Viking Expeditions Cruises – Great Lakes Collection (Canada, United States) 15 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.

Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Cleveland sits on the shores of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River and is a major port along the St. Lawrence Seaway. This industrial city is also a gateway to the Cuyahoga Valley and its namesake national park, a region of reclaimed nature covering 51 square miles of landscape between Cleveland and Akron. A mix of forests, wetlands and canals, as well as the majestic cascade of Brandywine Falls, the park has more than 125 miles of hiking trails that crisscross the land, including one that runs along the former route of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Shore Excursions – Cleveland by Foot
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes   
Stroll through downtown Cleveland and admire local landmarks before taking a journey through rock ’n’ roll history. Meet your guide and set off for the downtown district. You will pass the many neoclassical buildings that surround the central mall and view the emblematic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument as you stroll through Public Square. Stop for to admire Terminal Tower, the second-tallest building in the world when it opened in 1930. Then, stroll under the more than 300 feet of glass skylight that covers the Victorian-era Arcade. Return to the waterfront for a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which recounts the genre’s history through interactive exhibits and a vast collection of memorabilia. Learn about its early blues and country influences, watch videos on its biggest stars, record a recollection of your own music memories or vote for future inductees.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 – 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.

Scenic Sailing: Soo Locks Transit
The Soo Locks is 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. Opened in 1855 to allow ships to bypass the river’s 21-foot fall over roiling rapids, this innovative lock system—along with the Erie Canal built 30 years prior—was one of the great engineering projects of its day. Today, it guides ships past the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan; its bridge crosses over the Soo Locks, connecting the two cities.

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Thunder Bay is known as “Canada’s Gateway to the West” for its location at the final navigational point on the Canadian side of Lake Superior. Originally founded as a fur trading post, a settlement was established in 1803 and Fort William was erected. In 1970, Fort William and neighboring Port Arthur were merged to form the City of Thunder Bay. Today, it is one of Ontario’s most vibrant cities and a center of art and culture. Its Waterfront District is beloved for its views across the bay of the Sleeping Giant, a long line of mesas that resemble a giant lying on its back.

Shore Excursions – Fort William Historical Park & Kakabeka Falls
Duration: 4 hours
Discover Thunder Bay’s storied history at Fort William and admire the beauty of Kakabeka Falls. Start at Fort William Historical Park and explore the Anishinaabe Encampment, home to Indigenous Peoples of the Anishinaabe nation. Learn about the beginnings of their commercial venture with Fort William and experience history through the eyes of those who lived and worked here. Your guide will regale you with tales from the 19th century, when cultures met and relationships were forged between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous newcomers. Continue along the path to Fort William, where actors in period costumes recreate life at the fort circa 1816. Witness the hustle and bustle of a once active fur trading post and encounter a real-life scenario of its residents. Afterward, visit Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North,” to admire Ontario’s second-highest waterfall.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Thunder Bay
Duration: 1 hour    
Investigate the serene coastline of Thunder 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 Lake Superior. Your Viking specialists will explain the region’s wildlife as they glide across the pristine waters. Admire the scenery around you as you marvel at views of the bay of the Sleeping Giant. 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 boreal forests and lush landscapes of Thunder Bay 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 as you glide across the waters of Lake Superior. Along the way, pause to admire the scenery around you as you marvel at the views. 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 Thunder Bay
Duration: 2 hours 
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 Lake Superior, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Silver Islet, Ontario, Canada
Silver Islet sits on the southern edge of the Sibley Peninsula at the mouth of Thunder Bay. Nearby Sleeping Giant Provincial Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its diverse wildlife and many miles of hiking trails that lead to spectacular views of the Canadian Shield landscape. Less than a mile from its shores are the remnants of an abandoned silver mine. Located 1,200 feet below Lake Superior, this unique underwater mine was the world’s largest and most valuable silver mine, producing the modern-day equivalent of $78 million before flooding in 1884.

Shore Excursions – Kayaking on Lake Superior
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 Lake Superior, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 1 hour     
Experience the wilderness of Silver Islet 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 glide the pristine waters with ease. Along the way, pause to admire the scenery of the rugged shores and boreal forests of the Sibley Peninsula and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world around you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac: Silver Islet
Duration: 45 minutes
Investigate the serene coastline of Silver Islet during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers onto the waters around the Sleeping Giant. Your Viking specialists will explain the region’s wildlife as they navigate the clear waters. Admire the surrounding scenery while you marvel at the rugged landscape of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and the Canadian Shield; you may even pass over the abandoned underwater silver mine. 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 – Sleeping Giant Hike: The Middlebrun Trail
Duration: 2 hours   
Admire sweeping views of Lake Superior from a secluded beach after a hike along the Middlebrun Trail. Located on a verdant peninsula, the 94-square-mile Sleeping Giant Provincial Park derives its name from a formation of tabletop mountains and plateaus that resemble a granite giant in eternal slumber. At the trailhead, meet your knowledgeable guide, who will lead you on a hike along a section of the Middlebrun Trail, toward a sandy beach on the shores of Lake Superior. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds and has resident populations of foxes, lynx, wolves and black bears. As you hike, listen to the compelling story of the park from your guide, as well as the history of the First Nations people who have resided in this region for millennia. Upon arrival at the beach, enjoy striking views of Lake Superior’s coastline, before returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Sleeping Giant Walk: The Sea Lion Trail
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes      
Marvel at the vistas of Lake Superior along the Kabeyun Trail of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Located on a verdant peninsula across from Thunder Bay, this 94-square-mile park derives its name from a formation of tabletop mountains and plateaus that resemble a granite giant in eternal slumber. Your local naturalist will lead you on a walk to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna; more than 200 species of birds, as well as foxes, lynx, wolves and black bears can be found in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. During your 1.2 mile hike, learn about the history of the First Nations people who have resided in this region for millennia. You will pause at various viewpoints, including Perry’s Bay and the unique rock formation of the Sea Lion, to marvel at spectacular views over Lake Superior’s coastline, before returning to your motor coach and back to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Silver Islet by Montreal Canoe
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes   
Paddle the waterways of Silver Islet in a 34-ft Montreal-class Voyageur canoe. Disembark your tender boat and meet your guide where upon arrival, you will don your life jacket and enjoy a short safety briefing. Climb on board your canoe and set out to enjoy the leisurely voyage. Follow the instructions of your knowledgeable guide as you set out to explore the nearby picturesque islands. Depending on the lake conditions, you may reach as far as the Sea Lion, a natural arch formation, or paddle over the mine shaft, as you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Your guide will also regale you with stories of the fur traders and early voyagers who traversed these waters for centuries as you ponder how life was in these parts. After your tour, return to base and back to your awaiting ship.

Duluth, Minnesota, United States
Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom.