Embark on a 13-day Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway cruise from Chicago to Montreal aboard Victory I. Begin at Navy Pier, then sail Lake Michigan to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and car-free Mackinac Island. Step back in time with a horse-drawn carriage tour and explore Fort Mackinac. Pass through the Soo Locks into Lake Superior and visit Sault Ste. Marie’s shipwreck museum and freshwater research center. Drift across Lake Huron and enter Detroit to explore the Henry Ford Museum. Continue to Cleveland for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sail past Lake Erie to the natural spectacle of Niagara Falls. In Toronto, stroll the cobblestone lanes of the Distillery District before sailing Lake Ontario toward the trip’s final stop in Montreal. Each destination blends culture, history, and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Indulge in exceptional dining and marvel at the Willis Tower in Chicago
Explore the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit and discover its collection
Explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and its cultural impact
Discover Toronto's vibrant culture and exquisite dining scene
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Start your journey with a night at a hotel near Navy Pier. Walk along the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, visit Millennium Park, and dine at a top restaurant. In the evening, experience Chicago's lively nightlife and entertainment.
Begin your Great Lakes adventure in Chicago’s bustling cityscape. Take in views from the Willis Tower, enjoy fine dining, and immerse yourself in the city’s diverse cultural offerings.
Ease into your journey with a leisurely sail across Lake Michigan’s pristine waters. Enjoy the picturesque coastline, spot local wildlife, and bask in the warmth of the sun.
Experience the natural splendor of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, trek through verdant forests, and delve into the area’s fascinating history.
Included Excursion:
EXPLORING ESCANABA’S HISTORY
Get to know a little about “Esky,” the third largest city on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit the iconic Sand Point Lighthouse, once a beacon of safety for passing marine traffic here along the coastal shoals of the Little Bay de Noc. And soak up some valiant local history at a pair of museums that highlight Escanaba’s legacy of military heroism.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Sand Point Lighthouse, Delta Chamber of Commerce Museum, UP-Military Museum
Step back in time on the charming, car-free Mackinac Island. Tour historic mansions, cycle along scenic routes, and treat yourself to the island’s famous fudge and ice cream.
Included Excursion:
MACKINAC ISLAND CARRIAGE EXPLORATION
Step back to quieter times on a scenic survey ride around Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage with stops at the key must-sees. With its period architecture and ban on motorized vehicles, sightseeing on Mackinac is like time-traveling to the 1800s, but with cell service. VCL guests enjoy complimentary admission to Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Mackinac by authentic carriage, Surrey Hill, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, Grand Hotel
Day 6: Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan | Lake Superior
Marvel at the Soo Locks’ impressive engineering, where ships transition between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Explore the city’s vibrant history and enjoy various outdoor activities.
Included Excursions:
SOO LOCKS WITH DOWNTOWN STOP
From a commanding observation deck, watch the parade of boats, ships, and freighters navigate the Soo Locks on the St. Marys River, an engineering marvel linking Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Learn about how the locks came to be at the Visitor Center. And see how sailing can go very wrong at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Soo Locks Observation Deck & Visitor Center, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, downtown Sault Ste. Marie
LSSU CENTER FOR FRESHWATER RESEARCH & EDUCATION
Spend time at your leisure exploring the Lake Superior State University freshwater research center. Located right at the dock, this state-of-the-art facility is committed to the study and conservation of vital Great Lakes resources through education, research, and community engagement. Docents are on hand to field your questions.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education (dockside)
Unwind as you glide over the expansive waters of Lake Huron, surrounded by stunning natural vistas. Relish the tranquil sunsets and the serene atmosphere.
Day 8: Detroit, Michigan | Scenic Sailing on Lake Erie
Immerse yourself in Detroit’s rich historical and cultural resurgence. Visit iconic sites, world-class museums, and dynamic neighborhoods.
Included Excursions:
THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION
Have your mind expanded and your imagination inspired as you explore a unique museum dedicated to the breakthrough innovations that have shaped America’s history. Encounter vehicles, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that demonstrate how those who blaze trails in transportation, technology, and manufacturing can make an enduring difference.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Discover the revitalized Cleveland, featuring world-class museums, a lively arts scene, and a bustling lakefront. Tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Erie.
Included Excursion:
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
Lose yourself in a purple haze of incomparable rock history and memorabilia, all housed within a sleek six-floor I.M. Pei-designed museum building on the Lake Erie waterfront. From Prince’s #2 Blue Angel Guitar to the set from Pink Floyd’s The Wall to a signature gallery of every RRHOF Inductee and much more – everything about this place rocks.
Activity: Light
Duration: Half Day
Be captivated by the powerful beauty of Niagara Falls, a natural wonder of the world. Explore quaint towns like Port Colborne for a peaceful getaway from the city’s hustle.
Included Excursion:
VOYAGE TO THE FALLS
Experience nature’s power at its most exhilarating on the ever-popular Voyage to the Falls boat excursion. Time will seem to stand still as you feel the mist, hear the roar, and listen to your heart pound! Enjoy up-close views of Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – and a face-to-face encounter with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Activity: Moderate
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Boat trip into Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls
Discover Toronto, a vibrant metropolis brimming with culture, fashion, and exquisite dining. From the towering CN Tower to its lively arts scene, there’s something for everyone.
Included Excursion:
TORONTO CITY EXPLORATION
Get to know more about Toronto and its diverse neighborhoods, landmarks, and hotspots on this exploration with a local expert guide. Walk the cobblestone-paved, pedestrianized streets of the Distillery District – a bastion of restored Victorian industrial buildings, galleries and artists studios, trendy pubs and eateries, and good times.
Activity Level: Very Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Toronto by motorcoach, CN Tower observation decks, Yonge Street, Casa Loma castle visit
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,999
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Cat. D - Outside Stateroom
Area: 158 sq. ft.
Located on the Main Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
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Cat. C - Outside Stateroom
Area: 152 sq. ft.
Located on the Saloon Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
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Cat. B - Outside Stateroom
Area: 146 sq. ft.
Located on Cabin Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
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Cat. A - Outside Stateroom
Area: 185 sq. ft.
Located on the Cabin Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
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Cat. AA - Deluxe Outside Stateroom
Area: 161 sq. ft.
Room amenities include direct access to the open-air Promenade Deck, a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, exterior access, and a mini refrigerator.
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Cat. OS - Owner's Suite
Area: 335 sq. ft.
Room amenities include a semi-private terrace, a Queen bed, a full bathroom with shower, a sitting area with sofa and dining table, an interior entrance, and a mini refrigerator.
Initial deposit is $1000pp for double occ, $2000 for single occ, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 190 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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