At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Thunder Bay to Milwaukee
- From:
- $5,995
- Time of Year:
- May - September
On this 8-day Undiscovered Great Lakes cruise from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee, Wisconsin aboard the 378-passenger Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the Apostle Islands and Keweenaw Peninsula along the way.
Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of the lake. Gain insight into the unique features and ecosystems of remote wilderness islands and admire Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North.” Step back in time at historic Fort William and on the quaint, car-free streets of Mackinac Island.
From outstanding beauty to historic cities and a deep connection to nature, the Great Lakes are an undiscovered treasure, boasting stunning national parks best explored via tranquil kayaking and hiking. This area is also rich in culture, with world‑class museums, vibrant cities and areas steeped in First Nations traditions.
Great Lakes Cruise Highlights
- One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
- 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
- Port taxes & fees
- Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
- Visits to UNESCO Sites
- Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
- Access to The Nordic Spa & state-of-the-art fitness center
- Self-service launderettes
- Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service
- Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge
- All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions
Undiscovered Great Lakes Details
Day 1: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Board your ship and meet your fellow travelers and Viking Expedition team. Get settled in, attend a briefing for the following day and take a stroll along the Lake Superior shoreline.
Day 2: Silver Islet, Ontario
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.
Day 3: Duluth, Minnesota
Tour Glensheen, the former estate of Gilded Age capitalist Chester Adgate Congdon. Learn about Duluth’s role in Great Lakes shipping during a visit to the SS William A. Irvin lake freighter. Or, board the North Shore Scenic Railroad for a journey along Lake Superior. Follow in the footsteps of fur traders during a paddle down the St. Louis River, or witness thousands of migrating raptors flying along the bluffs outside Duluth.
Day 4: Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Venture into the coniferous forest of white spruce and balsam fir that dominates the 22 islands that comprise the Apostle archipelago. Discover the dune bogs and lagoons that provide an unusually broad variety of habitats, and spot bald eagles. Explore the vaulted chambers of the ever-changing sea caves that line local shores in a kayak or learn the art of seamanship while sailing the waters between the islands.
Day 5: Houghton, Michigan
Discover more about the area’s 7,000 years of copper mining history and descend 370 feet below the surface into the Quincy Mine to learn about life and working underground. Hike through verdant forests to admire the beautiful, cascading veils of the Hungarian Falls. At the Bete Grise Preserve, glide through the marshlands in a kayak as you observe local birdlife of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Day 6: Scenic Cruising: Soo Locks Transit
Pass through the Soo Locks in the St. Mary’s River, heading from Lake Huron into Lake Superior. Observe the massive gates of this ingenious feat of engineering as they close, then watch as the water flows in through the gravity-fed valves to bring your Viking Expedition ship up to the level of Lake Superior.
Day 7: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Enjoy an exciting day on idyllic Mackinac Island, located in the Straits of Mackinac, which link Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. This charming island is well known as a haven for pedestrians and bicyclists; motor vehicles are banned here, and the only way to access the island is by boat. Take a sightseeing excursion by horse-drawn carriage to important historical sites. Or, choose to dine at the elegant Grand Hotel, a Victorian-era building with the world’s longest front porch. Alternatively, explore the forested shores of Mackinac Island by kayak.
Day 8: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Disembark your ship and extend your exploration with three days of discovery in Chicago, featuring the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Art Institute of Chicago, or return home.
| Dates | Ship | Nordic Balcony | Deluxe Nordic Balcony | Nordic Penthouse | Nordic Junior Suite | Explorer Suite | Owner’s Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 8, 2024 | Viking Polaris | $7,295 | $7,795 | $9,495 | $11,095 | $16,495 | $22,495 |
| Jul 4, 2024 | Viking Octantis | $7,295 | $7,795 | $9,495 | $11,495 | $16,495 | $22,495 |
| Jul 18, 2024 | Viking Octantis | $7,295 | $7,795 | $9,495 | $11,495 | $16,495 | $22,495 |
| Sep 10, 2024 | Viking Polaris | $7,295 | $7,795 | $9,495 | $11,095 | $16,495 | $22,495 |
| Jun 2, 2025 | Viking Polaris | $6,795 | $7,295 | $8,995 | $9,995 | $15,495 | $21,495 |
| Jul 1, 2025 | Viking Octantis | $7,295 | $7,795 | $9,495 | $10,495 | $16,495 | $22,495 |
| Sep 8, 2025 | Viking Polaris | $7,595 | $8,095 | $9,995 | $10,995 | $17,495 | $23,495 |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
Prices subject to change
Included
- Accommodations aboard ship
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
- 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
- Access to top-rated spa & state-of-the-art fitness center
- Self-service launderettes
- Port taxes & fees
- Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Not Included
- Additional Shore Excursions
- Cocktails and Premium Alcohol
- Spa Treatments
- Gratuities
Viking Octantis
The 378-passenger Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis is optimally sized and built for expeditions – small enough to navigate the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas. The ship features public spaces that are familiar to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but that have been reimagined for expeditions, as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions.
Viking Polaris
The 378-guest Viking Polaris is a purpose-built expedition ship elegantly designed for discovery and comfort. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, you are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth.
