Niagara and the Great Lakes

Board your ship and get comfortable in your stateroom. Toronto is renowned as one of Canada’s most vibrant and forward-thinking cities. Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario and overlooking the scenic Toronto Islands, it was established in 1793 by British loyalists escaping the American Revolution. Today, the city is perfect for exploring on foot, whether you’re admiring the Victorian bay-and-gable homes in Rosedale or wandering through the historic Wychwood Park, a designated Ontario Heritage Conservation district. The Distillery District also boasts North America’s most extensive collection of preserved Victorian industrial architecture.

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

Built between 1824 and 1833, the Welland Canal is a key engineering marvel, bypassing Niagara Falls with eight locks that raise or lower ships 326 feet between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Vital for regional trade, it features busy docks and crossings. Viking’s expedition vessels are designed to navigate this impressive waterway smoothly.  

Port Colborne, the “Gateway to Navigation,” leads to Niagara Falls, North America’s largest waterfall. With 42 million gallons plunging 20 stories per minute, the falls span the Canadian-US border and include Horseshoe, Bridal Veil, and American Falls. Once a honeymoon hotspot, it remains a must-see wonder.

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 will regale 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.

Point Pelee is a pristine area that points into Lake Erie from Ontario, tapering off to a fine point before disappearing into the waters. The peninsula comprises woodlands and the largest freshwater marshes on the Great Lakes. It was proclaimed a national park in 1918 and is further protected by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty that protects wetlands. Located at the convergence of two major bird migration flyways, about 350 species have been recorded here. Boardwalks deliver visitors into this unique ecosystem of vast, open vistas and wave-kissed shores.

A Day in the Life of an Explorer
Zodiac Adventure
Navigate the purple-tinted sands of the spit on board a Zodiac, exploring the various wetland habitats and keeping watch for the local wildlife which call Point Pelee home.

Special Operations Boat
Sail along the spit, noting the local flora and keeping watch for beavers, muskrats, basking turtles and other creatures that inhabit the marshes, forests and wetlands.

Kayaking
Venture into the remote areas of Point Pelee National Park by kayak, traveling through the marshlands while witnessing and exploring the local ecosystem.

Hiking
Set out to shore by Zodiac and discover the boardwalks, trails and local flora and fauna in a variety of habitats, including sandy beaches, bottomland swamps, dense forests and open marshland.

Bird-Watching
Take your binoculars and head out by Zodiac into one of North America’s bird migration hotspots. Depending on the time of day and season, you may see species such as orioles, swifts and rare warblers.

Onboard Science
With your Viking Resident Scientists, study photographs taken during excursions into the bay to better understand bird migration patterns across the islands.

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

The Art & Architecture of Detroit
Discover Detroit’s long-standing commitment to the arts and architecture during this wide-ranging excursion.

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

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

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

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

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: 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.

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 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.

Milwaukee was first settled by Europeans in 1818, when French-Canadian fur trader Solomon Juneau arrived. German, Polish and Eastern European immigrants followed, bringing with them a long tradition of beer brewing. For several decades in the 20th century, Milwaukee became the world’s most prolific beer producer. Today, the city is a vibrant center of art, history and culture. The RiverWalk, a pedestrian walkway along the Milwaukee, is a popular spot for enjoying relaxing strolls or viewing public art installations.

Included Excursion:.
Highlights of Milwaukee
See the sights of Milwaukee, on the shores of Lake Michigan, during a panoramic excursion.

Optional Excursions:
Milwaukee Art Museum
Immerse yourself in the fine collection of art that adorns the walls and galleries of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Churches & Chocolates
Explore the spires and steeples of Milwaukee and visit a local chocolate shop for a sweet treat.

Milwaukee by Kayak
Explore Milwaukee from the vantage point of the rivers that run through it during an informative kayaking trip.

Craft Breweries & Distilleries of Milwaukee
Join an entertaining excursion to meet some of Milwaukee’s finest brewers and distillers.

Bird-watching at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Grab your binoculars and head out with an ornithologist to view birdlife at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

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


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