Sail the Five Great Lakes on an 11-day cruise aboard Victory I, starting in Chicago and ending in Toronto. You sail Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario while visiting Milwaukee, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland, Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls. You explore car-free island streets, watch freighters pass through the Soo Locks, and walk major urban waterfronts. You balance guided visits, independent exploration, and extended scenic sailing. This voyage stands apart for rare freshwater navigation, multiple Great Lakes crossings, and access to both major cities and historic small ports.
Highlights
Cruise open Lake Michigan with uninterrupted horizon views
Explore Milwaukee Riverwalk and lakefront architecture
Visit Cleveland Rock Hall and Lake Erie shoreline
Approach Niagara Falls from Port Colborne waterfront
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 in Chicago, a major Great Lakes city. Walk the Riverwalk, take in city views from Willis Tower, and explore exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago. Dine at popular local restaurants and stay overnight near the lakefront before the cruise departure.
Board the ship at Navy Pier and leave Chicago as the skyline disappears. The busy harbor marks the start of a Great Lakes voyage, transitioning from urban streets to open water.
Let time slow as you drift across the open waters. The horizon stretches endlessly as Lake Michigan’s tranquil expanse invites quiet reflection and rejuvenation.
Milwaukee welcomes you with its distinctive blend of old-world charm and modern flair. Sip your way through local craft breweries, take in the striking architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum, or cruise down the River Walk, lined with lively cafes and waterfront parks.
Arriving at Mackinac Island feels like stepping into a vintage postcard. Horse-drawn carriages clip along the cobblestone streets, Victorian homes line the hills, and the scent of homemade fudge drifts through the air. Bike around the island’s perimeter for sweeping views of Lake Huron, or explore Fort Mackinac’s storied ramparts.
Day 6: Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan | Lake Superior
Sault Ste. Marie offers a front-row seat to one of engineering’s great spectacles. Watch as massive freighters glide through the Soo Locks, connecting the wild waters of Lake Superior to the gentler tides of Lake Huron. The town’s maritime history and relaxed waterfront make it a captivating stop.
Feel the serenity of nature envelop you as you glide over the expansive waters of Lake Superior. Lose yourself in the vast horizon that stretches infinitely, where the calming presence of North America’s largest lake invites introspection and revitalization.
Sailing across Lake Huron feels like venturing into the wild. Its tranquil beauty and diverse coastline offer a glimpse into a quieter, more remote stretch of the region.
Day 8: Detroit, Michigan | Scenic Sailing on Lake Erie
Detroit’s spirit is electric—past and future colliding in a city that never stands still. Dive into the city’s vibrant art scene, explore the historic roots of Motown, or wander the revitalized Eastern Market, where urban energy pulses at every turn.
Sail into tranquility on the shimmering waters of Lake Erie. Let the gentle waves carry you across its expansive surface, where the horizon stretches endlessly, inviting moments of peaceful contemplation and rejuvenation amidst the serene beauty of the Great Lakes.
Cleveland’s charm lies in its contrasts—industrial grit gives way to high culture along the shores of Lake Erie. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame buzzes with energy, while Little Italy and the West Side Market offer a feast for the senses.
Day 10: Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario | Scenic Sailing on Lake Ontario
The roar of Niagara Falls draws you in long before you see it. Feel the spray on your skin as you edge closer to this natural wonder and then retreat to the calm streets of Port Colborne, a quaint town brimming with local artisans and waterfront cafes.
Let the gentle waves of Lake Ontario guide you as you gaze upon its vast horizon, where moments of peaceful reflection and rejuvenation unfold amidst the serene beauty of one of North America’s Great Lakes.
Day 11: Toronto, Ontario | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Toronto’s cosmopolitan energy provides the perfect grand finale. Scale the CN Tower, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Kensington Market and Distillery District, and savor the global flavors that define Canada’s largest city. As your voyage concludes, Toronto leaves you with a sense of boundless possibility and adventure.
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.
$7,4992-3 travelers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 $500pp for double occ $1000pp for single occ, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
