At a glance
- Duration:
- 13 Days
- Start/End:
- Chicago, Illinois to Montréal, Québec
- From:
- $7,299
- Time of Year:
- September
Set sail from Chicago to Montréal on an extraordinary 13-day voyage that blends breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cities, and centuries of history.
Glide across North America’s inland seas, where soaring skylines fade into quiet lakeshores and star-filled skies. Journey through Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, along Canada’s southern coast, and through the historic St. Lawrence Seaway.
Marvel at cascading waterfalls, explore storybook port towns, and immerse yourself in cultures shaped by generations of trade, tradition, and innovation. Along the way, uncover the timeless beauty of hidden harbors, charming villages, and dynamic cities.
From natural wonders to architectural brilliance, every stop reveals a new treasure—culminating in the vibrant energy of Montréal. This is more than a cruise; it’s a sweeping adventure across the landscapes and legacies that define North America.
Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway Highlights
- Niagara Falls: Feel the roar and mist of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders
- Mackinac Island: Step back in time with horse-drawn carriages, Victorian charm, and famous fudge
- Chicago & Toronto: Iconic skylines, cultural hotspots, and vibrant urban energy
- Detroit & Cleveland: Music, art, and history in two revitalized Great Lakes cities
- Montréal: Old-world European flair with cobblestone streets, basilicas, and world-class cuisine
Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway – Montréal Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Chicago (Navy Pier), Illinois - Hotel Stay
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.
Day 2: Chicago (Navy Pier), Illinois - Embark
Step aboard at Navy Pier, with the city’s skyline as your backdrop. Feel the excitement as you set sail across the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, ready to uncover the wonders of the Great Lakes.
Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: Mackinac Islands, 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 6: 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 7: Scenic Sailing on Lake Huron
Let the serenity of Lake Huron set the tone for your day. Take advantage of onboard activities or simply unwind as the scenery drifts by.
Day 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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 12: Scenic Sailing on Lake Ontario
Enjoy a final day at sea on Lake Ontario, soaking in the fresh air and reflecting on the memories made along the way.
Day 13: Montréal, Québec, Canada - Disembark
Your journey concludes in Montréal, the world’s second-largest French-speaking city dazzles with its irresistible mix of European elegance, cosmopolitan energy, and distinctive joie de vivre. Lose yourself in the cobblestone heart of Old Montréal, where magnificent Victorian landmarks line the streets and the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Basilica glows with golden light. Explore colorful neighborhoods, underground city networks, world-class museums, and a culinary scene celebrated across the globe. From the summit of Mount Royal overlooking a sea of city lights to the festive terraces of Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montréal never fails to enchant.
