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A Voyage Along the Great Lakes

9 days from $12,610

Aboard a 184-guest small ship

Voyage by Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Straddling the shores of the United States and Canada, the Great Lakes are a freshwater treasure trove of wild islands, unusual geology, and legendary waterfalls. Their intriguing heritage is woven from American Indian culture, French colonists and the fur trade, and maritime traditions. Make your way through four of the five Great Lakes, discovering a wealth of natural wonders and historic sites from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Niagara Falls.

Ocean Cruising

or Call 855-330-1542

Highlights

The Smithsonian Journeys / PONANT Experience: Each cruise will be accompanied by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts. An excursion or activity is included in each port of call. You may have a choice of excursions in many ports, so that you can delve more deeply into subjects that interest you.  

  • Welland Canal: Find a spot on deck to watch as the ship is raised 326 feet through the eight locks of the Welland Canal, which connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
  • Niagara Falls: Ride a boat right up to the spray of Niagara Falls, getting thrillingly close to Horseshoe Falls, then enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Erie.
  • Manitoulin Island: On the world's largest freshwater island, learn about the local First Nations traditions at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, hike the Cup and Saucer Trail for sweeping views, or kayak through wetlands on Kagawong River.
  • Sault Ste. Marie: See the spectacular falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park and trace maritime history at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Or experience the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks at the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Interpretive Center, explore an authentic freighter at the Valley Camp Museum Ship, and navigate the locks on a local cruise.
  • Mackinac Island: Tour this timeless island in a horse-drawn carriage, viewing the iconic Grand Hotel and visiting Fort Mackinac, a 19th-century army outpost.

Please note: The August 19, 2026, August 21, 2027, and August 26, 2028, departures will operate in the reverse direction, from Milwaukee to Toronto. Please find the full itineraries below.

Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

Aug 11–19, 2026: Toronto to Milwaukee

Day 1 — Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Arrive in cosmopolitan Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and settle into your cabin this afternoon. Set sail on Lake Ontario in the early evening. (D)

Le Bellot

Day 2 — Welland Canal

Enter the Welland Canal, known for its 1,377-foot lock, one of the world's longest. Originally built in 1829 and later expanded, the canal opened a shipping route between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Enjoy a leisurely day on board, watching as the ship is raised 326 feet on its way through the eight locks. Arrive in the small port town of Port Colborne early this evening. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 3 — Port Colborne and Niagara Falls, New York

From Port Colborne, set out for one of the most famous sites in North America: Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls that straddle the border between Ontario and New York. Pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, on the drive to the falls. Then board a specially designed vessel for an exhilarating ride to within feet of Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most powerful of the three falls. Spend the late afternoon cruising across Lake Erie. Relax with a book in the library or find a spot on deck to admire the scenery. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 4 — Sailing through Detroit and the St. Clair River

Sail right through Detroit on the Detroit River, an important commercial waterway that follows the U.S. and Canadian border, linking Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron. Enjoy panoramic views of the skyscrapers of Motor City, where Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry and Motown was born. Admire the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river—and two countries. This steel suspension bridge, more than a mile long, was constructed in 1929 and today carries more than 25% of trade between the United States and Canada. Cruise the St. Clair River, which was used by French fur traders to facilitate trade with American Indian tribes in the 18th century. More recently, it has served as an integral part of the Great Lakes Waterway, a conduit for freighters transporting lumber, iron ore, and copper from the Great Lakes region to the cities of the Rust Belt. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 5 — Lake Huron: Parry Sound and Georgian Bay

One of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Huron separates Michigan from Ontario. Its bays and channels offer a variety of coastal landscapes, from lush woodlands and rocky crags to spectacular cliffs. Dock in Parry Sound and set out on the excursion of your choice. Cruise the specially designed Island Queen on Georgian Bay, home to The Thirty Thousand Islands—the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. Navigate this maze of bays, inlets, sounds, and shoals that lie along the southern edge of the Precambrian Canadian Shield. The captain will maneuver close to the islands, allowing for views of forests, wetlands, and rocks, as well as their abundant flora and fauna. Alternatively, visit Killbear Provincial Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. On a nature walk here, learn about the unusual geology of the park and learn to read the signs of glacial scouring. Discover beaches, rugged shoreline, windswept pines, and views of The Thirty Thousand Islands. Learn more about the area’s ecology at the visitor center. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 6 — Little Current and Manitoulin Island

Little Current is the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. Get acquainted with the indigenous Ojibwe people, part of the M’Chigeeng First Nation. Visit the excellent exhibition and art gallery at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation and see traditional crafts like bead working and making dreamcatchers. Take part in a smudging ceremony (a cleansing and healing ritual) and watch a demonstration of a traditional powwow, a Native American social event featuring dances, music, and other activities. Then enjoy free time in Little Current to stroll the waterfront. Or hike the Cup and Saucer Trail to the highest point on the island—about 1,160 feet—and take in incredible views across forests and lakes. Then sample a selection of Canadian wines, beers, and cheeses, along with locally smoked rainbow trout and whitefish. Alternatively, head to the village of Kagawong for a kayaking expedition on the upper Kagawong River. Paddle calm waters through wetlands and keep your eye out for wildlife. Then walk the riverside trail to the viewing platform for Bridal Veil Falls. Stop at a family-owned chocolate business for a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and a chocolate tasting. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 7 — Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Located on the northern coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. After passing through passport control, embark on one of two excursions. Take a scenic drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a visit to the stunning Upper and Lower Falls and enjoy a leisurely forest walk. Continue to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to learn about the maritime history of the area. Visit the lightkeeper's quarters Whitefish Point Light Station, and if you wish, climb the lighthouse tower, in continuous operation for 155 years.

