Discover the natural splendor, vibrant towns, and cultural history of the Great Lakes as you cruise from Montreal to Lake Michigan. Sail through the St. Lawrence Seaway, one of the world’s great technological and engineering achievements with its many locks, and enjoy the scenic vistas of the Thousand Islands. Spend a day visiting Kingston’s many cultural sites, then transit the eight locks of the Welland Canal, the gateway to Niagara Falls. From here, cruise Lake Erie and spend a day in Detroit; savor sunsets upon Lake Huron; enjoy a train ride through the dramatic scenery of the Agawa Canyon; and explore beautiful Mackinac Island, a Victorian-era haven. Make stops along the shores of Lake Michigan as you cruise to the magnificent city of Chicago.
Time is precious, and that is one of the things this cruise gives you - the opportunity to experience the unhurried rhythm of life along the lakes. You won't be rushed from one site to another, instead you'll enjoy the leisure time to stop for lunch at a lakefront restaurant or chat with an artist in a gallery.
Watch a short preview:
Extraordinary Speakers
Throughout this cruise, travel in the company of a team of exceptional Extraordinary Speakers. William Cogar spent over 15 years as a Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy and served as Vice President for Collections and Research at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. Adam Watson is a post-doctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, specializing Native American societies. Miles Hearn is a nature lover who has been leading birding surveys and studies for the Canadian Wildlife Research Centre for over 30 years.
Special Highlights
Enjoy cruising along the scenic St. Lawrence Seaway and through four of the Great Lakes.
Experience the wonder of the St. Lawrence Seaway, a system of lakes, canals, and locks that provide a deepwater passage from the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario, as well as the technology of the Welland Canal as your ship passes through the many locks from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.
Stand in awe at the majesty of Niagara Falls and other wonders of natural history, including Presque Isle, identified by BirdWatching magazine as one of the top ten birding spots in the country.
Experience American and Canadian history through visits to such sites as the historic landmarks of Ontario's Kingston, the Henry Ford Museum, an outstanding maritime museum, and the picturesque, Victorian-era Makinac Island.
Enjoy an exciting ride along the sand dunes in Saugatuck in “dune schooners,” specially designed dune buggies.
Don't forget to check out our photo slide show to glimpse the excitement of this special program!
View photos by clicking "Next Photo" at top of page!
