. Nearby, the stunning cliffs of the La Cloche range rise dramatically above the shores of Lake Huron. These remarkable mountains are the pinnacle of Killarney Provincial Park, a vast wilderness of lakes and Eastern mixed forest. This breathtaking expanse of protected land is laced with hiking trails and—true to Killarney’s original name—canoe routes that link the area’s lake system.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 1 hour    
Experience the beauty of Killarney and Georgian Bay from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. Hold tight for the ride as you whisk across the water, perhaps leaping over the wake of a passing boat. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations and navigate the abundance of islets. Along the way, pause to admire the scenery around you as you marvel at windswept pines and granite islets. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking in Killarney
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes    
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the tranquil waterways of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.  

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Killarney
Duration: 45 minutes 
Investigate the serene coastline of Killarney and Georgian Bay during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of Georgian Bay. Your Viking specialists will explain the region’s wildlife as they navigate some of the 30,000 islets of these pristine waters. Admire the scenery around you as you marvel at windswept pines and towering bluffs. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife and hear about the ecosystems and conservation efforts of the Great Lakes region. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Lighthouse Trail Hike
Duration: 3 hours
Explore the flora and fauna of Georgian Bay during a hike along the scenic Lighthouse Trail. This approximately 3-mile trail provides hikers with panoramic views of the open waters of the bay and its rugged pink granite shoreline. Meet your knowledgeable guide and set off on foot beneath a forest canopy of white birch, red and white pine, and red maple trees. Admire the striking blend of colors and textures of your surroundings that are home to numerous songbirds, such as white-throated sparrow, hermit thrush, the pileated woodpecker and the osprey. Learn about the history of the area as you continue along the rugged coastline to the lighthouse. Here, admire the vistas over the bay, Manitoulin Island and the boat traffic navigating the Killarney Channel. Afterward, you will return along the same path, then transfer to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Trek the Chikanishing Creek Trail
Duration: 2 hours     
Follow the rugged granite and quartz rock pathways of the Chikanishing Trail as you marvel at stunning vistas. The landscapes of Killarney are diverse, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, and the pink shores of Georgian Bay. Meet your guide and embark on a short motor coach ride to the starting point of your trail hike. At every turn, spectacular views will greet you. During your trek across the challenging terrain, your guide will explain the geology of the region and local wildlife; the lush vegetation provides the perfect habitat for numerous small mammals, such as mink, racoons and squirrels. The Group of Seven, famed for their wilderness landscape paintings, recognized Killarney’s immense beauty and campaigned to preserve its wild environment. Some of Georgian Bay’s most pristine sights grace the canvases of their works.

Shore Excursions – Fish Fry Lunch
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes 
Savor a delicious “fish fry” amid the Canadian wilderness at the Killarney Mountain Lodge. Depart your ship and head to the pink granite shores of the Killarney Channel, where your outdoor kitchen awaits at the Killarney Mountain Lodge. Here, you will take a seat and sit back and relax while your chef gets to work. A “fish fry” is a tradition in the Great Lakes region with every city adding their own take. Whitefish is generally the fish of choice in this region, and has been commercially fished from the deep waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay for centuries. Enjoy the mouthwatering smells as your lunch is prepared and sip on a chilled beverage. Your Great Lakes delicacy of freshly caught white fish, accompanied by crisp hand-cut fries and homemade slaw, will be served for you to enjoy as you soak up the views. Your appetite sated, return to your awaiting ship.

Georgian Bay (Frazer Bay), Ontario, Canada
Frazer Bay is located off a remote finger of land on the eastern tip of the North Channel in Ontario’s Georgian Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its eponymous hill reaches almost 600 feet, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The bay lies near Killarney Provincial Park, a vast wilderness of lakes and Eastern mixed forest framed by glacier-sculpted pink granite cliffs. Across the channel lies scenic Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater lake island and itself home to another 108 freshwater lakes—some with islands of their own.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Frazer Bay
Duration: 45 minutes     
Investigate the serene coastline of Frazer Bay and Georgian Bay during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of Georgian Bay. Your Viking specialists will explain the region’s wildlife as they navigate some of the 30,000 islets of these pristine waters. Admire the scenery around you as you marvel at windswept pines and towering granite and quartzite bluffs. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife and hear about the ecosystems and conservation efforts of the Great Lakes region. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking in Frazer Bay
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes  
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in as you journey along the tranquil waterways of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Shore Excursions – AJ Casson Peak Hike
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes     
Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Shield on a hike to AJ Casson Peak. The picturesque Baie Fine—the world’s largest freshwater fjord—has inspired artists for generations, including AJ Casson. A founding member of the renowned Group of Seven landscape painters, Casson immortalized this striking wilderness in many of his works, such as the Baie Fine Entrance (1947). Come ashore and follow your Viking Expedition Team guide along a steep and rugged trail up onto a ridge of the La Cloche Mountains, its white quartzite rock dating back 1.88 billion years. As you ascend more than 500 feet up the ridge, admire the sweeping views overlooking Baie Fine and Frazer Bay. At the peak, enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the North Channel of Georgian Bay as it feeds into Lake Huron, before descending and returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Okeechobee Trail Hike
Duration: 2 hours   
Retrace the steps of pioneering fur traders and Indigenous Peoples as you hike along the peninsula. Overlooking Lake Huron, between McGregor Point and Frazer Point, your hike begins from Okeechobee Lodge. Lace up your boots and set off with your guide on a hike along a well-marked trail. Your route will take you across sandy beaches and through bucolic woodlands up to the summit, where you will pause to gaze over stunning vistas. Admire the striking natural beauty around you, learning about the local history and geology of the area—an interesting rock inscription tells a native story—as well as keeping watch for signs of local wildlife, such as birds and small mammals. At the end of your hike, return to your awaiting ship.