Or drive to the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Interpretive Center to experience the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks. Visit the Valley Camp Museum Ship, a freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years. Its massive cargo holds now contain 20,000 square feet of exhibits, displaying artifacts, paintings, and other items related to the maritime history of Lake Superior. Then board a chartered SOO Locks boat for a cruise to the Soo Locks, where your boat is raised 21 feet to enable it to enter Lake Superior. Return to the harbor via the historic Canadian Lock, and sail past St. Mary’s rapids to Sault Ste. Marie. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 8 — Mackinac Island and Lake Michigan

Step back in time on tiny Mackinac Island, a former fur trading center located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula. Originally inhabited by American Indians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this island still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear, with Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a guided tour of the island. View the iconic Grand Hotel, which has hosted five U.S. presidents, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron from Arch Rock. Then venture into the living museum of Fort Mackinac, the site of an important battle during the War of 1812. See exhibits and re-enactments that illustrate what life was like for the families who lived in this army outpost. This afternoon, sail Lake Michigan past cliffs, beaches, and dunes as far as the eye can see. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 9 — Milwaukee, Wisconsin/Return Home

Disembark in Milwaukee, nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, and transfer to airport for your flight home. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

The majestic Niagara Falls

Slideshow

Aug 19–27, 2026: Milwaukee to Toronto

Day 1 — Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Board the ship in Milwaukee, nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, and settle into your cabin. (B)

Le Bellot

Day 2 — Mackinac Island, Michigan, and Lake Michigan

Step back in time on tiny Mackinac Island, a former fur trading center located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula. Originally inhabited by American Indians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this island still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear, with Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a guided tour of the island. View the iconic Grand Hotel, which has hosted five U.S. presidents, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron from Arch Rock. Then venture into the living museum of Fort Mackinac, the site of an important battle during the War of 1812. See exhibits and re-enactments that illustrate what life was like for the families who lived in this army outpost. This afternoon, sail Lake Michigan past cliffs, beaches, and dunes as far as the eye can see. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 3 — Sault Ste. Marie

Located on the northern coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. After passing through passport control, embark on one of two excursions. Take a scenic drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a visit to the stunning Upper and Lower Falls and enjoy a leisurely forest walk. Continue to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to learn about the maritime history of the area. Visit the lightkeeper's quarters at Whitefish Point Light Station, and if you wish, climb the lighthouse tower, in continuous operation for 155 years.

Or drive to the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Interpretive Center to experience the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks. Visit the Valley Camp Museum Ship, a freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years. Its massive cargo holds now contain 20,000 square feet of exhibits, displaying artifacts, paintings, and other items related to the maritime history of Lake Superior. Then board a chartered SOO Locks boat for a cruise to the Soo Locks, where your boat is raised 21 feet to enable it to enter Lake Superior. Return to the harbor via the historic Canadian Lock, and sail past St. Mary’s rapids to Sault Ste. Marie. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 4 — Little Current and Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada

Little Current is the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. Get acquainted with the indigenous Ojibwe people, part of the M’Chigeeng First Nation. Visit the excellent exhibition and art gallery at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation and see traditional crafts like bead working and making dreamcatchers. Take part in a smudging ceremony (a cleansing and healing ritual) and watch a demonstration of a traditional powwow, a Native American social event featuring dances, music, and other activities. Enjoy free time in Little Current to stroll the waterfront.

Or hike the Cup and Saucer Trail to the highest point on the island—about 1,160 feet—and take in incredible views across forests and lakes. Then sample a selection of Canadian wines, beers, and cheeses, along with locally smoked rainbow trout and whitefish. Alternatively, head to the village of Kagawong for a kayaking expedition on the upper Kagawong River. Paddle calm waters through wetlands and keep your eye out for wildlife. Walk a riverside trail to the viewing platform for Bridal Veil Falls, and stop at a family-owned chocolate business for a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and a chocolate tasting. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 5 — Lake Huron: Parry Sound and Georgian Bay

One of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Huron separates Michigan from Ontario. Its bays and channels offer a variety of coastal landscapes, from lush woodlands and rocky crags to spectacular cliffs. Dock in Parry Sound and set out on the excursion of your choice. Cruise Georgian Bay aboard the specially designed Island Queen, exploring The Thirty Thousand Islands, the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. Navigate this maze of bays, inlets, sounds, and shoals that lie along the southern edge of the Precambrian Canadian Shield. The captain will maneuver close to the islands, allowing for great views of their forests, wetlands, and rocks, as well as their rich flora and fauna. Alternatively, visit Killbear Provincial Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. On a nature walk, learn about the park's unusual geology and learn to read the signs of glacial scouring. Discover beaches, rugged shorelines, windswept pines, and take in views of The Thirty Thousand Islands. Learn more about the area’s biodiversity at the visitor center. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 6 — Sailing the St. Clair River to Detroit, Michigan

Cruise the St. Clair River, which was used by French fur traders in the 18th century to facilitate trade with American Indian tribes. More recently, it has served as integral part of the Great Lakes Waterway, a conduit for freighters transporting lumber, iron ore, and copper from the Great Lakes region to the cities of the Rust Belt. Continue onto the Detroit River and sail right through Detroit. Enjoy panoramic views of the skyscrapers of Motor City, where Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry and Motown was born. Admire the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river—and two countries. This steel suspension bridge, more than a mile long, was constructed in 1929 and today carries more than 25% of trade between the United States and Canada. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 7 — Niagara Falls, New York, and Port Colborne, Ontario

Cross Lake Erie to Port Colborne, and set out for one of the most famous sites in North America: Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls that straddle the border between Ontario and New York. Pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, on the drive to the falls. Then board a specially designed vessel for an exhilarating ride to within feet of Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most powerful of the three falls. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 8 — Welland Canal

Enter the Welland Canal, known for its 1,377-foot lock, one of the world's longest. Originally built in 1829 and later expanded, the canal opened a shipping route between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Enjoy a leisurely day on board, watching as the ship is lowered 326 feet on its way through the eight locks. (B,L,D)

Le Bellot

Day 9 — Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Disembark in cosmopolitan Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (D)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

The majestic Niagara Falls

Slideshow

Optional Extensions

Aug 11, 2026 Pre-Cruise Ext.: Toronto

Cosmopolitan Toronto — 2 days, 1 night

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and well worth a day of exploration. Take advantage of a specially designed program to get acquainted with some of the highlights of this vibrant, multicultural city on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Day 1 — Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Arrive at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Fairmont Royal York hotel. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. In the evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome reception. Dinner is on your own.

