We invite you to rediscover a North American natural treasure! More than fifty years ago, the Great Lakes were the busiest waterway in the world and a treasured summer destination. Today, travelers are rediscovering the charms of these vast lakes, where welcoming towns have changed little since the 19th century and warm summer breezes skim along the woody, rocky coasts. Highlights of our journey include witnessing Native American culture on Manitoulin Island, the nostalgic island of Mackinac, with its horse-drawn carriages, and the pristine beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Part of the Great Lakes’ enchantment is their sheer enormity—no wonder Champlain thought he’d discovered a new route to Asia when he chanced upon Georgian Bay near Lake Huron!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Detroit / Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Ontario / Manitoulin

After arriving in Detroit, we embark on the 138-guest Yorktown and cruise to Parry Sound and picturesque Georgian Bay Islands National Park, part of an archipelago of some 60 islands that offer refuge for nesting gulls and terns. Landing at Manitoulin, the world’s largest freshwater island—and one of 30,000 in Lake Huron—we explore the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, attend a Native American pow-wow, and visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, which promotes the revitalization of the language, arts, and spiritual traditions of the native people of Manitoulin.

Days 5-6
Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan / Charlevoix / Lake Michigan

Maple and spruce trees blanket the tumbling hills of scenic northwest Michigan. We proceed through the scenic waterways of the North Channel that lead to Sault Sainte Marie. From lovely Charlevoix, we explore the old port town of Harbor Springs, then travel to historic Cross Village, known for its ties to the Native American Ottawa.

Days 7-8
Mackinac Island / Soo Locks / Lake Superior

Mackinac is a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. We explore impressive Fort Mackinac, built by the British in 1780, and stroll streets lined with gingerbread-trimmed buildings. The next day, the Yorktown transits the Soo Locks en route to Whitefish Point on Lake Superior. We visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and at nearby Tahquamenon Falls State Park, view Upper Falls, a tumbling cascade more than 200 feet across.

Days 9-10
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore / Munising / Houghton, Keweenaw Peninsula

We sail along Pictured Rocks National Lakes, a 40-mile stretch of colorful sandstone cliffs, arches, and caves along Lake Superior’s southern coast. After exploring the pretty town of Munising, we navigate the Portage Waterway separating Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula from the mainland and call at quaint Houghton. The legacy of the Copper Rush of 1840 is evident in the deserted settlements nestled in the forest and the opulent buildings in the region’s towns.

Days 11-12
Apostle Islands / Bayfield / Duluth

From the windswept beaches and colorful sandstone cliffs of the Apostle Islands, we travel to the charming village of Bayfield, with its art galleries, delightful boutiques, and smart cafes. We disembark in Duluth on Day 12 and fly home.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. There are daily shore excursions featuring walks and sightseeing.

Explanation of Trip Levels