Viking Expeditions Cruises – NEW! Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures (Canada, United States) 17 Days

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Toronto is beloved by many as one of Canada’s boldest and most innovative capitals. Hugging the shores of Lake Ontario and facing the picturesque Toronto Islands, it was founded by British loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in 1793. Today the city is a pleasure to explore on foot, whether strolling past the Victorian bay-and-gable homes of Rosedale, or the historic enclave of Wychwood Park, an Ontario Heritage Conservation district. The city’s Distillery District is home to North America’s largest preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture.

Welland Canal
The Welland Canal is one of Canada’s greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. Built from 1824 to 1833 to bypass the Niagara River and its mighty falls, the Welland comprises eight locks that lift or lower ships a total of 326 feet between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. This vital canal is the spine of the peninsula’s trade and industry, with numerous docks receiving ships and roadways crossing the water. Viking’s latest expedition vessels are purpose-built to traverse this impressive waterway, allowing ships to dock safely while navigating this important crossing.

Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario, Canada
Port Colborne proudly proclaims itself the “Gateway to Navigation.” It is also the gateway to North America’s largest and most powerful cascade, Niagara Falls. Epic in its scope and volume, the falls hurl 42 million gallons of water down 20 stories every minute. Its mile-wide length straddles the Canadian and US borders and is split by islands into three smaller cataracts: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls. Long a storied destination for young honeymooners, today the mighty torrent is a thrill for visitors.

Shore Excursions – Niagara Discovery
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes  
Admire the power and majesty of nature during an excursion to view the world-famous Niagara Falls. Retreating glaciers and meltwater combined to create the falls—Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil—at the end of the last Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago. Reaching heights of up to 187 feet and measuring 2,590 feet wide, an astounding 600,000 gallons per second wash over Horseshoe, the tallest of the falls. From your berth at Port Colborne, travel north through the Canadian countryside of the Niagara Peninsula to the falls, which straddle the border between the United States and Canada. Take a walk along the top of the gorge, gazing down in awe at the thundering waters as they cascade over the edge of the falls. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Point Pelee, Ontario, Canada
Point Pelee is a pristine area that points into Lake Erie from Ontario, tapering off to a fine point before disappearing into the waters. The peninsula comprises woodlands and the largest freshwater marshes on the Great Lakes. It was proclaimed a national park in 1918 and is further protected by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty that protects wetlands. Located at the convergence of two major bird migration flyways, about 350 species have been recorded here. Boardwalks deliver visitors into this unique ecosystem of vast, open vistas and wave-kissed shores.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Point Pelee
Duration: 45 minutes    
Admire the untamed beauty and seemingly endless beaches along Point Pelee’s shores during a 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 Lake Erie. Your Viking specialists will explain the region’s wildlife as they navigate the waters of this vast national park. Admire the scenery around you as you marvel at vistas of the woodlands of Canada’s southernmost point. 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 – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 1 hour 
Experience the beauty of Point Pelee National Park 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 race 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 see where migratory birds tend to gather. Along the way, pause to admire the scenery around you as you marvel at vistas of the surrounding woodlands. 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 Point Pelee National Park
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 by Zodiac 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 Lake Erie, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Detroit, Michigan, United States
Detroit sits on one of the four straits that link the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway and has emerged as a city rich in culture. In 2015, it became the first US city to earn designation as a “City of Design” by UNESCO for its creativity in urban development. Detroit was founded as a fort in 1701 and later grew into the epicenter of the US automobile industry. Today the city is beloved as the birthplace of Motown, a portmanteau of “motor” and “town.” Its waterfront reveals remarkable examples of postmodern and art deco skyscrapers.

Shore Excursions – Henry Ford Museum of Innovation
Duration: 4 hours    
Explore the history of American achievement during the 20th century at the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation. Founded by famed automobile manufacturer Henry Ford, the museum contains an extensive collection of historically significant artifacts and Americana that tell the story of 20th-century American society. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you can admire American ingenuity through exhibits showcasing the evolution of presidential limousines during the past century and a replica of the airplane flown by the Wrights at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Enjoy free time to browse the museum’s many culturally important items, such as the limousine President John F. Kennedy was riding in on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, President Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre and the Montgomery bus where civil rights icon Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat in 1955.

Alpena, Michigan, United States
Alpena is in the northeastern region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The town faces Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay and is home to Alpena Light, a brilliant red steel structure built in 1914. After its founding in 1840, fishing and logging were introduced to bolster its economy; today it is home to one of the largest limestone quarries in the world. Two of its architectural gems are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the art deco County Courthouse and the late-Victorian IOOF Centennial Building, once the city’s courthouse.

Shore Excursions – Alpena by Foot
Duration: 2 hours     
Discover the charming downtown of Alpena during a guided walk. Meet your knowledgeable guide and set out to see the sights of the town called the “Sanctuary of the Great Lakes.” You will pass notable landmarks, including the IOOF Centennial Building, a well-preserved example of late Victorian-era commercial architecture, as well as a number of historically significant and uniquely shaped buildings that tell the story of the development of Alpena. Learn the story behind the inspiring murals on display throughout the downtown district and gain insight into local life in Alpena. Cap your walk with free time to explore the displays and artifacts at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, including an immersive storm experience while standing on the deck of a full-size replica of a schooner. Afterward, you will walk back to your ship.