Fairmont Royal York

Day 2 — Toronto | Embark

After breakfast and check-out, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel to accompany your discovery of Toronto. Begin with a panoramic tour of the central city, including University Avenue, the Legislative Building, the Theater District, and City Hall, ending at the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of Toronto's finest museums. A docent-led tour will introduce you to the museum's preeminent permanent exhibition—the oft-awarded McLean Centre for Indigenous & Canadian Art. After the tour, enjoy time to look around on your own or visit the extensive gift shop.

From the museum, drive to Toronto's emblematic CN Tower, where glass-enclosed elevators take you to the top floor for lunch at the 360 Restaurant, which provides constantly changing views of the city from a vantage point more than 1,000 feet above street level, as the restaurant completes a full revolution every 72 minutes. After your meal, enjoy time at leisure to visit the Observation Deck, before returning to the ground to drive along the waterfront to the Toronto Cruise Terminal, where you board your ship.

Your hotel:

The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto’s landmark hotel, is located in the heart of Old Toronto. Recently revitalized, the Fairmont offers all of the facilities and services one would expect from a luxury hotel in a world-class city, including two restaurants and access to a health club, spa, and pool.

Your program includes:

  • 1 night at the Fairmont Royal York
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
  • Welcome reception on Day 1
  • Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2
  • Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
  • Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

  • It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
  • Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
  • The official currency is the Canadian dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
  • This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
  • Program is offered on a space available basis.
  • Program is subject to change without notice.

Aug 19, 2026 Pre-Cruise Ext.: Milwaukee

Milwaukee Highlights — 3 days, 2 nights

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

Pre-Cruise Program:

This specially curated pre-cruise program is designed to acquaint you with some of the special charms of Milwaukee, a major American city with a proud history created by the labor of waves of immigrants, many from Central Europe. A panoramic tour on the first morning serves to orient you to Milwaukee and its neighborhoods, while an excursion on the following day starts with a visit to Milwaukee's first-class art museum and ends with an introduction to some of the culinary delights for which the city is known—a perfect beginning to your voyage in the Great Lakes.

Day 1 — Milwaukee

Arrive at the Milwaukee airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Pfister Hotel, your home for the next two nights. A local representative will be available at our hospitality desk to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception in the hotel. Dinner is independent.

Pfister Hotel

Day 2 — Milwaukee

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Milwaukee and visits to several of its most important landmarks. Begin with a narrated drive through the city's neighborhoods and along the Lake Michigan shoreline, stopping briefly for a treat at a local historic bakery before heading to the Harley-Davidson Museum Campus, where you are free to stroll the grounds on your own, learning about Harley-Davidson through interactive displays and seeing legendary bikes, including the original "serial number one." Stop next at Pabst Mansion, the opulent former home of beer baron Frederick Pabst, and tour the richly furnished rooms that testify to the luxury enjoyed by Milwaukee's brewers in the Gilded Age.

The final stop on the tour is at Milwaukee Public Market, a center of shops, galleries, and food vendors. Grab an independent lunch here before driving back to the hotel. Or you may want to stay longer and return to the hotel on foot (less than half a mile). The balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is independent.

Pfister Hotel

Day 3 — Milwaukee | Embark

After breakfast and check-out, travel to the nearby Milwaukee Art Museum for a tour of one of the Midwest's best collections. The Museum is itself a work of art, featuring a dramatic atrium pavilion designed by Santiago Calatrava with giant "wings" that open and close to the sky. A docent will lead you through the museum's main galleries with works by artists like Winslow Homer and Claude Monet, as well as a large selection of Georgia O'Keeffe paintings. After this guided introduction, enjoy time at leisure to explore the museum on your own, perhaps visiting the modern and contemporary wing with works by Warhol, Miró, Rothko, and Johns.

Leaving the museum, set off on an afternoon exploring Milwaukee cuisine. Begin at the Hill Valley Dairy Bar to sample their award-winning locally crafted cheeses paired with a small-batch spirit cocktail. Then head downtown for lunch at Mader's Restaurant, a landmark of German cuisine since the turn of the 20th century. Following lunch, stretch your legs with a walk through the Deer District, Milwaukee’s buzzing downtown hub, home to the Milwaukee Bucks and public art displays, before ending your tour with a scoop of the frozen custard for which Wisconsin is famous.  After this culinary journey, transfer to the pier to embark Le Bellot and set sail.

Your hotel:

Since its opening in 1893 in downtown Milwaukee, the Pfister Hotel has been an iconic landmark—"The Grand Hotel of the West." The hotel's lobby is a 3-story atrium with marble staircase, massive fireplace, and frescoed ceiling. In addition to the original building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pfister features a modern 23-story tower, fitness studio, indoor pool, spa, and a cocktail lounge on the top floor, with views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. The hotel has been awarded AAA's prestigious Four-Diamond status since 1978.

Your program includes:

  • 2 nights at the Pfister Hotel (or similar)
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on the day of embarkation
  • Welcome Reception on Day 1
  • Breakfast on days 2 and 3
  • Lunch on Day 3
  • Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
  • Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

  • It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
  • Early check-in can be arranged, depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
  • This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
  • Program is offered on a space available basis.
  • Program is subject to change without notice.

Aug 19, 2026 Post-Cruise Ext.: Toronto

Cosmopolitan Toronto — 2 days, 1 night

The itinerary below applies to the current year and serves as a sample for future voyages. Extension details for future departures will be posted as soon as they are available, and all booked travelers will be notified via email.

Post-Cruise Program:

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and well worth a full day of exploration. Take advantage of a specially designed program to get acquainted with this vibrant, multicultural city on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Day 1 — Disembark | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

After breakfast and disembarkation, your guide and driver will meet you at the pier to accompany your discovery of Toronto. Begin with a panoramic tour of the central city, including University Avenue, the Legislative Building, the Theater District, and City Hall, ending at the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of Toronto's finest museums. A docent-led tour will introduce you to the museum's preeminent permanent exhibition—the oft-awarded McLean Centre for Indigenous & Canadian Art. After the tour, enjoy time to look around on your own or visit the extensive gift shop.

From the museum, drive to Toronto's emblematic CN Tower, where glass-enclosed elevators take you to the top floor for lunch at the 360 Restaurant, which provides constantly changing views of the city from a vantage point more than 1,000 feet above street level, as the restaurant completes a full revolution every 72 minutes. After your meal, enjoy time at leisure to visit the Observation Deck, before returning to the ground to drive to the Fairmont Royal York hotel, where you check in for overnight. Dinner this evening is independent.

Fairmont Royal York

Day 2 — Toronto

Following breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for flights homeward.

Your hotel:

The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto’s landmark hotel, is located in the heart of Old Toronto. Recently revitalized, the Fairmont offers all of the facilities and services one would expect from a luxury hotel in a world-class city, including two restaurants and access to a health club, spa, and pool.

Your program includes:

  • 1 night at the Fairmont Royal York
  • Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Lunch on Day 1
  • Breakfast on Day 2
  • Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the scheduled program departure day
  • Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
  • Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

  • It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
  • Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
  • The official currency is the Canadian dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
  • This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
  • Program is offered on a space available basis.
  • Program is subject to change without notice. Order of sightseeing may vary.

Dates & Prices

Click on the departure date to see pricing. Click the for more information.

Dates

Availability

Price

Aug 11 - 19, 2026
Call to Join Waitlist
from $12,630 $10,870

Special Offer

Early booking savings available for a limited time!

Ship: Le Bellot Experts: Wren Montgomery | Eric Roorda

Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe stateroom (204 sq. ft.), picture window with door onto private partial wall balcony (43 sq. ft.). Deck 3.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $12,630 $10,870 $24,320 $13,850
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4

Prestige stateroom (204 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $13,980 $12,020 $27,020 $15,340
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5

Prestige stateroom (204 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $14,660 $12,600 $28,380 $16,090
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6

Prestige stateroom (204 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $15,470 $13,290 $30,000 $16,990
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe suite (291 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to private balcony (65 sq. ft.), sitting area with sofa. Decks 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $21,420 $18,340 $41,900 $23,560
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Prestige Suite - Deck 5

Prestige suite, two room suite (409 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), two bathrooms, sitting area and sofa convertible to fixed queen.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $28,850 $24,660 $56,760 $31,770
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Prestige Suite - Deck 6

Prestige suite, two room suite (409 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), two bathrooms, sitting area and sofa convertible to fixed queen.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $30,340 $25,930 $59,740 $33,420
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Privilege Suite

Privilege suite, (344 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), sitting area with sofa convertible to single twin. Decks 5 and 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $31,830 $27,190 $62,720 $35,060
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Grand Deluxe Suite

Grand Deluxe suite, extra large two room suite (484 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to spacious private terrace (323 sq. ft.), a large sitting area with half bath, master bedroom has a separate shower, tub, and double sinks. Deck 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $34,940 $29,840 $68,940 $38,510
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490

Owner's Suite

Owner's suite, extra large two room suite (484 sq. ft), sliding glass door to spacious private terrace (430 sq. ft.) with outdoor hot tub. Large sitting area with half bath, master bathroom has a separate shower, tub, and double sinks. Deck 5.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $36,700 $72,460
Pre Ext. $1,230 $1,490
Le Bellot deck plan image

Aug 19 - 27, 2026
Available
from $12,610 $11,440

Special Offer

No Single Supplement for solo travelers on most categories!

Early booking savings available for a limited time!

Ship: Le Bellot Experts: Keith Edgerton | Frederick Stonehouse

Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe stateroom (204 sq. ft.), picture window with door onto private partial wall balcony (43 sq. ft.). Deck 3.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $12,610 $11,440 $24,300 $11,440
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4

Prestige stateroom (204 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $13,960 $12,650 $27,000 $12,650
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5

Prestige stateroom (204 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $14,640 $13,260 $28,360 $13,260
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6

Prestige stateroom (204 sq. ft.), sliding glass door opens to private balcony (43 sq. ft.).

Occupancy Double Single
Price $15,450 $13,990 $29,980 $13,990
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe suite (291 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to private balcony (65 sq. ft.), sitting area with sofa. Decks 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $21,400 $19,350 $41,880 $19,350
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Prestige Suite - Deck 5

Prestige suite, two room suite (409 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), two bathrooms, sitting area and sofa convertible to fixed queen.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $28,830 $26,030 $56,740 $26,030
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Prestige Suite - Deck 6

Prestige suite, two room suite (409 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), two bathrooms, sitting area and sofa convertible to fixed queen.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $30,320 $27,380 $59,720 $27,380
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Privilege Suite

Privilege suite, (344 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to larger private balcony (86 sq. ft.), sitting area with sofa convertible to single twin. Decks 5 and 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $31,810 $28,720 $62,700 $28,720
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Grand Deluxe Suite

Grand Deluxe suite, extra large two room suite (484 sq. ft.), sliding glass door to spacious private terrace (323 sq. ft.), a large sitting area with half bath, master bedroom has a separate shower, tub, and double sinks. Deck 6.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $34,920 $31,520 $68,920 $31,520
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220

Owner's Suite

Owner's suite, extra large two room suite (484 sq. ft), sliding glass door to spacious private terrace (430 sq. ft.) with outdoor hot tub. Large sitting area with half bath, master bathroom has a separate shower, tub, and double sinks. Deck 5.

Occupancy Double Single
Price $36,680 $72,440
Pre Ext. $1,560 $2,020
Post Ext. $950 $1,220
Le Bellot deck plan image

A deposit of 25% of the cruise price is required to reserve space on a cruise. Deposits are applied toward final payment of the cruise price.

