Great Lakes Collection

Board your ship and get settled in your stateroom. Explore Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario known for its history, Victorian architecture, and walkable neighborhoods like Rosedale and the Distillery District.

Please note: Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Sail through the Welland Canal, built to help ships bypass the Niagara River and its powerful falls. A series of eight locks raises or lowers the ship 326 feet between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Viking’s specially designed vessel navigates this impressive waterway with ease, offering close-up views of Canada’s industrial landscape.

Port Colborne proudly proclaims itself the “Gateway to Navigation.” It is also the gateway to North America’s largest and most powerful cascade, Niagara Falls. Epic in its scope and volume, the falls hurl 42 million gallons of water down 20 stories every minute. Its mile-wide length straddles the Canadian and US borders and is split by islands into three smaller cataracts: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls. Long a storied destination for young honeymooners, today the mighty torrent is a thrill for visitors.

Included Excursion:
Niagara Discovery
Admire the power and majesty of nature during an excursion to view the world-famous Niagara Falls.

Optional Excursions:
Niagara Up Close
Marvel at the power of Horseshoe Falls during a thrilling boat ride to the turbulent pools at its base.

Niagara Behind the Falls
Step behind the scenes at one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls.

Artisan Producers of Niagara and Hornblower Cruise
Visit a local vineyard in the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and stop to view the magnificent Niagara Falls.

Niagara Power Station Light Show & Dinner
Enjoy a mesmerizing evening of light and sound at the Niagara Falls Power Station Light Show.

Port Colborne by Foot & Wine Tasting
Immerse yourself in the maritime heritage of Port Colborne, then enjoy a taste of local wines.

Niagara by Helicopter
Take to the sky for an exhilarating helicopter ride over the Niagara region and its namesake falls.

Peller Estates Winery & Tasting
Explore one of Canada’s premier wineries and savor a selection of fine wines.

Welland Canal Discovery
Learn the history of the Welland Canal and meet a retired pilot who regales you with tales of canal navigation.

Niagara Falls by Helicopter & Hornblower
Experience the majesty of Niagara Falls from different perspectives during a helicopter ride and boat cruise.

Cleveland sits on the shores of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River and is a major port along the St. Lawrence Seaway. This industrial city is also a gateway to the Cuyahoga Valley and its namesake national park, a region of reclaimed nature covering 51 square miles of landscape between Cleveland and Akron. A mix of forests, wetlands and canals, as well as the majestic cascade of Brandywine Falls, the park has more than 125 miles of hiking trails that crisscross the land, including one that runs along the former route of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Included Excursion
Cleveland by Foot
Stroll through downtown Cleveland and admire local landmarks before taking a journey through rock ’n’ roll history.

Optional Excursions
Cleveland Highlights
Embark on a scenic drive through Cleveland before delving into music history at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Arts & Parks
Discover serene green spaces in the Cultural Gardens and collections on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Taste of Cleveland
Indulge in the delicious diversity of Cleveland’s culinary scene during a visit to the renowned West Side Market.

Cuyahoga Valley Hike
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a hike in the relaxing bucolic environs of the Cuyahoga Valley.

Cuyahoga Valley by Bike
Experience the natural beauty of northeastern Ohio during a bike ride through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Cleveland’s Little Italy by Foot
Explore the storied culture and history of Cleveland’s charming Little Italy neighborhood.

Ohio Amish Community
Gain insight into the culture and heritage of Ohio’s Amish community during this immersive full-day excursion.

Great Lakes Brewing Company Beer Tasting
Delve behind the scenes at a local brewery and sample some of its creations.

A Taste of Cleveland
Take a trip to some of Cleveland’s culinary hot spots in the heart of the city and enjoy a taste of Cleveland.

Detroit sits on one of the four straits that link the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway and has emerged as a city rich in culture. In 2015, it became the first US city to earn designation as a “City of Design” by UNESCO for its creativity in urban development. Detroit was founded as a fort in 1701 and later grew into the epicenter of the US automobile industry. Today the city is beloved as the birthplace of Motown, a portmanteau of “motor” and “town.” Its waterfront reveals remarkable examples of postmodern and art deco skyscrapers.

Included Excursion
Henry Ford Museum of Innovation
Explore the history of American achievement during the 20th century at the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation.

