Cruising the Heart of North America: Discover the Great Lakes by Water
Discover a different kind of voyage, one that offers the culture of world-class cities, the tranquillity of remote wilderness, and the allure of inland seas, the Great Lakes USA offer it all.
Stretching across eight U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario, the Great Lakes region is home to the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth. These vast, ocean-like waters are bordered by stunning coastlines, forested islands, charming towns, and dynamic cities. And now, thanks to a growing interest in small-ship cruising, more travellers are discovering that the best way to explore this part of the world is by water.
One of the biggest draws of cruising the Great Lakes is variety. Across just one journey, travellers can explore contrasting destinations that feel like separate worlds. In one port, you might find yourself exploring the art and music scene of Detroit, a city that has undergone a remarkable cultural revival. In another, you’re stepping back in time on Mackinac Island, where cars are replaced by bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Another day might take you to the edge of Lake Superior’s wild coastline, where black spruce forests meet secluded bays and an abundance of spottable wildlife.
Viking Cruises now offers a remarkable way to experience the Great Lakes in comfort and style. With eight unique Viking itineraries sailing through the Great Lakes and surrounding regions, each offer a different perspective on this inland seaway. Shorter voyages, such as the eight-day Niagara and The Great Lakes route between Toronto and Milwaukee, introduce guests to iconic highlights including Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit and the idyllic Mackinac Island, where motor vehicles are replaced by horse-drawn carriages and bikes.
For those seeking wildlife and broad landscapes, the Great Lakes Explorer voyage from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay takes in the rugged beauty of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. Guests on this itinerary visit pristine wilderness areas, including Isle Royale National Park and the former mining town of Silver Islet, now a serene gateway to forested landscapes and wildlife.
Other routes delve even further off the beaten track. The Undiscovered Great Lakes itinerary explores remote ports and small towns such as Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, offering a slower pace of travel and a focus on geology, Indigenous history, and ecology. More extended journeys offer an even broader sweep. The 13-day Canada and the Atlantic Coastline cruise sails from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale, tracing a path through the Great Lakes and down the St. Lawrence River to the Eastern Seaboard, calling at cities like Quebec, Halifax and charming coastal towns in New England before reaching Florida. Similarly, the Canadian Discovery cruise from Milwaukee to Halifax allows guests to experience the region’s blend of cultural identities, from French-speaking Quebec to vibrant modern Toronto and historic Atlantic communities.
For the ultimate Great Lakes voyage, the 15-day Great Lakes Collection travels from Toronto to Duluth, showcasing all the region’s diversity, from engineering marvels like the Welland Canal and soaring sand dunes along Lake Michigan, to the wild, unspoiled coasts of Lake Superior. Travellers on this route enjoy everything from city tours and museum visits to zodiac landings and guided nature walks. Even more adventurous are Viking’s longer expedition segments, including a portion of the Longitudinal World Cruise that links Duluth to Panama via Central America, offering a dramatic contrast between inland North America and tropical coasts, and the Arctic & Great Lakes Discovery cruise, which journeys from Toronto to Nuuk, Greenland, via the St. Lawrence River and remote eastern Canada, blending freshwater exploration with Arctic adventure.
Whichever itinerary you choose to discover the Great Lakes by water, cruising the Great Lakes is about seeing North America through a different lens. Whether you’re drawn by the unique expanse of fresh water, the intrigue of frontier towns, or the allure of a journey that blends city life with remote escapes, the Great Lakes deliver a one-of-a-kind adventure.
To learn more about cruise itineraries and planning your journey through the Great Lakes, visit www.greatlakesusa.co.uk or https://www.vikingcruises.co.uk/