Small ship Great Lakes cruise itineraries visit a variety of ports of call in the region. Here is a sampling of stops that you may enjoy. A cruise is a perfect way to enjoy the landscape, the wildlife, the history, and the communities in the Great Lakes region.
Tobermory - Particularly noted for its spectacular wildflowers, and especially its orchids, Tobermory is also perfect for bird-watching. Keep your eyes peeled for various species of water birds, birds of prey such as bald eagle or osprey, and possibly even a sandhill crane.
Georgian Bay Island National Park - Accessible only by boat, the islands of this national park are home to many rare and interesting creatures. You're sure to see gulls and terns, which nest here in large colonies. If you're lucky you might also see one of the snakes or turtles which live here. The park is home to more kinds of reptiles and amphibians than any other place in Canada.
Mantoulin Island - The world's biggest freshwater island is located in the Great Lakes region and boasts a rich history and beautiful landscapes. Outdoor activities, restaurants, museums, and golf are all available in this hidden gem.
Mackinac Island - Beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and quite possibly the best fudge anywhere greets you on your Great Lakes cruise when you visit Mackinac Island. The small-town atmosphere promises a relaxed vacation with all the comforts of home.
Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park - Among the islands of Georgian Bay, Sturgeon Bay offers a sandy beach for safe swimming and some great fishing spots for the sportsman.
Charlevoix - Visit the light house, tour the "Renaissance" castle at Castle Farms, or have some fun at East Park in the downtown. Wading in the fountain is especially fun for the younger children.
Whitefish Point - You'll certainly enjoy a visit to the Shipwreck Museum on your Great Lakes vacation. In the Spring and Fall, flocks of birds stop over in Whitefish Point during their migrations to and from their breeding grounds in Canada.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Pictured Rocks is well named. Its cliffs and waterfalls are worth the trip, just to see them. Four kinds of endangered or threatened birds of prey are counted among the many species of birdlife in the area: the bald eagle, the merlin, the peregrine falcon, and the osprey.
Keweenaw Peninsula - Noted for its copper and for its geology, Keweenaw peninsula is home to fascinating museums and historic sites in the area. A to "Copper Country" would not be complete without a stop at the Adventure Copper Mine. On the Isle Royale, you might catch a glimpse of the local moose and wolves.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Lake Superior is practically an inland sea, in spite of being a freshwater lake. The landscape and adventure opportunities reflect its sea-like nature. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a great place to try out some sea kayaking on Lake Superior. The delightful little Midwestern town of Bayfield is the jumping-off point for many adventures.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.