Enjoy a complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening allows time to become acquainted with the city. For your convenience, our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about the upcoming voyage to reservation of premium experiences. Representatives will be available to provide suggestions for dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

A Frenchman named Etienne Brule was sent into the “Canadian” wilderness by the famous explorer Samuel de Champlain in the early 1600s. Brule found the river and portage routes from the St. Lawrence Seaway to Lake Huron, possibly Lakes Superior and Michigan, and eventually Lake Ontario. The native Huron peoples had long called this area between the Humber and Don rivers “Toronto,” believed to mean “meeting place.” A bustling village evolved into a French trading post. After the British won the Seven Years’ War, the settlement was renamed York in 1793. More than 40 years later, the city officially became Toronto on March 6, 1834. Following an unsuccessful American invasion in 1812, several devastating fires, and a rebellion in 1837, there was a slow but steady increase in the population of white Anglo-Saxon Protestants leading into the 20th century. Unlike the USA’s  “melting pot” concept, Toronto can be described as more of a “tossed salad” of ethnic groups. Since World War II, the city has attracted residents from all over the world; more than 27.5 million visitors annually. Indeed, Toronto is the leading destination for tourists in Canada – a bold, dynamic city offering superb attractions, music, and events. This vibrant, modern city with 19th-century flair offers a cultural kaleidoscope for residents and visitors alike. Considered Canada’s premier metropolis, the diverse city also provides diverse dining delicacies. Perhaps visit historic St. Lawrence Market, where the flavors of Toronto have come alive in authentic artisan foods for more than 200 years.

Included shore Excursion
Toronto Included Tour
CN Tower:  Enjoy a photo opportunity with this marvel in engineering that stands at 1,815 feet tall. The tower is not only the focal point of the Toronto city skyline but is also one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks.
Berczy Park Dog Fountain:  This small park in downtown Toronto is home to a majestic fountain that pays homage to none other than man’s best friend. The cheerful design features multiple breeds of our four-legged friends who all have their eyes on the prize—a bone situated at the top of the fountain!
Distillery District:  The former Gooderham & Worts Distillery District was a derelict collection of 47 Victorian industrial buildings until 2003 when it had been restored. Today, the district houses an array of art studios, cafes, and micro-breweries."
 

We dock at Port Colborne, located on Lake Erie. Originally called Gravelly Bay, after the shallow, bedrock-floored bay upon which it sits, the city traces its roots to the United Empire Loyalist settlements established in the area following the American Revolution. The original village was renamed after Sir John Colborne, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada at the time the Welland Canal’s new southern terminus opened in 1833. In the year 1888, American tourists from southern states began building vacation homes on the lakeshore of the western edge of the town. By 1890, these southern transplants had created an entire gated community called The Humberstone Club. Over 30 grand summer homes, along with a variety of clubhouses and service buildings, were built along the lake in the following years, many of which still stand today on historic Tennessee Avenue. Described by the city as “Niagara’s South Coast,” tourism is important to Port Colborne’s local economy. The city features live theatre, golfing, trails, fishing, beaches, restaurants, recreation, a marina, and shopping districts along the Welland Canal. But most American Queen Voyages guests will consider Port Colborne as the gateway to Niagara Falls, which is approximately 45 minutes away by coach. Since its formation 12,000 years ago, the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls has been coveted by explorers, honeymooners, daredevils and the curious. Our optional premium experience ferries you past the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations; followed by a tasting at a local winery and time to shop for souvenirs.

Included Shore Excursion
Niagara Falls Included Tour
Hornblower Boat Ride:  Put on your provided poncho and hop aboard the famous Hornblower catamaran! This exhilarating experience will bring you closer to the falls than you ever imagined. Stand on the upper deck or around the outside of the lower deck of the vessel to feel the spray of the falls as we make our approach. Those who wish to stay dry can still see the natural beauty of the falls on the lower level of the boat behind safety glass!

Step off the ship onto what some call America’s “North Coast” and discover why Clevelanders are so fiercely proud of their home. The reinvented city reverberates with vitality and a cool new atmosphere. Expand your mind at the world-class Cleveland Museum of Art, with over 45,000 works to explore. You can also feel the backbeat at the museum devoted to one of America’s finest gifts to the world – the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. An optional premium experience to Geauga County offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life with a visit to an Amish home for a traditional wedding feast. 

Included Shore Excursions:
The Cleveland Museum of Art   Comparable to the art museums of Europe, this multi-gallery museum presents both past and present-day art inside a historic building from 1916. Discover dynamic collections from all over the world at this cultural and intellectual focal point.   
Cleveland History Center This center truly has something for everyone. Explore a collection of automobiles, wander through a millionaire's mansion, or take a ride on a restored carousel.    
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame  Learn the history behind rock legends as you make your way up the pyramid of rock and roll history. With seven floors of exhibits, explore this complex and learn about the world's greatest musicians and how they made musical history.    
The Arcade  Hop off in downtown across from the famous 4th Street to don some Cleveland apparel or do some shopping at the historic Arcade shopping center.     
Old Stone Church  Located in the heart of downtown, this historic landmark overlooks the plot founded by Moses Cleveland. Discover the beauty of the oldest building on Cleveland's Public Square. Also nearby is the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, which commemorates the American Civil War.

