Up to $4,000 in Savings! Your special fare from $5,299 per person, based on double occupancy, already includes savings of up to $3,000 off the regular voyage fare. Pay in full by October 15, 2026, and enjoy an additional $1,000 off.
At a glance
- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Start/End:
- Toronto to Chicago, and reverse
- From:
- $5,299
- Time of Year:
- April through September
On this 11-day All 5 Great Lakes cruise, embark on an intimate journey across North America’s magnificent inland seas, sailing from Toronto to Chicago. Along the way, you’ll discover vibrant cities, hidden harbors, and natural wonders that showcase the best of both the United States and Canada.
Whether you start or finish in Toronto, you’ll have plenty to explore. Rise above the city from the CN Tower, sip and stroll through the historic Distillery District, or relax along the lively waterfront. Toronto’s arts, cuisine, and culture make it the perfect gateway to your cruise.
Beyond the marquee cities, this itinerary feature unique destinations that big ships can’t reach, places like Green Bay, Duluth, Thunder Bay, Marquette, and Cleveland. Each port reveals its own story, from historic landmarks to local traditions.
Victory Cruise Lines small-ship cruises are designed for travelers who want more than a glimpse. They go beyond the harbor, offering curated excursions that bring you closer to the communities, culture, and history of the Great Lakes.
From the timeless charm of Mackinac Island to the cutting-edge energy of Chicago, Victory Cruise Lines delivers an unforgettable adventure. Step aboard and experience the Great Lakes like never before.
All 5 Great Lakes Cruise Highlights
- Niagara Falls: Feel the mist on your face and hear the thunderous roar of this iconic wonder of the world. Whether you’re gazing from the observation deck or taking a thrilling boat ride, Niagara will leave you speechless.
- Mackinac Island: Step back in time on this car-free island of Victorian charm. Explore Fort Mackinac, savor the island’s famous fudge, and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through tree-lined streets.
- Detroit: Experience the energy of the Motor City. From Motown to modern art, Detroit pulses with music, innovation, and history—a city forever reinventing itself.
- Chicago: Begin or conclude your voyage in style in one of America’s most dynamic cities. Cruise the river to admire world-class architecture, stroll through Millennium Park, and explore treasures at the Art Institute.
All 5 Great Lakes Cruise Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Hotel Stay
Canada’s largest and most diverse city electrifies visitors with its iconic skyline, remarkable neighborhoods, and boundless cultural energy. Ascend the needle-shaped CN Tower for sweeping views of Lake Ontario stretching to the horizon. Wander the cobblestone Distillery District, explore the bohemian treasures of Kensington Market, or tour the Royal Ontario Museum’s world-class collections. From the dazzling theater district and acclaimed restaurants to waterfront trails and multicultural festivals, Toronto offers an endlessly dynamic and welcoming experience unlike any other city on the Great Lakes.
Day 2: Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Embark
Board your ship and set sail from Toronto’s picturesque waterfront. Watch the city skyline recede as you glide across Lake Ontario, with the city’s bustling energy giving way to the calm waters of your voyage ahead.
Day 3: Scenic Sailing on Lake Ontario & Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario
Experience the thundering power and majesty of Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Walk along the Niagara Parkway and feel the mist from Horseshoe Falls as you stand face-to-face with the roaring cascade. Port Colborne, a charming canal town nestled on Lake Erie at the southern end of the historic Welland Canal, serves as your gateway to all the wonders of the Niagara region — from world-class vineyards and sweet maple farms to the fascinating history of one of North America’s greatest engineering achievements.
Day 4: Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland defies expectations at every turn, revealing a city brimming with cultural pride, architectural grandeur, and an irrepressible creative spirit. Home to the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this lakeside gem traces the birth of an entire musical era through iconic exhibits and electrifying galleries. Explore the stunning Cleveland Museum of Art, stroll the lively West Side Market, and discover beautifully restored neighborhoods that showcase the city’s storied industrial heritage. With Lake Erie glittering on the horizon and world-class dining around every corner, Cleveland is a Great Lakes treasure waiting to be rediscovered.
Day 5: Detroit, Michigan
Detroit pulses with the unstoppable energy of reinvention, roaring back with bold creativity, world-class culture, and deep-rooted American pride. The birthplace of Motown music and the American automobile, this remarkable city wears its legends proudly — from the electrifying Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to the soaring Renaissance Center on the sparkling riverfront. Explore the thriving arts district, savor a Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, and discover the neighborhoods and murals that tell the story of a city forever transforming itself into something extraordinary. Detroit’s spirit is truly infectious.
Day 6: Scenic Sailing on Lake Huron
Relax and recharge as you sail across the scenic open waters of Lake Huron. Enjoy the ship’s amenities, catch up on a good book, or simply take in the serene vistas stretching to the horizon.
Day 7: Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan
At the gateway between Lake Huron and Lake Superior lies one of the most remarkable feats of engineering on the continent. Watch massive freighters glide effortlessly through the famous Soo Locks, a marvel that has connected the Great Lakes since 1855 and moves more cargo annually than the Panama Canal. Explore the history and culture of the region’s Ojibwe heritage, ride a historic boat tour through the locks, and gaze out at the wild, shimmering expanse of Lake Superior beckoning on the horizon. Sault Ste. Marie is where the inland seas of North America reveal their breathtaking grandeur.
Day 8: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step off the boat and into another century on magical Mackinac Island, where automobiles are banned, horse-drawn carriages clip along flower-lined streets, and time moves at a gentler pace. The iconic Grand Hotel presides over this beloved destination with Victorian splendor, welcoming guests as it has since 1887. Explore the historic British fort, savor the island’s famous hand-crafted fudge, and cycle around the breathtaking eight-mile shoreline trail. With its unique combination of preserved history, natural beauty, and timeless charm, Mackinac Island is among the most beloved destinations in the entire Great Lakes.
Day 9: Escanaba, Michigan
Nestled along the serene shores of Little Bay de Noc in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Escanaba invites you into a world of old-growth forests, crystal-clear waters, and genuine north-country hospitality. This gateway to the U.P.’s wild interior offers sweeping bay views, excellent fishing, and the rich heritage of the region’s Ojibwe and French-Canadian settlers. Explore the Delta County Historical Museum, stroll along the beautiful waterfront park, and immerse yourself in the unhurried rhythms of life at the edge of a vast wilderness — a refreshing and restorative experience in the heart of the Great Lakes.
Day 10: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beer, Harley-Davidson, and lakefront festivals have long defined Milwaukee’s spirited identity, but this vibrant Wisconsin city offers much more to the curious traveler. The striking Milwaukee Art Museum, with its spectacular Calatrava-designed brise-soleil that opens like a pair of wings, anchors a dynamic cultural waterfront. Explore the historic Pabst Mansion, sample legendary bratwurst at the Milwaukee Public Market, and discover the rich immigrant heritage woven into the city’s colorful neighborhoods. Friendly, unpretentious, and brimming with local pride, Milwaukee is one of Lake Michigan’s most genuinely delightful destinations.
Day 11: Chicago (Navy Pier), Illinois - Disembark
The Windy City stuns with its incomparable skyline, world-famous architecture, and boundless energy — one of the great cities of the world rising magnificently from the shores of Lake Michigan. Walk the Riverwalk beneath soaring steel-and-glass towers, tour legendary blues and jazz clubs, and feast on a legendary deep-dish pizza. Marvel at the gleaming Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, explore the Art Institute’s priceless collections, and stroll the iconic Magnificent Mile. Vibrant, welcoming, and endlessly surprising, Chicago delivers an urban experience that few cities anywhere on earth can match.
