Itinerary Overview
Roundtrip Milwaukee
Route Map
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 May 22, 2027 - Milwaukee
Most visitors associate Milwaukee with Harley Davidsons and beer. But this city is sure to surprise many first-timers. Milwaukee has a thriving and well-supported arts community, including the Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum. There is also a fabulous historical museum and lots of fabulous summer festivals, including Asian Moon, Irish Fest, Bastille Day and Indian Summer.
Day 2 May 23, 2027 - Mackinac Island
Visit Mackinac Island and experience the sites and sounds of a bygone era. Located between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, the Island offers unforgettable natural and historical treasures surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of Lake Huron. From romantic weekend getaways to fun filled days with the family, Mackinac Island has something for everyone. Ride a bicycle around the 8-mile lakeshore path, or enjoy the quaint Victorian architecture from a leisurely ride in a horse drawn carriage.
Day 3 May 24, 2027 - Killarney, Ontario
Day 4 May 25, 2027 - Lake Superior/Georgian Bay
If you want to get a look at some of Ontario's better natural vistas without getting too far away from civilization, this drive along Lake Superior should fit the bill. It skirts the lake's shoreline and then takes you for a tour of the green islands of Georgian Bay. We recommend the tour for travelers who like the outdoors and who gravitate toward camping, fishing, canoeing and the like. Those who take more of an interest in shopping and sightseeing may find that this drive does not suit them.
The following route begins on Highway 61 at the border with the U.S. near Grand Portage, Minnesota, and moves east.
The first point of interest is Kakabeka Falls, a scenic cascade that measures 128 ft/39 m (get there by taking Highway 11/17 west off Highway 61) and is considered "The Niagara of the North" for its size—in this case, the vertical drop. Next, head east on Highway 11/17 into Thunder Bay, Canada's sixth-largest port.
Visit Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for hikes and bird sightings; then take a cruise of the harbor and visit Old Fort William, a living-history museum with costumed re-enactors skillfully depicting the fort's heydays when it was known as the North West Company during the fur trade more than 200 years ago. If you have time, visit the amethyst mines, where you can hunt for your own gemstones, or see the International Friendship Gardens or Mount McKay (1,000 ft/300 m tall).
Just outside of town is the Terry Fox Monument, a tribute to the courageous marathoner who tried to cross Canada after losing a leg to cancer. His quest ended near this site in 1980. Fox made it halfway across Canada on one leg, raising funds and awareness for cancer research and has since raised more money for cancer than any other individual. Each September, on the second Sunday after Labor Day, Canadians from coast to coast participate in the Terry Fox Run to continue raising funds.
From Thunder Bay, take Highway 17 east to Marathon, where you'll pick up Highway 627 south to Pukaskwa National Park for a walk along the shores of Lake Superior. There's a lengthy trail if you want to take an overnight hiking trip, and there's plenty of canoeing in the rivers feeding into Lake Superior. Quetico Provincial Park (west of Lake Superior on Ontario's southern border) preserves one of the greatest concentrations of Native American rock paintings on the continent. There are more than 28 sites in and around the park.
Back on Highway 17, look for the big goose (you'll know it when you see it) as you drive through Wawa. Not long afterward, you'll pass straight through the heart of Lake Superior Provincial Park. Stop to see the Indian Pictographs at Agawa Bay (which may have been the inspiration for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Song of Hiawatha). South of the provincial park, you'll leave Lake Superior as you head into Sault Ste. Marie. This is one of Canada's major industrial and shipping centers, which lies across St. Mary's River from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Take a cruise of the canal and locks that allow ships to move from Lake Superior to Lake Huron.
While you're in the area, don't pass up one of the most interesting and scenic rail outings in Canada, the Agawa Canyon train trip. This moderately priced tour, which runs late spring through fall, is usually taken as a day trip. It passes through gorgeous countryside, and during the summer, a two-hour stopover allows you to get closer to the trees, waterfalls and mountains (in the fall, the changing leaves look stunning). There's also an overnight tour that operates during the summer.