Fathom Five National Marine Park, Ontario, Canada
Fathom Five National Marine Park is nestled between the waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Its rugged landscapes offer a picturesque backdrop to the blue-tinged waters that are a popular destination for scuba divers to explore an array of sunken shipwrecks. Nearby Flowerpot Island is famed for its rock formations and historic lighthouse, with hiking trails that showcase a wealth of treasures. The Saugeen Ojibway People are collaborating with Parks Canada on an environmental project to protect the freshwater ecosystem, for today and beyond.

The Benjamin Islands, Ontario, Canada
A series of pink granite islands known for their natural beauty, the Benjamin Islands lie toward the eastern end of the North Channel. Dramatic landscapes that were sculpted by glaciers provide a picturesque rocky refuge for visitors to its shores. The harbor is formed by two principal islands, the North Benjamin and South Benjamin, which are enveloped by a number of smaller islets. The surrounding waters are tranquil and crystal clear, offering the perfect opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife from the water, including bald eagles and various fish species.

Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, United States
Founded by French missionaries in 1668, Sault Sainte Marie is Michigan’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the US. It is also home to the famous Soo Locks, a series of parallel locks that make river travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron possible, thereby linking Superior to the lower Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 1855 to allow ships to bypass the St. Marys River’s 21-foot fall over roiling rapids, this innovative lock system was one of the great engineering projects of its day. Today, it guides ships past Sault Sainte Marie and its twin city in Ontario.

Shore Excursions – Soo Locks
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes   
Gain insight into the fascinating history and operation of the famous Soo Locks. Stroll to the pier, meet your guide and board your vessel for an up-close experience with the Soo Locks. As you traverse the water, discover how the locks work, the boats that transit them and the role of the US Army Corps of Engineers in their building and maintenance. Continue beyond the locks to admire the beautiful surroundings as your guide shares insights about the enduring significance of this part of the St. Mary’s River. Next, head to Museum Ship Valley Camp, a 20,000 square foot museum housed in a freighter, to enjoy a variety of exhibits including aquariums, the former crew quarters and the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial and Exhibit. Conclude your visit with free time before taking in the views of ships passing through the lock system as you return to your ship.

Door Peninsula (Algoma), Wisconsin, United States
Algoma is the gateway to the scenic Door Peninsula, a slender limestone peninsula projecting out into Lake Michigan. It was first explored by French missionaries and fur traders during the 17th century. According to legend, Jean Nicolet believed his encounter with the Menominee Tribe was a meeting with Asians of the Far East. The peninsula is also the westernmost edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a prehistoric ridge that stretches more than 650 miles across the Great Lakes region, and is home to boreal forests, rugged rock formations and sandy beaches.

Shore Excursions – Green Bay & Lambeau Field
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes   
Discover Green Bay during a panoramic drive to a beloved football shrine, Lambeau Field. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through serene farmland en route to Green Bay. Your guide will regale you with stories about the city’s history while pointing out important landmarks during a brief sightseeing interlude before arriving at Lambeau Field. This iconic football stadium has been home to Packers since 1957. Visit the on-site Hall of Fame, where state-of-the-art displays and a trove of artifacts tell the story of Packers, winners of 13 world championships. See a replica of famed coach Vince Lombardi’s office, then continue your tour. Stroll through the atrium, premium seating levels, south end zone loft and players’ tunnel. Enjoy an opportunity to stand at field level, imagining the excitement, noise and energy of Sunday game day.  

Chicago, Illinois, United States
A cultural hub renowned for its world-class museums, including the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is an expansive metropolis with a magnificent skyline that stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan. Numerous sandy beaches offer the perfect spot to while away a sunny day. For nature lovers, Rainbow Beach features a dune habitat which provides an important stop for migrating birds; more than 250 species have been recorded here. Jazz and blues, a rich history, and the famed Chicago-style pizza round out this sophisticated Midwestern city.

Shore Excursions – Chicago by Foot
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes   
Discover Chicago during a panoramic walking excursion along its Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile. Meet your guide at the pier and board a shuttle for the brief journey to the downtown area. Take in the sights, from towering skyscrapers to riverfront bars and restaurants, and the bustling boat traffic navigating the Chicago River. Gain insight into the history of the “Windy City,” from its days as the “land of stinky onions” to a modern-day metropolis. At the bridge, cross the river and continue along the world-famous Magnificent Mile, a grand boulevard lined with stunning architecture and upscale shopping opportunities. Cap your tour with a stop at the John Hancock Center, where you will ascend to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, a tilted glass lookout 1,030 feet above the street, for sweeping views over the city. Afterward, return to your ship via a shuttle service. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.