Great Lakes Treasures

Board your ship and settle into your stateroom. Explore Milwaukee, a city rich in beer-brewing heritage, art, and culture. Stroll the scenic RiverWalk, known for its public art and relaxing views.

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

Step back in time on charming, car-free Mackinac Island. Ride horse-drawn carriages past Victorian landmarks like the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac. Over 80% of the island is state park, offering scenic roads, trails, and preserved natural beauty where Lakes Huron and Michigan meet.

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 will offer 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.

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.

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.

A series of pink granite islands known for their natural beauty, the Benjamin Islands lie toward the eastern end of the North Channel. Dramatic landscapes that were sculpted by glaciers provide a picturesque rocky refuge for visitors to its shores. The harbor is formed by two principal islands, the North Benjamin and South Benjamin, which are enveloped by a number of smaller islets. The surrounding waters are tranquil and crystal clear, offering the perfect opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife from the water, including bald eagles and various fish species.

A Day in the Life of an Explorer
Coffee with a View
Enjoy the stillness of dawn while watching the sun rise over the lake with a warm cup of coffee from your Nordic Balcony.

Zodiac Cruise
Admire coastal views and pink granite landscapes as your experienced helmsman navigates the waters of the North Channel.

Examine Lab Samples
With your Viking Resident Scientists, visit the lab to study samples that introduce the geology of the natural world around you.

Kayak the North Channel
Glide across the pristine waters of the North Channel and take in the spectacular views of the pink granite islands, renowned for their natural beauty.

Bird-Watching
Grab your binoculars and head out to spot various species of birds. You may spot bald eagles, common loons and ospreys.

Dine with a View
Enjoy the vistas from the comfort of The Restaurant as you savor a freshly prepared meal. Afterward, relax with your fellow guests and share stories in the Explorers Lounge.

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.

Included Excursions:
Soo Locks
Gain insight into the fascinating history and operation of the famous Soo Locks.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Discover the perilous history of maritime transport on the Great Lakes during a visit to a shipwreck museum.

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center
Delve into Canada’s history of bush flying and forest protection at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center.

Hiawatha Highlands
Venture into the rugged but beautiful Canadian wilderness during a picturesque hike in the Hiawatha Highlands.

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 Excursions:
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.

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.

A Day at Moonlight Bay
Explore the unspoiled natural beauty of Moonlight Bay by foot and kayak.

Crossing the Door Peninsula
Experience the pristine natural environments of the Door Peninsula on a full-day trip to its northern tip.

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.

A cultural hub renowned for its world-class museums, including the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is an expansive metropolis with a magnificent skyline that stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan. Numerous sandy beaches offer the perfect spot to while away a sunny day. For nature lovers, Rainbow Beach features a dune habitat which provides an important stop for migrating birds; more than 250 species have been recorded here. Jazz and blues, a rich history, and the famed Chicago-style pizza round out this sophisticated Midwestern city.

Included Excursion: 
Chicago by Foot
Discover Chicago during a panoramic walking excursion along its Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile.

Optional Excursions:
Chicago Art Walk
Admire the works of a bygone era during an excursion focused on Chicago’s Golden Age and art deco masterpieces.

Chicago Arts & Parks
Explore Chicago’s “front yard” and admire the vast collection of one of the world’s foremost art museums.

Chicago’s Sporting Legacy
Revel in the rich history and lore of Chicago’s sports teams during visits to three iconic venues.

“Windy City” Architecture
Follow an expert guide on a tour of Chicago’s architectural masterpieces from both land and water.

Chicago River by Kayak
Paddle Chicago’s historic waterway by kayak for a unique perspective of this vibrant Midwestern metropolis.

Chicago for Pizza Lovers
Tantalize your taste buds during a culinary excursion to savor several slices of Chicago-style pizza.

Along the 606: The Bloomingdale Trail
Walk along the Bloomingdale Trail, one of Chicago’s great urban transformation success stories.

Remnants of the 1893 World’s Fair
Uncover the city of Chicago from the perspective of the 1893 World’s Fair.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of the extensions.

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