Rates include port taxes and fees. Most shore excursions are included in the rates.

Pre- and post-program options and optional excursions, where applicable, are available at an additional cost.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Experts

Wren Montgomery
Departure: Aug 11 - 19, 2026

Wren Montgomery

Environment & Sustainability Specialist

Dr. Wren Montgomery is an Associate Professor of Management and Sustainability and JJ Wettlaufer Faculty Fellow at the Ivey Business School at Western University, in …

Dr. Wren Montgomery is an Associate Professor of Management and Sustainability and JJ Wettlaufer Faculty Fellow at the Ivey Business School at Western University, in London Ontario. She is also a faculty affiliate at the University of Michigan’s Erb Institute for Sustainable Enterprise and a 2024-25 faculty fellow at Stanford University.

Wren grew up on the shores of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence as a swimmer, sailor, kayaker, and lifeguard and loves being in and on the water. Her academic career has been driven by her love of water and the natural environment. She is known for her award-winning research on the Detroit waters shutoffs, the human right to water, and clean water access and affordability challenges. Wren also researches how companies communicate about their environmental activities. Her work on greenwashing (companies who exaggerate their sustainability efforts) has been pivotal in defining greenwash and its tactics and informing global strategies and policies to stop it.

As a life-long learner herself, Wren believes it is vital to share and co-create academic research with the public. She is frequently featured in prominent media outlets such as The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, CBC Marketplace and The Current, Bloomberg News, Consumer Reports and The Washington Post, among many others. Dr. Montgomery also co-founded the Greenwash Action Lab to make her academic research and insights accessible to the public and is working on a new book project with Stanford University Press, Beating the Greenwashers. Wren is also honoured to serve as a board member for the Alliance for the Great Lakes and for a Silicon Valley-based water efficiency start-up.

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Eric Roorda
Departure: Aug 11 - 19, 2026

Eric Roorda

Maritime Historian & Author

Eric Paul Roorda is a maritime historian, author, and artist.  A native of the Great Lakes region, he recently retired from 30 years of teaching …

Eric Paul Roorda is a maritime historian, author, and artist.  A native of the Great Lakes region, he recently retired from 30 years of teaching for Johns Hopkins University, Williams College, and Mystic Seaport Museum, among other places.  His most recent books include The Ocean Reader: History, Politics, Culture (2020), Cats At Sea, A to Z (2019), and Twain At Sea: The Maritime Writings of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (2018).  He received his education at the College of William and Mary and Johns Hopkins University.

Eric comes from a seafaring family in Holland: his grandfather was a first engineer in the Dutch Merchant Marine whose ships were sunk twice during World War I, and his great-grandfather worked on Zuiderzee ferries. 

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Keith Edgerton
Departures: Aug 19 - 27, 2026  |  Aug 21 - 29, 2027

Keith Edgerton

Historian

Keith Edgerton is professor emeritus at Montana State University-Billings, teaching in the Montana university system for 34 years, the final 29 of those at MSU-Billings.  …

Keith Edgerton is professor emeritus at Montana State University-Billings, teaching in the Montana university system for 34 years, the final 29 of those at MSU-Billings.  He holds a B.A. and M.A. in history from the University of Montana and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Washington State University.   Upon his retirement in 2023 he was recognized by MSU-Billings with the institution’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Over his career he has taught a range courses on early American history, American Environmental history, and Trans-Atlantic history.  Throughout his career he has spoken on a variety of historical topics to diverse audiences and has led a number of Smithsonian adventures, including on the Great Lakes, into the American Southwest, along the Columbia River, and through Vietnam.

Dr. Edgerton has written and published extensively on a range of subjects.  He is the author of Montana Justice:  Power, Punishment, and the Penitentiary published by the University of Washington Press in 2005.  Currently he is at work on a biography of William A. Clark (not to be confused with the William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame).  This particular William A. Clark was one of Montana’s late 19th century copper barons and became a U.S. Senator in 1901 in an election tainted by, to put it mildly, scandal and corruption.  When he died in New York in 1925 he was one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Keith splits his time between Billings and Missoula with his “amore” and wife, Lenette Kosovich.  They love to cook, travel, make home brew, and in the summer canoe through the scenic White Cliffs region of the upper Missouri river in Montana.  Between them they have five sons in various states of adulthood.

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Frederick Stonehouse
Departures: Aug 19 - 27, 2026  |  Aug 26 - Sep 3, 2028

Frederick Stonehouse

Maritime Historian & Author

Frederick Stonehouse is the author of over thirty books on maritime history many focusing on the Great Lakes including the best selling "The Wreck of …

Frederick Stonehouse is the author of over thirty books on maritime history many focusing on the Great Lakes including the best selling The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. He has been a consultant for both the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada and has been an "on-air" expert for National Geographic and History Channel as well as many regional media productions.

Awards include the 2006 Association for Great Lakes Maritime History Award for Historic Interpretation, Historical Society of Detroit’s 2007 Historian of the Year, 2017 Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society C. Patrick Labadie Special Acknowledgement Award, Northern Michigan University 2014 Distinguished Alumna Award, 2018 “Governor’s Special Tribute” (Michigan) and  2019 Historical Society of Michigan Follo Award.

His knowledge of sailing our itinerary as a Coast Guard licensed mariner and academic credentials provide a unique perspective for our voyage. Forty years of Great Lakes shipwreck diving and searching adds a practical viewpoint of Great Lakes maritime history. Several of his books relate directly to waters we sail and ports visited.

Fred teaches Great Lakes maritime history at Northern Michigan University and is an active consultant for numerous maritime projects and programs. He is past President of the National Board of Directors of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association and past Vice Chair (Policy) of the Michigan Port Collaborative. Fred makes his home in Marquette, Michigan. For more information: www.frederickstonehouse.com.