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.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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.

Shore Excursions – Highlights of Milwaukee
Duration: 4 hours           
See the sights of Milwaukee, on the shores of Lake Michigan, during a panoramic excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set out by motor coach to delve into the city’s past and present. Your guide will regale you with historic tales of the first European settlers who arrived on these shores during the early 19th-century, creating distinctly German, Irish, Polish and Italian neighborhoods. Stop in front of the Milwaukee Art Museum to behold the stunning Quadracci Pavilion, a winged structure designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Learn about the North Point Lighthouse and stop to visit the Pabst Mansion, a grand Flemish Renaissance Revival-styled house built for the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. Cap your tour with a visit to Milwaukee-born Harley-Davidson campus and gift shop, before returning to your ship.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Milwaukee lies on the shores of Lake Michigan at the confluence of three rivers—the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic. For centuries before the arrival of Europeans, the area was inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Potawatomi, Menominee, Fox and Winnebago. In 1647, missionary Jacques Marquette came to Milwaukee’s shores, and fur traders soon followed. The settlement was a secondary trading post until after the Revolutionary War, when Jacques Vieau established the “Milwaukee Outfit” and made the outpost an important stop on the western shores of Lake Michigan.

Shore Excursions – Highlights of Milwaukee
Duration: 4 hours   
See the sights of Milwaukee, on the shores of Lake Michigan, during a panoramic excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set out by motor coach to delve into the city’s past and present. Your guide will regale you with historic tales of the first European settlers who arrived on these shores during the early 19th-century, creating distinctly German, Irish, Polish and Italian neighborhoods. Stop in front of the Milwaukee Art Museum to behold the stunning Quadracci Pavilion, a winged structure designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Learn about the North Point Lighthouse and stop to visit the Pabst Mansion, a grand Flemish Renaissance Revival-styled house built for the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. Cap your tour with a visit to Milwaukee-born Harley-Davidson campus and gift shop, before returning to your ship.

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 syste

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.

Shore Excursions – Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Duration: 6 hours      
Discover the perilous history of maritime transport on the Great Lakes during a visit to a shipwreck museum. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum works to further the exploration and preservation of the more than 200 ships that “took the deep” in eastern Lake Superior near Whitefish Point, an area known as the “Shipwreck Coast.” Tour the museum, viewing artifacts recovered from local wrecks, including the 200-pound bronze bell from the famous SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank near Whitefish Bay in 1975. Stroll the grounds, where you can see the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on Lake Superior and tour the lightkeeper’s quarters, restored to its 1920-era condition. There are also several other historic buildings on-site, including a restored surfboat house and the Assistant US Coast Guard Chief’s Quarters, where you can watch a short video on the “Mighty Fitz” in its theater.

Shore Excursions – Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Duration: 4 hours      
Delve into Canada’s history of bush flying and forest protection at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Embark on a short drive by motor coach over the Sault Sainte Marie International Bridge into Canada. Housed in a refurbished historic hangar located in downtown Sault Sainte Marie on the north bank of the St. Marys River, the museum is home to nearly 30 airplanes, forest firefighting equipment and interactive exhibits. Upon arrival, explore the many exhibits at your leisure. Watch a short movie detailing the history of airborne firefighting, then get up close and view the collection of floatplanes, bushplanes and water bombers. Feel the adrenaline rush of being in the middle of a raging wildfire at the museum’s 3-D attraction or see if you have what it takes to pilot a bushplane into the rugged Canadian wilderness in flight simulator.

Shore Excursions – Hiawatha Highlands
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes 
Venture into the rugged but beautiful Canadian wilderness during a picturesque hike in the Hiawatha Highlands. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach into Ontario, Canada, to this idyllic conservation area. The Highlands is an attractive year-round destination for outdoor adventurers, its 2,206 acres crisscrossed by 22 miles of nature trails that wind their way through breathtaking scenery. Your knowledgeable guide will lead the way, taking you past diverse forests, creeks, lakes and wetlands that create homes for more than 70 species of birds and 18 species of mammals. Keep watch for the local flora and fauna as you go, while pausing occasionally to admire the natural beauty of your surroundings, such as Crystal Falls, a 50-foot-tall waterfall that cascades more than 160 feet down a hillside. At the end of your hike, you will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – St. Mary’s River by Foot
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes      
Visit Sault Sainte Marie’s shores to discover the importance of the Soo Locks and the city’s storied origins. Meet your guide at your ship and set out on foot through the city, passing by Brady Park, the former site of Fort Brady, and the Jesuit Mission to the Historic Water Street. View the exteriors of prominent buildings, including the Bishop Frederic Baraga House and other local landmarks as you make your way to Soo Locks Park. Here, listen as your guide highlights the critical placement of the original settlement and the vital role the waterways continue to play in the city’s development. Enjoy free time to discover more on your own at the Soo Locks Visitors Center, where you can learn about the expert engineering that was required to construct the locks and observe them in action, watching as freighter ships navigate the waterway. After, return to your awaiting 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.