The Great Lakes: A Voyage Through North America's Magnificent Inland Sea

Close to home is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Nearly fifteen thousand years ago, the last of the great glaciers retreated, leaving us with the legacy of the Great Lakes.

The lakes are unique, for although they are called lakes, they are in reality vast inland seas that comprise one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water. First used as a means of transport by Algonquin and Iroquois tribes, the lakes later became a thriving commercial hub and a heavily traveled waterway with the arrival of European settlers. More than fifty years ago, the Great Lakes were the busiest waterway in the world and North America’s treasured summer destination. Today, travelers are rediscovering the charms of the vast, sweet water.

On the shores of Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior, welcoming towns have changed little since the 19th century—in marked contrast to much of the North American continent—and warm summer breezes skim through the lush leaves of the woody, rocky coasts. Aboard the 100-guest Clelia II, with its combination of intimacy and elegance, we are pleased to revive the grandeur and pleasure of a classic Great Lakes cruise.

On this unique itinerary, which sails between American and Canadian ports, travelers will thrill to the thundering of Niagara Falls, witness Native American culture on Manitoulin Island, enjoy Mackinac Island’s bygone Victorian charms and revel in the pristine beauty of the Keweenaw Penisula, one of North America’s most unspoiled regions. A highlight of our voyage will be transiting the many scenic waterways and locks that connect the Great Lakes as we sail the vast expanse between Lake Ontario and the western shores of Lake Superior.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - USA - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Embark - Lake Ontario
Fly from the U.S. to Toronto, Ontario’s dynamic metropolis and the largest urban center in Canada. Overlooking the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s leading cultural and financial center. Transfer to the port to board Clelia II and sail.

Day 2 - Port Weller - Welland Canal - Niagra Falls - Lake Erie
Arrive this morning at Port Weller, from where Clelia II begins the dramatic passage from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie via the Welland Canal. A series of seven locks designed as a continuous flight of “stairs” lifts Clelia II 324 feet over a distance of 27 miles. From the decks of the ship witness the mechanics of this engineering marvel which took over 100 years to complete. An excursion leads to Niagara Falls, one of North America’s most spectacular natural wonders, where we’ll see both the American Falls and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls.

Day 3 - At Sea - Lake Erie - Lake Huron
Spend a relaxing day at sea as wecruise from Lake Erie to Lake Huron. Enjoy the views from deck as Clelia II makes the 106-mile transit through the Detroit River, sailing past Detroit into Lake St. Clair, and then on to Lake Huron via the St. Clair River. During this passage there is an eight-foot change in elevation between the lakes.

Day 4 - Little Current, Manitoulin Island, Ontario - Lake Huron
Land at Little Current, the main settlement on Manitoulin, the world’s largest freshwater island and one of 30,000islands that grace Lake Huron. Manitoulin is the home of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, a thriving Native American community that bears the distinction of being the only tribe in Canada never to have ceded title to its land. Drive to the reserve, where a traditional Native American powwow will be held, and visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, whose exhibits chronicle the story of the native people of Manitoulin and the north shore of Lake Huron.

Day 5 - Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States - Lake Michigan - Lake Huron - Soo Locks - Lake Superior
Arrive in beautiful Mackinac Island, a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. Explore this idyllic island and see the ancient limestone formations that were considered sacred by the Straits Indians; the impressive Fort Mackinac, built atop a high cliff by the British in 1780; and the Victorian Grand Hotel, a landmark of the island. Also enjoy time at leisure to stroll along streets lined with gingerbread-trimmed buildings and browse in the charming shops. As we sail from Mackinac Island, enjoy lunch on deck and breathtaking views as Clelia II sails under the Mackinac Bridge to enter Lake Michigan. Rising 552 feet above the Straits of Mackinac and five miles long, the bridge connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. At 8,614 feet, it is the longest two-tower suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. Return back to Lake Huron and proceed to the scenic waterways of the North Channel which lead to Sault Ste. Marie. Here Clelia II transits the Soo Locks, the busiest in the world, where some 12,000 ships pass annually.

Day 6 - Houghton, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Today Clelia II will navigate through the Portage Waterway, the narrow channel that separates Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula from the mainland, to call at quaint Houghton, built on a bluff facing the channel. Keweenaw witnessed the country’s first mineral rush, when vast deposits of copper were discovered in1840. By the time the rush was over early in the 20th century, copper had generated enormous wealth, estimated o be ten times more than the money generated by the California Gold Rush. The legacy of the copper rush is still evident today in the abandoned mines, deserted settlements nestled in the forest, and the opulent buildings in the region’s towns. We will explore this historic region, an area not only rich in history, but also a place of extraordinary natural beauty.

Day 7 - Thunder Bay - Old Fort William - Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
The land around the attractive bay where Thunder Bay is sited was first settled by the French in 1679. Shortly after the American Revolution, the British established a settlement, Fort William, which flourished on the booming fur trade. This was the origin of Thunder Bay, now the largest city on Lake Superior. This morning we tour Thunder Bay, including Old Fort William, the impeccably restored fur trading post and headquarters of the North West Company. Spend the afternoon exploring Thunder Bay, a vibrant frontier town and cultural center.

Day 8 - Duluth, Minnesota, United States - Disembark
Morning arrival in Duluth, Minnesota, whose history is tied to its strategic location as a transportation hub on Lake Superior. The city has experienced a renaissance and its vibrant downtown is graced by waterfront parks and promenades. Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights home.

Includes

• 7­night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
• Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Group transfer from the pier to the airport on the morning of disembarkation
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers

Not Included

Airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage, cancellation and accident insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.