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David Catlin
Departure: Aug 13 - 21, 2027

David Catlin

Naturalist & Educator

David Catlin has spent his professional career helping people connect to special places, especially natural ones. Over the last 45 years, he has worked as …

David Catlin has spent his professional career helping people connect to special places, especially natural ones. Over the last 45 years, he has worked as a naturalist and educator for the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the National Audubon Society. Catlin was born and raised in Detroit and has traveled widely, with a special affinity for places in the U.S. and Canada that are “off the beaten path.” One of his favorite haunts is the Canadian Maritime provinces. He has special interests in birds, traditional acoustic music, and lighthouses.

Catlin has degrees in environmental education and interpretation from Michigan State University and the University of Washington. He currently lives in Springfield, Missouri, with his wife Ann, and works nationwide as a consultant to nature centers and other environmental learning institutions.

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Carrie Sowden
Departure: Aug 13 - 21, 2027

Carrie Sowden

Archaeologist

Carrie Sowden is the director of archaeology and research at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio, and served as a leader …

Carrie Sowden is the director of archaeology and research at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio, and served as a leader on the team that created and built the museum in 2014. Since 2004, she has worked on many shipwreck projects across Lake Erie as well as Lake Ontario and Lake Huron. Part of her focus is working with volunteers, teaching the techniques and purpose behind the study of submerged cultural history in the Great Lakes. Carrie earned a BS in chemistry from Emory University and a master’s in anthropology and nautical archaeology from Texas A&M University.

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Joel Stone
Departure: Aug 21 - 29, 2027

Joel Stone

Maritime Historian & Curator

Joel Stone has enjoyed a lifetime dedicated to societal enrichment through historical and cultural preservation and engagement. He is a native Detroiter, and curator emeritus …

Joel Stone has enjoyed a lifetime dedicated to societal enrichment through historical and cultural preservation and engagement. He is a native Detroiter, and curator emeritus at the Detroit Historical Society and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Stone holds degrees or certificates in communication, history, and archival management, with professional experience in archaeology, exhibition development, and community outreach.

His scholarly and recreational interests are focused on the Great Lakes region, particularly its maritime industry and nineteenth century society. Stone is a past president of the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, and in 2023 was honored as “Great Lakes Maritime Historian of the Year” by the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. A life-long sailor, Joel has travelled on and around all five freshwater seas.

His award-winning writing and collaborations include “Floating Palaces of the Great Lakes” (University of Michigan Press, 2015), “Detroit1967: Origins, Impacts, Legacies” (Wayne State University Press, 2017), and “Interpreting Maritime History at Museums and Historic Sites” (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017).

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Joe Reese
Departure: Aug 26 - Sep 3, 2028

Joe Reese

Geologist

Dr. Joe Reese is a recently retired Professor Emeritus of Geology. For 23 years, he was a faculty member in the Department of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Pennsylvania Western University, Edinboro. Joe was born in Michigan, …

Dr. Joe Reese is a recently retired Professor Emeritus of Geology. For 23 years, he was a faculty member in the Department of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Pennsylvania Western University, Edinboro. Joe was born in Michigan, the Great Lakes state, and has lived in northwestern Pennsylvania for much of his life, the last 20+ years within a stone’s throw of the Lake Erie shore. 

Inspired by boyhood adventures with his father to U.S. national parks and other natural settings, including sojourns to Lake Superior beaches to collect agates, Joe became more than curious about geology. He pursued his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught a range of undergraduate courses at Edinboro and counts among his favorites Earth history and Tectonics of North America. Earlier in his 30+ year career, he conducted research on continent evolution and the formation of mountains, with the evolution of Laurentia (North America) and the Grenville Province being of special interest. Study of rocks in and around the Great Lakes has been integral to telling these geologic stories. 

Later, his interests drifted to Earth-system history and place-based geoscience education. Specifically, over my career, I used imagery from space to study Earth-system processes and environmental changes and explored using local earth systems as means to educate. Post-retirement, he continues to use imagery from space to study Earth-system processes and environmental changes and to explore his local Earth system in northwestern Pennsylvania. Earth systems and environmental issues of the Great Lakes Watershed are a particular focus. Continuing from his boyhood adventures, he has traveled extensively throughout the Great Lakes, visiting and immersing himself in the geology, natural history, human-environment interactions, history, and culture of this region. 

Joe is also an avid explorer of the cultural geographic aspects of the craft beer industry, co-authoring pioneering works on the topic. Although geoscience and education are his passion and vocation, he enthusiastically delves into roots music of all sorts, art, travel, hiking, good food and drink, and other such endeavors. 

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Ship

Le Bellot

Le Bellot photo

Deck Plan

Guest Capacity: Up to 184 Guests Crew Size: 118 crew members Length: 430 feet Width: 59 feet Flag: France

Launched in 2020, Le Bellot is among a new fleet of luxury expedition ships launched by PONANT. These ships combine revolutionary design and a new standard of luxury.    Spacious, Ocean-view Suites and Staterooms  Each of the 92 elegant suites and staterooms features a private balcony, while Grand Deluxe Suites have a bay window and spacious private terrace. The deluxe, air-conditioned staterooms and suites (up to 484 square feet) have two twin beds that convert to one queen-size bed. Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower (bathtub in limited number of staterooms) and the luxurious amenities of a fine hotel, including individual climate control, satellite flat screen television, wireless Internet access, safe, minibar, full-length closet, writing desk/dressing table, and plush robes.    Chic and Casual Dining  International and regional cuisine are served in the stylish, spacious indoor-outdoor restaurant in a single, unassigned seating; at the casual pool deck grill; or from 24-hour room service. Continental and buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a four-course dinner are served daily. Wine is served at your table during lunch and dinner and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout the cruise.    Spacious Public Areas, Intimate Atmosphere, and World-Class Service  The warm and inviting public areas accommodate all passengers comfortably. Enjoy sweeping views from the Observation Lounge and Main Lounge, both of which open to the outdoors, and lectures, cultural performances, or film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. For your convenience, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.  The ship also features the first luxury underwater observatory, the Blue Eye, a multisensory underwater observation lounge that incorporates decor and technology to immerse you in the beauty of the ocean's ecosystem. Here, you can observe fascinating marine life through the large subaquatic windows while digital screens and the specially designed global listening system relay the sights and sound beneath the ocean surface.   Other amenities aboard ship are a Sun Deck, swimming pool, beauty salon, spa and sauna, fitness room, and two elevators. In addition, there is a three-level marina platform with complimentary kayaking and snorkeling equipment, as well as 10 easily accessible Zodiacs.   The highly trained, English-speaking international crew are personable and attentive, and the ship has an infirmary staffed with a doctor and nurse.    Respect for the Environment  The newest additions to a fleet that has been awarded the prestigious "Clean Ship" designation, a rarity among ocean-cruising vessels, these expedition ships are designed with energy efficient, advanced eco-friendly features that protect fragile marine ecosystems while providing a safe and comfortable voyage. 