Detroit, commonly known as the “Motor City,” is vibrant, progressive, and busting at the seams with charm. The West Canfield Historic District, located on Canfield Avenue between Second and Third streets, is the only block in Detroit lined on both sides with well-preserved Victorian homes and broad sidewalks. Corktown, the city’s oldest neighborhood, has charming little shops and great places to eat. If architecture and history are appealing, visit the Guardian Building. Built in the 1920s, this building known as the Cathedral of Finance, is one of the foremost Art Deco style skyscrapers in the world. In addition to history, the city has many museums to see and experience. The Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the country, with over 100 galleries to peruse. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, located inside the Midtown Cultural Center, is one of the world’s oldest independent African American museums. Detroit is the home of MOTOWN so to see where some of the greatest legends in R&B recorded their tunes, visit the Motown Museum. Last, but not least, is the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, which showcases more contemporary art. Other highlights include One Campus Martius, an office building that has become an attraction for its 14-storey lobby waterfall. An optional premium experience to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation lets you chronicle the captivating history of the automotive industry. Visitors are astounded by the museum’s vast and varied artifacts of American heritage. 

Included Shore Excursions:
Detroit Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Charles Wright Museum of African American Culture  This multi-million-dollar interactive museum begins with the history of the slave trade and ends with modern day exhibits honoring African Americans.     
The Detroit Institute of Arts  The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the largest art museums in the United States and features more than 65,000 pieces in over 100 galleries spanning from early civilizations to present day.     
Detroit Historical Museum  At this center of Detroit history, explore exhibits of auto assembly lines, fur trading, and toy trains.     
Canfield Street  See the revitalization of Detroit while visiting the locally owned boutiques on Canfield Street, which is also home to a modern-day record factory.     
Campus Martius  Explore this prestigious park in downtown Detroit that has become a symbol of the city's resurgence. Centered in the heart of all the hustle and bustle, you can always find unique activities at Campus Maritus.

These waters are home to a vast variety of wildlife – trout, salmon, walleye, smallmouth bass, crawfish, freshwater sponges and sea lamprey, to name a few. That buffet attracts raptors such as hawks and bald eagles and waterfowl such as ducks, swans and geese. Relax and enjoy the view on your own time on this peaceful lake cruising day. Sip a midmorning consommé, breathe in the fresh lake air on the upper deck, share convivial conversation with other guests or delve into a captivating book as you look forward to yet another astounding sunset on the water. 
 

The port of Little Current is quite literally the gateway to the world’s largest freshwater island – Manitoulin – considered sacred by the native Anishinaabe people. Considering the only land access to the island is the iconic swing bridge on the east end of town, it’s an apt tag line. Recognized as one of the best freshwater boating regions in the world, an evening stroll along the boardwalk will reveal boats from all over the Great Lakes Basin and east coast of Canada, as well as the U.S. Little Current’s main street is home to many stores and shops, some with a long and rich history. Turner’s, which opened its doors in the late 19th century, is still operating today, and still run by the Turner family. The upper level houses a small display of artefacts from the early days of Little Current. With the Immaculate Conception Church and its distinctive tepee-like architecture as a symbol, indigenous life and legend meld with European history. Venerated rhythms of the ages come to life in the talented hands and feet of native drummers and dancers, which you may have the chance to experience. If you decide to venture out of town during your visit, there are two must-sees. Ten minutes away, you'll find the Cup and Saucer hiking trail – a 7-mile (12-km) network of trails leads up to the summit. Further down the road at the small settlement of Kagawong, enjoy the natural beauty of Bridal Veil Falls, which you can admire from the lookout above. 


Included Shore Excursion
Little Current Included Tour
Discover where rituals converge as we visit the Church of Immaculate Conception and learn how the Jesuit and Ojibwe communities came together to create this unique place of worship. At the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, we will be greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony and an interpretive tour of the heritage museum and art gallery. Browse the gallery, museum and participate in an authentic smudging ceremony. Our journey concludes with a traditional Aboriginal drum & dance presentation, where we are invited to join in on an intertribal dance.     
Church of Immaculate Conception:  Visit the spiritual focal point of the native community that brings together the beliefs and customs of both the native Ojibwe culture and the Catholic Church. Here, enjoy an informative presentation on the religious beliefs of the Ojibwe.    
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation:   Be received by a traditional welcome ceremony before embarking on an interpretive tour of the center and participating in an authentic smudging ceremony.    
Traditional Aboriginal Drum & Dance Presentation:  Get a memorable glimpse into the traditions of the First Nations people as we are invited to participate in an intertribal dance.
 