Optional Excursions
African American Heritage
Connect with the stories of courage, strength and ingenuity that define Detroit’s African American heritage.

Solid Gold Sounds of Detroit
Immerse yourself in Detroit’s unparalleled contribution to modern music on this exciting aural excursion.

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
Admire the stately elegance and beauty of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House on the scenic shores of Lake St. Clair.

Ford Rouge Factory
Delve into the world of automobile manufacturing during a visit to the Ford Rouge Factory.

Iridescent Art of Detroit’s Landmarks
Dive into the iridescent décor of some of Detroit’s famed landmarks and visit Pewabic Pottery’s studio.

Detroit Institute of Arts
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts and explore its renowned collection of artworks spanning the ages.

Yesteryear Experience at Greenfield Village
Travel back in time and experience a slice of Americana during a visit to the renowned Greenfield Village.

Detroit: Preservation in Action
Uncover the culture, architecture and communities that shaped Detroit’s evolution through the 20th century.

Alpena is in the northeastern region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The town faces Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay and is home to Alpena Light, a brilliant red steel structure built in 1914. After its founding in 1840, fishing and logging were introduced to bolster its economy; today it is home to one of the largest limestone quarries in the world. Two of its architectural gems are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the art deco County Courthouse and the late-Victorian IOOF Centennial Building, once the city’s courthouse.

Included Excursion
Alpena by Foot
Discover the charming downtown of Alpena during a guided walk.

Optional Excursions
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage
Immerse yourself in Thunder Bay’s maritime heritage during a museum visit and boat ride over storied shipwrecks.

Flora & Fauna of North Point
Explore the intertwined ecosystems that exist along the shoreline of Lake Huron during an expert-led nature walk.

Cheers to Alpena
Raise a glass to Alpena’s rich brewing history while sampling local brews.

Thunder Bay Catch & Cook
Cast a line into the fish-abundant waters of Thunder Bay, then savor your catch over a delicious lunch.

Lighthouses of Michigan
Explore two historic and well-preserved Michigan lighthouses on the shores of Lake Huron.

Beach Glass Crafting
Try your hand at crafting with beach glass at a community maker space and gallery.

ROVs & Maritime Archaeology
Visit a national marine sanctuary and gain insight into the technology used to conduct important research.

Algoma is the gateway to the scenic Door Peninsula, a slender limestone peninsula projecting out into Lake Michigan. It was first explored by French missionaries and fur traders during the 17th century. According to legend, Jean Nicolet believed his encounter with the Menominee Tribe was a meeting with Asians of the Far East. The peninsula is also the westernmost edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a prehistoric ridge that stretches more than 650 miles across the Great Lakes region, and is home to boreal forests, rugged rock formations and sandy beaches.

Included Excursion
Green Bay & Lambeau Field
Discover Green Bay during a panoramic drive to a beloved football shrine, Lambeau Field.

Optional Excursions
Niagara Escarpment Hike
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails of the Door Peninsula in search of the ancient Niagara Escarpment.

Algoma Wine, Beer and Cheese
Savor a taste of the finest wines, beer and cheese produced in Wisconsin during visits two Algoma establishments.

Lake Michigan Charter Fishing
Cast a line in search of a prized catch during a charter fishing excursion on Lake Michigan.

Door County Highlights
Witness the beauty of Door County while visiting a charming community and exploring a local orchard.

Vines and Wines of the Door Peninsula
Spend a day in the vineyards of the Door Peninsula while visiting several local wineries.

Biking Cave Point
Explore a diverse coastal landscape by bike and on foot, witnessing a forested, rocky shore and preserved dunes.

Steeped in the charms of simpler times, Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes. Located in the Straits of Mackinac where Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas are closest and Lakes Huron and Michigan meet, this bucolic haven preserves gilded Victorian-era treasures along car-free streets traversed by horse-drawn carriages. The perimeter road is the only state highway in the US that does not permit motor vehicles. More than 80% of Mackinac is protected as a state park, from its Greek Revival Grand Hotel and British-built Fort Mackinac to its preserved wilderness areas.

Included Excursions
Mackinac by Horse-Drawn Carriage
Discover the historical sights and yesteryear charm of scenic Mackinac Island.

Mackinac by Foot
Take to the streets of Mackinac for a walk that offers insight into the island’s history, culture and heritage.