Tour Details

Activity Description

Expectations: Lake cruise that pulls into a pier for disembarkation via gangway. Morning or afternoon excursions off ship via motor coach or guided walks from pier. Moderate pace. Excursions can be over uneven terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, hiking trails, stairs without handrails, absence of elevators); easy to moderate walks at most sites.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).

Reading List

*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Learn more about maritime archaeologists's work with 3D scan of a shipwreck in the Great Lakes in Smithsonian Magazine.

Highly Recommended

Long Ships Passing: The Story Of The Great Lakes (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage)
By: Walter Havighurst
A popular history of navigation on the Great Lakes and life on their shores, The Long Ships Passing brings us aboard the crafts that have plowed the waves of the treacherous "five sisters" carrying the grain, lumber, and minerals that fed and built the cities of America. Walter Havighurst paints vivid pictures of life-and death-on the lakes, mysterious accounts of wooden ships and iron men that sank to freshwater graves, especially along the immigrant route where the wrecks lie thick. In rich and marvelous detail, this classic history recounts the saga of an inland marine empire. A longtime professor of English at Miami University, Walter Havighurst (1901-1994) grew up in Wisconsin and was a prolific and passionate writer of regional history and fiction.
Buy Now
The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas
By: Jerry Dennis
Award-winning nature author Jerry Dennis reveals the splendor and beauty of North America’s Great Lakes in this “masterwork”* history and memoir of the essential environmental and economical region shared by the United States and Canada.No bodies of water compare to the Great Lakes. Superior is the largest lake on earth, and together all five contain a fifth of the world’s supply of standing fresh water. Their ten thousand miles of shoreline border eight states and a Canadian province and are longer than the entire Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. Their surface area of 95,000 square miles is greater than New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island combined. People who have never visited them―who have never seen a squall roar across Superior or the horizon stretch unbroken across Michigan or Huron―have no idea how big they are. They are so vast that they dominate much of the geography, climate, and history of North America, affecting the lives of tens of millions of people.The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas is the definitive book about the history, nature, and science of these remarkable lakes at the heart of North America. From the geological forces that formed them and the industrial atrocities that nearly destroyed them, to the greatest environmental success stories of our time, Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario are portrayed in all their complexity.A Michigan native, Jerry Dennis also shares his memories of a lifetime on or near the lakes, including a six-week voyage as a crewmember on a tallmasted schooner. On his travels, he collected more stories of the lakes through the eyes of biologists, fishermen, sailors, and others he befriended while hiking the area’s beaches and islands.Through storms and fog, on remote shores and city waterfronts, Dennis explores the five Great Lakes in all seasons and moods and discovers that they and their connecting waters―including the Erie Canal, the Hudson River, and the East Coast from New York to Maine―offer a surprising and bountiful view of America. The result is a meditation on nature and our place in the world, a discussion and cautionary tale about the future of water resources, and a celebration of a place that is both fragile and robust, diverse, rich in history and wildlife, often misunderstood, and worthy of our attention.“This is history at its best and adventure richly described.”―*Doug Stanton, author of In Harm’s Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors and 12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse SoldiersSigurd Olson Nature Writing Award WinnerWinner of Best Book of 2003 by the Outdoor Writers Association of America
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Pandora's Locks: The Opening of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway
By: Jeff Alexander
The St. Lawrence Seaway was considered one of the world's greatest engineering achievements when it opened in 1959. The $1 billion project-a series of locks, canals, and dams that tamed the ferocious St. Lawrence River-opened the Great Lakes to the global shipping industry.Linking ports on lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario to shipping hubs on the world's seven seas increased global trade in the Great Lakes region. But it came at an extraordinarily high price. Foreign species that immigrated into the lakes in ocean freighters' ballast water tanks unleashed a biological shift that reconfigured the world's largest freshwater ecosystems.Pandora's Locks is the story of politicians and engineers who, driven by hubris and handicapped by ignorance, demanded that the Seaway be built at any cost. It is the tragic tale of government agencies that could have prevented ocean freighters from laying waste to the Great Lakes ecosystems, but failed to act until it was too late. Blending science with compelling personal accounts, this book is the first comprehensive account of how inviting transoceanic freighters into North America's freshwater seas transformed these wondrous lakes.
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North American Indian Tribes of the Great Lakes (Men-at-Arms)
By: Michael G Johnson
The Great Lakes were the main arena for the fur trade in colonial North America, which drew European explorers and trappers deep into the northern USA and Canada from the 17th century onwards. The desire to control the supply of this luxury item sparked wars between Britain and France, as well as conflicts between rival tribes and the newly formed United States of America, which continued until 1840. The main tribes of the area were the Huron, Dakota, Sauk and Fox, Miami and Shawnee. All were drawn into the conflicts throughout the Great Lakes region during the French-Indian War (1754-1763), as well as the American Revolution. These conflicts culminated in Black Hawk's War of 1832, as Native American tribes attempted to resist the loss of their lands to white settlers in what is now Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. The defeat of these tribes forever altered the climate of the central American states. This new addition to Osprey's coverage of Native American tribes details the growth of the fur trade in the Great Lakes area, the various skirmishes, battles and wars that were fought to control this vital trade and important trade area. With specially-commissioned plates, as well as photographs of locations and/or artifacts where available, expert author Michael Johnson also details the lives and material culture - including clothing, equipment and weaponry - of the local tribes themselves before their circumstances were irrevocably altered.
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Also Recommended

