Expedition cruising without the long-haul flight: a polar-class ship transiting the Welland Canal, car-free Victorian islands and five inland seas that behave like oceans. The season is short, and so are the sailings - May to September only.
The route at a glance
The classic is the eight-day Niagara and the Great Lakes voyage from Toronto to Milwaukee aboard Viking's 378-guest expedition ships Octantis and Polaris: a Welland Canal transit on day two, Port Colborne, Point Pelee on Lake Erie, Detroit, Alpena on Lake Huron's Thunder Bay with its shipwreck history, and car-free Mackinac Island before two days in Milwaukee. The full Great Lakes Collection runs 14 to 15 nights, adding Georgian Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Locks, Silver Islet and Thunder Bay on Lake Superior. Either direction works, and May-to-September is the whole season.
Who this route suits
Best for North Americans who want an expedition-style ship close to home, birders (Point Pelee is a migration hotspot), maritime-history travelers, and anyone who likes calm water - the lakes can kick up, but there are no ocean swells. The ships carry kayaks and expedition toys alongside the lecture program. Less ideal for sun-and-pool cruisers, budget travelers (there is no mass-market option on the lakes), or anyone sailing outside May to September - the lakes simply close.
What it costs
The eight-day Toronto to Milwaukee sailing lists balcony fares from $6,795 to $8,999 per person depending on date, taxes and fees included, with 2029 departures from $7,499. The 14-night Great Lakes Collection runs from $15,999 per person including taxes and fees. Viking's fare includes one excursion per port and beer and wine at meals. These are expedition prices, not Caribbean prices - the comparison set is Alaska, not the Bahamas.
The five-minute version
- Eight days Toronto to Milwaukee; the full five-lake Collection runs 15.
- Welland Canal transit, Detroit, Alpena's shipwrecks, car-free Mackinac Island.
- 378-guest expedition ships, kayaks and lectures; May to September only.
- Balcony from about $6,800; the 15-day Collection from $15,999.
- Pair it with autumn color on the New England and Canada fall foliage route.