Optional Excursions
Mackinac Island & the Grand Hotel
Explore the highlights of Mackinac Island and enjoy lunch at the iconic Grand Hotel.

Mackinac Island Natural Wonders by Bike
Experience Mackinac Island’s natural beauty during a bike ride along scenic Lake Shore Drive.

An Artful Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to an afternoon tea at Mackinac Island’s iconic Grand Hotel.

Fathom Five National Marine Park is nestled between the waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Its rugged landscapes offer a picturesque backdrop to the blue-tinged waters that are a popular destination for scuba divers to explore an array of sunken shipwrecks. Nearby Flowerpot Island is famed for its rock formations and historic lighthouse, with hiking trails that showcase a wealth of treasures. The Saugeen Ojibway People are collaborating with Parks Canada on an environmental project to protect the freshwater ecosystem, for today and beyond.

A Day in the Life of an Explorer
Morning Briefing
Gather with your expedition team to discuss the day’s activities. After a nourishing breakfast from the World Café, gear up and get ready to explore.
Hike Flowerpot Island
Lace up your boots and set out to explore the bucolic trails of Flowerpot Island, famed for its namesake cliff stacks that line its shores and historic lighthouse.
Kayak the Great Lakes
Discover the ecosystems of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay as you paddle blue waters teeming with aquatic life, including native turtle species and eels.
Onboard Science
Participate in onboard science activities and learn about the ecosystem of the world’s largest freshwater system.
On the Big Screen
Sit back and relax in The Aula, your ship’s dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment. Immerse yourself in an informative documentary or lecture about the Great Lakes region as you cruise.

Optional Excursion
Dive Below the Surface
Board a Viking DNV classed submarine for an incredible experience in the deep blue waters of the Great Lakes.

Killarney was founded by a French-Canadian fur trader in 1820; he named the post Shebahonaning, or “canoe passage.” Its location on the northern shore of Georgian Bay made it ideal for trading. Nearby, the stunning cliffs of the La Cloche range rise dramatically above the shores of Lake Huron. These remarkable mountains are the pinnacle of Killarney Provincial Park, a vast wilderness of lakes and Eastern mixed forest. This breathtaking expanse of protected land is laced with hiking trails and—true to Killarney’s original name—canoe routes that link the area’s lake system.

A Day in the Life of an Explorer
Gear Up for Adventure
Get dressed for an enriching day of exploration. Use of the expedition equipment—including walking poles, binoculars and dry suits for kayaking—is included in your fare.
Kayaking Killarney Provincial Park
Marvel at the striking scenery of Killarney Provincial Park as you glide across the waters of Georgian Bay.
Observe Birdlife
During spring and fall, Georgian Bay is a haven for migrating birds. Throughout the year, the open waters attract common loons, mergansers and gulls.
Special Operations Boat
Glide across the waters of Georgian Bay in a Special Operations Boat to view windswept pines, pink granite rock faces and sandy coves.
Trekking
Immerse yourself in nature as you learn about the local flora and fauna during a hike along the wild Georgian Bay coastline.
Dine Well
Relax and enjoy a freshly prepared meal at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. Afterward, relax with your fellow guests and share stories on the Aquavit Terrace.

Frazer Bay is located off a remote finger of land on the eastern tip of the North Channel in Ontario’s Georgian Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its eponymous hill reaches almost 600 feet, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The bay lies near Killarney Provincial Park, a vast wilderness of lakes and Eastern mixed forest framed by glacier-sculpted pink granite cliffs. Across the channel lies scenic Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater lake island and itself home to another 108 freshwater lakes—some with islands of their own.

A Day in the Life of an Explorer
Morning Briefing
Gather with your Viking Expedition Team to discuss the day’s activities. After a nourishing breakfast from the World Café, assemble your gear so you are ready to explore.
Zodiac Cruise
Admire coastal landscapes and rugged cliffs as your experienced helmsman navigates the waters and through the inlets that snake their way through the archipelago.
Historic Trade Route
Learn about the role of Georgian Bay’s shores and waterways as an important trade route of the Anishinabek First Nations Peoples.
Photography
Capture unforgettable photos of Georgian Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters, towering pines and colorful landscape hues.
Frazer Bay by Kayak
Glide across the pristine waters of Frazer Bay and take in the spectacular views of the rugged landscapes that have long inspired artists, such as The Group of Seven.
Relax and Reminisce
With a great day of exploration completed, enjoy the sunset and exchange your photos and stories of the day over a specialty coffee or cocktail on the Aquavit Terrace.