Sault Ste. Marie or “the Sault” is located in Michigan and Ontario. There are two separate cities side by side in different countries; bridged together by name and commerce. Culture beats through street veins that connect these harbors to the distinctly different North American countryside beyond each border. Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan, and among the oldest cities in the United States. Some 2,000 years ago, Native Americans settled here for the fish and fur found along the rushing waters of the turbulent river that linked the Great Lakes of Huron and Superior. In the 1600s, French fur traders began calling this burgeoning settlement Sault du Gastogne. In 1668, the Jesuit explorer Fr. Jacques Marquette renamed it Sault Ste. Marie in honor of the Virgin Mary. Throughout its history, the St. Mary’s River has continued to dominate the life and events of Sault Ste. Marie – as it continues to do so today. Sault Ste. Marie is home to historical sites, lighthouses, pristine nature preserves, and the spectacular Tahquamenon Falls – it has a drop of nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across. Peer into the past at the preserved fur traders’ settlement homes on Water Street on our included tour. You will also view the fascinating Soo Locks built by the Fairbanks Scale Company, despite challenging construction conditions. The system of two locks, in tandem, each 350 feet long, are the busiest locks in the world and include the largest lock in the Western Hemisphere.

Included Shore Excursions:
Sault Ste Marie Included Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Valley Camp Museum   Explore this ship-turned museum that houses over 100 exhibits in 20,000 square feet of cargo holds. Discover shipwreck artifacts, models, and paintings.    
River of History Museum  Uncover the history of the St. Mary's River. The River of History Museum also features exhibits on the fur trade and early settlers.    Das Gift Haus  This locally owned German-style shop is the perfect place to find souvenirs from your visit to Sault Ste. Marie.    
Historic Water St. Homes  These historic homes provide an in-depth look at the early fur traders who settled in Sault St. Marie, as well as the importance of the trade to the town. Walk down Water Street and into these homes for a first-hand look into the lives of these settlers.    
The Soo Locks  These parallel locks enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. At the observation deck, look over these operating locks. Or, explore the visitor center, filled with displays dedicated to the construction of the locks.    
Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church  St. Mary's is the oldest catholic church in Michigan and is one of the oldest churches in the United States. Today, the cathedral's parishioners further the traditions of the faith started by Jesuit missionaries centuries ago.
 

Although the robust fur trade continued into the 1800s, the military and economic significance of Fort Mackinac was waning. By the latter half of the 19th century, tourism had emerged as the hallmark of Mackinac Island. Much of the land, designated a national park, was staffed by soldiers from the fort. Coastal resort hotels and Victorian cottages were developed. As more vacationers arrived, entrepreneurs worked to make Mackinac Island synonymous with fudge. In the 1920s, downtown shops innovated the brilliant techniques of demonstrating fudge making right in front of customers and using large ceiling fans to waft the sweet scent out into the street. And although Oldsmobile was making automobiles in nearby Lansing, Mackinac Island banned cars – a distinctive characteristic that remains to this day. Trapped in time and surrounded by staggeringly beautiful landscapes, visitors have found this treasured landmark to be the ideal vacation spot for centuries. No cars. No chain hotels. Just world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge, historic Fort Mackinac, and unique shopping. With awe-inspiring sunrises and unforgettable sunsets, Mackinac Island centers the spirit and soothes the soul. Visitors can experience the tranquil pace on a tour by horse-drawn carriage, just as they did back in 1920. You can tour the Biddle House and get a feel for domestic life during the fur trade. Fire a cannon at historic Fort Mackinac. Or explore the beauty of Mackinac Island State Park. Alternatively, enjoy stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac from the colossal porch – the world’s longest – at the legendary Grand Hotel, opened in 1887. 

Included Shore Excursions:
Mackinac Island Included Carriage Tour
Enjoy a charming tour through Mackinac Island via horse-drawn carriage. Explore the island as we ride to Fort Mackinac, where we will be greeted by a Michigan State Park Representative before we embark on an educational tour of the former military outpost followed by a cannon and rifle firing presentation. We will continue onward to the Grand Hotel, an iconic hotel and coastal resort on the island. The hotel was constructed in the late 19th century and prides itself as having "The World's Largest Porch." Many notable guests have stayed at the hotel including five U.S. presidents, two Russian presidents, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain. Spend your afternoon sightseeing and shopping in this charming town at your leisure, then head back onboard for a special presentation by the Grand Hotel's resident historian Bob Tagatz.     
Fort Mackinac:  Here, we will be greeted by a Michigan State Park Representative before we embark on an educational tour of this former British and American military outpost.    
The Grand Hotel:  Enjoy a self-guided tour of The Grand Hotel and its beautiful grounds.    
Explore Mackinac Island:   Discover this town stuck in time, bursting with American traditions. Mackinac Island is an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll of sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying life on the Great Lakes.

These waters are home to a vast variety of wildlife – trout, salmon, walleye, smallmouth bass, crawfish, freshwater sponges, and sea lamprey, to name a few. That buffet attracts raptors such as hawks and bald eagles and waterfowl such as ducks, swans, and geese. Relax and enjoy the view on your own time on this peaceful lake cruising day. Sip a midmorning consommé, breathe in the fresh lake air on the upper deck, share convivial conversation with other guests, or delve into a captivating book as you look forward to yet another astounding sunset on the water. 

As your American Queen Voyages journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town -- whether it's an optional premier post-cruise experience or a quick transfer to the airport for your final trip home.