Wrecks and Rescues of the Great Lakes: A Photographic History
By: James P. Barry
The waters of the Great Lakes are among the most treacherous in the world. Violent storms churn up waves and unpredictable currents capsize large vessels or cast them onto shoals and rocks where they are battered to pieces. An estimated 10,000 ships have fallen prey to the fury of the Great Lakes during the 150 years of their navigational history. This figure compares to an equal number of disasters which have occurred over the past 300 years around the British Isles. Yet despite the fascinating nature of the topic and the enormity of the problem, there has been an absence of informative published material on this theme. James P. Barry's Wrecks and Rescues of the Great Lakes fills the gap. Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes began almost as soon as there were ships to be wrecked. One of the first vessels built there by the French, the Frontenac, was wrecked in 1679. The book reveals the severity of the weather through dramatic photographs of shipwrecks, and graphic descriptions of the events surrounding them. The Victorian and Edwardian wrecks on the Canadian shore are depicted in minute detail. The photographs of the wrecks on the American side between 1881 and 1910 show the frailty of those vessels. However, the more modern ships of the '20s and '30s were not immune to the power of the lakes. This fact becomes increasing clear in the depiction of recent disasters and daring rescue attempts. The moving description of the tragic loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald makes the reader keenly aware of the present dangers.
Buy Now
The Chippewas of Lake Superior (The Civilization of the American Indian Series)
By: Edmund Jefferson Danziger Jr.
This book tells the story of the Chippewa Indians in the regions around Lake Superior-the fabled land of Kitchigami. It tells of their woodland life, the momentous impact of three centuries of European and American societies on their culture, and how the retention of their tribal identity and traditions proved such a source of strength for the Chippewas that the federal government finally abandoned its policy of coercive assimilation of the tribe. The Chippewas, especially the Lake Superior bands, have been neglected by historians, perhaps because they fought no bloody wars of resistance against the westward-driving white pioneers who overwhelmed them in the nineteenth century. Yet, historically, the Chippewas were one of the most important Indian groups north of Mexico. Their expansive north woods homeland contained valuable resources, forcing them to play important roles in regional enterprises such as the French, British, and American fur trade. Neither exterminated nor removed to the semiarid Great Plains, the Lake Superior bands have remained on their native lands and for the past century have continued to develop their interests in lumbering, fishing, farming, mining, shipping, and tourism. Now, for the first time in three hundred years, white domination is no longer the major theme of Chippewa life. The chains of paternalism have been broken. The possessors of many federal and state contracts, confident in their administrative ability, proud of their Indian heritage, and well organized politically, the Lake Superior bands are determined to chart their own course. In bringing his readers this overview of the Chippewa experience, the author emphasizes major themes for the entire sweep of Lake Superior Chippewa history. He focuses in detail on events, regions, and reservations which illustrate those themes. Historians, ethnologists, other Indian tribes, and the Chippewas themselves will find much of interest in this account of how previous tribal experiences have shaped Chippewa life in the 1970's.
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The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
By: Stonehouse, Frederick
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Shipwrecks and Lost Treasures: Great Lakes: Legends And Lore, Pirates And More!
By: Michael Varhola
Twenty-one riveting stories and illustrations about ships that met their end in the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, such as: British gunboat H.M.S. Speedy in 1804, American Navy brig U.S.S. Niagara in 1820, Civil War steamer Island Queen in 1864, the infamous freighter Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, and many more!
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Call of the North Wind: Voyages and Adventures on Lake Superior
By: Marlin Bree
Inspiring true tales of seafaring on the largest expanse of fresh water in the world. In his small sailboat and a cruising catamaran, the author retraces voyages of lost ships, early explorers and heroic sea captains. The rich narrative tells of sailing adventures and mysteries of Lake Superior.
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The Great Lakes Water Wars
By: Annin, Peter
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Fishing the Great Lakes: An Environmental History, 1783-1933
By: Margaret Beattie Bogue
    Fishing the Great Lakes is a sweeping history of the destruction of the once-abundant fisheries of the great "inland seas" that lie between the United States and Canada. Though lake trout, whitefish, freshwater herring, and sturgeon were still teeming as late as 1850, Margaret Bogue documents here how overfishing, pollution, political squabbling, poor public policies, and commercial exploitation combined to damage the fish populations even before the voracious sea lamprey invaded the lakes and decimated the lake trout population in the 1940s.    From the earliest records of fishing by native peoples, through the era of European exploration and settlement, to the growth and collapse of the commercial fishing industry, Fishing the Great Lakes traces the changing relationships between the fish resources and the people of the Great Lakes region. Bogue focuses in particular on the period from 1783, when Great Britain and the United States first politically severed the geographic unity of the Great Lakes, through 1933, when the commercial fishing industry had passed from its heyday in the late nineteenth century into very serious decline. She shows how fishermen, entrepreneurial fish dealers, the monopolistic A. Booth and Company (which distributed and marketed much of the Great Lakes catch), and policy makers at all levels of government played their parts in the debacle. So, too, did underfunded scientists and early conservationists unable to spark the interest of an indifferent public. Concern with the quality of lake habitat and the abundance of fish increasingly took a backseat to the interests of agriculture, lumbering, mining, commerce, manufacturing, and urban development in the Great Lakes region. Offering more than a regional history, Bogue also places the problems of Great Lakes fishing in the context of past and current worldwide fishery concerns.
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Stories from the Wreckage: A Great Lakes Maritime History Inspired by Shipwrecks
By: Jensen, Mr. John Odin
Buy Now
Roadside Geology of New York (Roadside Geology Series)
By: Van Diver, Bradford B.
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History of the World Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)
By: DK
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Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.