At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Milwaukee to Toronto or reverse
- From:
- $6,740
- Time of Year:
- August
Set sail on a 8-day journey through the sparkling waters of the Great Lakes, the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem, aboard the elegant Pearl Mist. Glide past the breathtaking 30,000 Islands and step ashore in remarkable destinations where history, culture, and natural beauty meet.
Discover Holland, Michigan, where North America’s only authentic Dutch windmill still turns in the breeze. Embrace the timeless charm of Mackinac Island, where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages replace cars, and life moves at a gentler pace. As you cruise toward Parry Sound, marvel at dramatic rock formations and pristine wilderness that frame this spectacular coastline.
Onboard, every detail is designed for your comfort. Our attentive crew anticipates your needs while world-class chefs craft regionally inspired dishes that capture the flavors of the Great Lakes.
From the historic harbors of Lake Ontario to the serene shores of Lake Huron, each stop offers something new to explore, whether it’s vibrant city life, quiet natural escapes, or cultural treasures waiting to be uncovered.
With Pearl Seas Cruises, every moment is carefully curated to combine discovery with relaxation. Experience the Great Lakes in unmatched comfort and style, and return home with memories that will last a lifetime.
Great Lakes and Georgian Bay Highlights
- Enjoy a custom Pre-Cruise Package.
- Learn about Milwaukee with a guided tour, traveling through historic neighborhoods and popular attractions.
- Explore the delightful town of Holland where hundreds of Dutch immigrants live and immerse yourself in its genuine Dutch culture.
- Visit Mackinac Island, a living Victorian town where all who visit or live on the island travel by horse or horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot.
- Transit the Saint Mary’s River, which connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron, providing access between the United States and Canada for hundreds of years.
- Pay a visit to Little Current, considered the gateway to the World’s Largest Freshwater Island, Manitoulin Island
- Experience the cultural hotspots including art galleries, museums, performance centers and shopping of Toronto.
Great Lakes and Georgian Bay – 8-Days Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Pre-Cruise: Milwaukee, WI
Pearl Seas Cruises custom Milwaukee Pre-Cruise Package provides you with a seamless way to experience the city and easily board the ship. Arrive the day before your cruise and Pearl Seas Cruises will handle the rest. The package includes a 1 night stay at the Drury Hotel, located in the heart of downtown, near many amazing attractions such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum.
On the morning of your cruise enjoy breakfast and a guided Milwaukee Exploration. Travel through historic neighborhoods and popular attractions as your guide shares stories of the European immigrants who settled here and points out architectural highlights and cultural hot spots along the way. Complimentary Transfer to the ship the morning of embarkation are included for your convenience.
Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.
Day 1: Milwaukee, WI
Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Milwaukee. There’s more to this city than beer and baseball. In addition to being home to ten Fortune 1000 company headquarters, Milwaukee is also known for its historic architecture, markets, international seaport, and variety of museums, including the Milwaukee Art Museum just steps away from our dock.
Day 2: Muskegon / Holland, MI
From historic ships and lighthouses to the restored mansions built by Muskegon’s most famous lumber barons, delight in the history and scenery of this quaint Michigan town. Referred to as “The Riviera of the Midwest,” Muskegon has grown from a fur trading and lumbering town to a vibrant tourist destination. Explore the delightful town of Holland where hundreds of Dutch immigrants live and immerse yourself in its genuine Dutch culture.
Day 3: Mackinac Island, MI
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through Michigan’s most historic location. Narrated by your driver, your journey begins in a two-horse hitch carriage. Make your way down Lilac Lane and explore the island’s incredible beauty and history. Enjoy views of the famous Grand Hotel and Victorian summer cottages, and learn how islanders rely upon horses, carriages, and bicycles for daily living.
Stop at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum, which displays historic carriages, including a horse-drawn hearse still used today, and an antique fire department pumper. After, board a three horse hitch carriage, the largest in the world, for the second part of the tour. As we travel through the State Park, enjoy magnificent views or Arch Rock, one of the natural wonders of the Midwest, and the island’s most famous geological formation. Towering 146 feet above the water and spanning fifty feet at its widest point, it still attracts sightseers as it has for a century and a half.
Continue on to Fort Mackinac, the oldest building in Michigan. More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park. Explore the many historical structures that boast exhibits highlighting everything from military training and battles to medical treatments and family life within the fort.
Next, board a two-horse hitch carriage for transport to The Grand Hotel, founded in1887. Discover the rich history and tastefully preserved architecture of this National Historic Landmark, while enjoying the hotel’s shops and museums. Sit in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Depart the Grand Hotel at your leisure.
Day 4: Sault Sainte Marie, ON
Located at the mouth of Saint Mary’s River, Sault Saint Marie was originally established by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century. Saint Mary’s River connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron and has provided trade access between the United States and Canada for hundreds of years. The blend of the native Ojibwa with the French and English settlers resulted in the rich and diverse culture of this incredible destination.
Day 5: Little Current, ON
Located along the north shore of Manitoulin Island, Little Current is considered the gateway to the World’s Largest Freshwater Island. Home to the native Ojibwe, this charming town is known for its swing bridge, a one-lane bridge and the only vehicular access to Manitoulin Island except for a daily passenger-vehicle ferry that runs from late spring to October.
Day 6: Parry Sound, ON
Located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay in Lake Huron, Parry Sound is a picturesque port town with charming cottages and spectacular views. As you cruise the Georgian Bay, enjoy its serene beauty from the ships’ sun deck where you can admire views of Flowerpot Rocks, windswept pines, rugged coast, and clear blue waters.
Day 7: Midland, ON
Midland is the main town and economic center of the area located at the southern end of Georgian Bay’s Thirty Thousand Islands. Learn about the history of this fascinating city with a visit to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, a living museum depicting 17th-century missionary life. Stroll along the Midland Harbor, a picturesque destination featuring a large statue of the trumpeter swan, considered the symbol of Midland. For bird lovers, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a habitat for Trumpeter Swans, Black Terns, and Least Bitterns.
Day 8: Toronto, ON
End your amazing journey in Toronto, established as a Native American settlement and French fur trading post. Within its impressive skyline, there are several cultural hotspots including art galleries, museums, and performance centers. Shoppers will delight in Queen Street West, where chic boutiques replaced this old warehouse area and Kensington Street, where retro style abounds.