Founded by French missionaries in 1668, Sault Sainte Marie is Michigan’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the US. It is also home to the famous Soo Locks, a series of parallel locks that make river travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron possible, thereby linking Superior to the lower Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 1855 to allow ships to bypass the St. Marys River’s 21-foot fall over roiling rapids, this innovative lock system was one of the great engineering projects of its day. Today, it guides ships past Sault Sainte Marie and its twin city in Ontario.

The Soo Locks is a series of parallel locks that make river travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron possible, thereby linking Superior to the lower Great Lakes and the Atlantic. Opened in 1855 to allow ships to bypass the river’s 21-foot fall over roiling rapids, this innovative lock system—along with the Erie Canal built 30 years prior—was one of the great engineering projects of its day. Today, it guides ships past the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan; its bridge crosses over the Soo Locks, connecting the two cities.

Included Excursion
St. Mary’s River by Foot
Visit Sault Sainte Marie’s shores to discover the importance of the Soo Locks and the city’s storied origins.

Optional Excursion
Historic Sault Sainte Marie
Delve into Sault Sainte Marie’s intriguing history as you walk through its most prominent districts.

Kayaking St. Mary’s River
Kayak and hike along the history-rich waterways of St. Marys River, enjoying scenic views in a verdant environment.

Hiking Tahquamenon Falls
Set off on a picturesque hike along the Tahquamenon River to immerse yourself in the region’s stunning nature.

Soo Fishing Trip
Sail the St. Mary’s River, a vital connection between the Great Lakes, to cast your line and admire local nature.

Thunder Bay is known as “Canada’s Gateway to the West” for its location at the final navigational point on the Canadian side of Lake Superior. Originally founded as a fur trading post, a settlement was established in 1803 and Fort William was erected. In 1970, Fort William and neighboring Port Arthur were merged to form the City of Thunder Bay. Today, it is one of Ontario’s most vibrant cities and a center of art and culture. Its Waterfront District is beloved for its views across the bay of the Sleeping Giant, a long line of mesas that resemble a giant lying on its back.

Included Excursions
Fort William Historical Park & Kakabeka Falls
Discover Thunder Bay’s storied history at Fort William and admire the beauty of Kakabeka Falls.

Zodiac: Thunder Bay
Investigate the serene coastline of Thunder Bay during an exhilarating Zodiac ride.

Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Experience the boreal forests and lush landscapes of Thunder Bay during a ride in a Special Operations Boat.

Kayaking in Thunder Bay
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team.

Optional Excursions
Thunder Bay Highlights
Take in the natural beauty, culture and landmarks of Thunder Bay during a panoramic sightseeing excursion.

Waterfront District on Foot
Set out on foot to explore Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District and learn about its heritage.

Silver Islet sits on the southern edge of the Sibley Peninsula at the mouth of Thunder Bay. Nearby Sleeping Giant Provincial Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its diverse wildlife and many miles of hiking trails that lead to spectacular views of the Canadian Shield landscape. Less than a mile from its shores are the remnants of an abandoned silver mine. Located 1,200 feet below Lake Superior, this unique underwater mine was the world’s largest and most valuable silver mine, producing the modern-day equivalent of $78 million before flooding in 1884.

A Day in the Life of an Explorer
Morning Briefing
Gather with your Viking Expedition Team to discuss the day’s activities. After a nourishing breakfast from the World Café, assemble your gear so you are ready to explore.
On the Big Screen
Sit back and relax in The Aula, your ship’s dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment. Immerse yourself in an informative documentary about the Great Lakes region as you sail.
Dine Well
Relax and enjoy a freshly prepared meal at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. Afterward, relax with your fellow guests and share stories on the Aquavit Terrace.
Sleeping Giant Hike
Set off into the old-growth forests along the shores of Lake Superior. Keep watch for local wildlife as you hike through striking natural scenery.
Kayaking
Paddle out into majestic Lake Superior by kayak, viewing the rugged shores and boreal forests of the Sibley Peninsula.
Scenic Cruising
Glide across the placid waters of Lake Superior in a Special Operations Boat to tiny Thompson Island, then disembark in search of billion-year-old geological wonders.

Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom.

Please note: Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.