From Sault Ste. Marie, head east on Highway 17 to Espanola, and then go south on Highway 6 to Manitoulin Island—the world's largest freshwater island. Lots of little ports and villages and 1,000 mi/1,600 km of coastline comprise the island. There's not all that much to do on the island, but we think it's fun to explore the beaches and do some fishing.
From the southern tip of Manitoulin Island, take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry to Tobermory, which is home to two unusual attractions. At Fathom Five National Marine Park, you can go scuba diving around 20 sunken ships. If you don't scuba dive, you can still see the wrecks by snorkeling or via glass-bottom boat. (The boat will take you to Flowerpot Island, where you can see some strange rock pillars with trees growing on top.) Drive south on Highway 6 to Hepworth, where you'll take Highway 70 southeast to Owen Sound. The Grey County Museum documents life in the 19th and 20th centuries and houses an exhibit dedicated to native culture.
Next, take Highway 26 east to Wasaga Beach, Highway 92 northeast to Elmvale, Route 19 northeast to Moonstone and Highway 400 north to Honey Harbour, where you can take a water taxi to Georgian Bay Islands National Park, a beautiful collection of 59 islands. When you're back on the mainland, conclude the tour by heading south on Highway 400 toward Toronto.
Day 5 May 26, 2027 - Fathom Five National Marine Park
Day 6 May 27, 2027 - Benjamin Islands
Day 7 May 28, 2027 - Sault Ste. Marie
Welcome to the world of The Great Waters – Nature’s Adventure Where Huron, Michigan and Superior Meet. Where nature, culture, and history collide to create an extraordinary place of quiet woodlands, rushing waters, native arts, and the stories that encapsulate them all. Three driving trails capture 33 waypoints that serve as your passport to unique and exhilarating experiences. Explore ancient shorelines by kayak, trek undisturbed forests on foot, or search rocky beaches for a glimpse at Earth’s treasures. The Great Waters showcases the best of nature in the only place on the planet where three Great Lakes come together.
Day 8 May 29, 2027 - Algoma
Day 9 May 30, 2027 - Chicago
Chicago offers everything anyoen could look for in a vacation destination including: historic landmarks, museums, sightseeing, shopping, and accommodations for every budget. Chicago is considerably different from many other vacation spots in the U.S. It is filled with history, culture and modern sophistication at the same time. Chicago has attractions and activities for a family on vacation, someone visiting for business, or a couple searching for romance. Scenic tours, amusement and fun centers including DisneyQuest, ESPN Zone, and Six Flags Great America, are here to thrill. Museums, shopping, fine dinging, and educational attractions including: The Hancock Observatory, The Shedd Aquarium, and the Chicago Academy of Science are here to entertain.
Day 10 May 31, 2027 - Milwaukee
Most visitors associate Milwaukee with Harley Davidsons and beer. But this city is sure to surprise many first-timers. Milwaukee has a thriving and well-supported arts community, including the Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum. There is also a fabulous historical museum and lots of fabulous summer festivals, including Asian Moon, Irish Fest, Bastille Day and Indian Summer.
Stateroom Categories
Included Inclusions & Amenities
Viking Inclusive Value:
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call/landing site
- Kayaks, zodiacs, RIBs & submarine excursions (where available)
- A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge
- All Viking Excursion Gear needed for any relevant excursion
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
- Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service, specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
- Top-rated spa and state-of-the-art fitness center access
- Self-service launderette with iron/ironing board
- All port taxes and fees
- Airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation day with purchase of Viking Air
- Viking-arranged charter flights to select destinations
Trip Summary
Pricing Terms & Remarks
All fares and offers are for new bookings only, as of , are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credit and Referral Rewards Credit, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. and Canadian residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. 2-for-1 fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. Please call for the most up-to-date prices, as pricing and availability may change at any time. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking River Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
