on selected sailings. T&Cs apply

Great Lakes Treasures

Viking Polaris or Viking Octantis | Departures available May, June & Sep 2026 and May, Aug  Sep 2027 | 10 Nights

Sail the vast waterways of the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world. Explore the picturesque islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and admire their bucolic landscapes. Venture out to Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Marine Park and marvel at the stunning pink granite isles of the Benjamin Islands. Participate in lab studies as you explore coastal wetlands and delve into the Native cultures of the Great Lakes.

Day 1 | Fly from the UK to Milwaukee and embark your Viking ship  

Milwaukee was first settled by Europeans in 1818, when French-Canadian fur trader Solomon Juneau arrived. Today, the city is a vibrant centre of art, history and culture. The RiverWalk, a pedestrian walkway along the Milwaukee, is a popular spot for enjoying relaxing strolls or viewing public art installations.

Day 2 | Mackinac Island, Michigan  

Steeped in the charms of simpler times, Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes. This bucolic haven preserves gilded Victorian-era treasures along car-free streets traversed by horse-drawn carriages. The perimeter road is the only state highway in the US that does not permit motor vehicles. More than 80% of Mackinac is protected as a state park, from its Greek Revival Grand Hotel and British-built Fort Mackinac to its preserved wilderness areas.

Included shore excursion options:

Mackinac by Horse-Drawn Carriage

Discover the historical sights and yesteryear charm of scenic Mackinac Island.

Mackinac by Foot

Take to the streets of Mackinac for a walk that will offer insight into the island’s history, culture and heritage

Day 3 | Georgian Bay (Killarney), Ontario  

Killarney was founded by a French-Canadian fur trader in 1820; he named the post Shebahonaning, or “canoe passage.” Its location on the northern shore of Georgian Bay made it ideal for trading. Nearby, the stunning cliffs of the La Cloche range rise dramatically above the shores of Lake Huron. These remarkable mountains are the pinnacle of Killarney Provincial Park, a vast wilderness of lakes and Eastern mixed forest. This breathtaking expanse of protected land is laced with hiking trails and—true to Killarney’s original name—canoe routes that link the area’s lake system.

Choose from these included activities:

Kayaking Killarney Provincial Park

Marvel at the striking scenery of Killarney Provincial Park as you glide across the waters of Georgian Bay.

Special Operations Boat

Glide across the waters of Georgian Bay in a Special Operations Boat to view windswept pines, pink granite rock faces and sandy coves.

Day 4 | Georgian Bay (Frazer Bay), Ontario

Frazer Bay is located off a remote finger of land on the eastern tip of the North Channel in Ontario’s Georgian Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its eponymous hill reaches almost 600 feet, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The bay lies near Killarney Provincial Park, a vast wilderness of lakes and Eastern mixed forest framed by glacier-sculpted pink granite cliffs. Across the channel lies scenic Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater lake island and itself home to another 108 freshwater lakes—some with islands of their own.

Choose from these included activities:

Zodiac Cruise

Admire coastal landscapes and rugged cliffs as your experienced helmsman navigates the waters and through the inlets that snake their way through the archipelago

Frazer Bay by Kayak

Glide across the pristine waters of Frazer Bay and take in the spectacular views of the rugged landscapes that have long inspired artists, such as The Group of Seven.

Day 5 | Fathom Five National Marine Park, Ontario  

Fathom Five National Marine Park is nestled between the waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Its rugged landscapes offer a picturesque backdrop to the blue-tinged waters that are a popular destination for scuba divers to explore an array of sunken shipwrecks. Nearby Flowerpot Island is famed for its rock formations and historic lighthouse, with hiking trails that showcase a wealth of treasures. The Saugeen Ojibway People are collaborating with Parks Canada on an environmental project to protect the freshwater ecosystem, for today and beyond.

Choose from these included activities:

Hike Flowerpot Island

Lace up your boots and set out to explore the bucolic trails of Flowerpot Island, famed for its namesake cliff stacks that line its shores and historic lighthouse.

Kayak the Great Lakes

Discover the ecosystems of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay as you paddle blue waters teeming with aquatic life, including native turtle species and eels.

Day 6 | The Benjamin Islands, Ontario  

A series of pink granite islands known for their natural beauty, the Benjamin Islands, lie toward the eastern end of the North Channel. Dramatic landscapes that were sculpted by glaciers provide a picturesque rocky refuge for visitors to its shores. The harbour is formed by two principal islands, the North Benjamin and South Benjamin, which are enveloped by a number of smaller islets. The surrounding waters are tranquil and crystal clear, offering the perfect opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife from the water, including bald eagles and various fish species.

Included activity:

Zodiac Cruise

Admire coastal views and pink granite landscapes as your experienced helmsman navigates the waters of the North Channel.

Day 7 | Sault Saine Marie, Michigan  

Founded by French missionaries in 1668, Sault Sainte Marie is Michigan’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the US. It is also home to the famous Soo Locks, a series of parallel locks that make river travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron possible, thereby linking Superior to the lower Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 1855 to allow ships to bypass the St. Marys River’s 21-foot fall over roiling rapids, this innovative lock system was one of the great engineering projects of its day. Today, it guides ships past Sault Sainte Marie and its twin city in Ontario.

Included shore excursion options:

Soo Locks

Gain insight into the fascinating history and operation of the famous Soo Locks.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

Discover the perilous history of maritime transport on the Great Lakes during a visit to the shipwreck museum.

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Delve into Canada’s history of bush flying and forest protection at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

Hiawatha Highlands

Venture into the ragged but beautiful Canadian wilderness during a picturesque hike in the Hiawatha Highlands.

St. Mary’s River by Foot

Visit Sault Saine Marie’s shores to discover the importance of the See Locks and the city’s storied origins.

Day 8 | Door Peninsula (Algoma), Wisconsin

Algoma is the gateway to the scenic Door Peninsula, a slender limestone peninsula projecting out into Lake Michigan. It was first explored by French missionaries and fur traders during the 17th century. According to legend, Jean Nicolet believed his encounter with the Menominee Tribe was a meeting with Asians of the Far East. The peninsula is also the westernmost edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a prehistoric ridge that stretches more than 650 miles across the Great Lakes region, and is home to boreal forests, rugged rock formations and sandy beaches.

Included shore excursion option:

Green Bay & Lambeau Field

Discover Green Bay during a panoramic drive to a beloved football shrine, Lambeau Field.

Choose from these included activities:

Algoma Wine, Beer & Cheese

Savour a taste of the finest wines, beer and cheese served in Wisconsin during visits to two Algoma establishments.

Biking Cave Point

Explore a diverse coastal landscape by bike and on foot, witnessing a forested, rocky shore and preserved dunes.

Day 9 | Chicago, Illinois

A cultural hub renowned for its world-class museums, including the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is an expansive metropolis with a magnificent skyline that stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan. Numerous sandy beaches offer the perfect spot to while away a sunny day. For nature lovers, Rainbow Beach features a dune habitat which provides an important stop for migrating birds; more than 250 species have been recorded here. Jazz and blues, a rich history, and the famed Chicago-style pizza round out this sophisticated Midwestern city.

Included shore excursion option:

Chicago by Foot

Discover Chicago during a panoramic walking excursion along its Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile.

Choose from these included activities:

Chicago Art Walk

Admire the works of a bygone era during an excursion focused on Chicago’s Golden Age and art deco masterpiece.

Chicago for Pizza Lovers

Tantalise your taste buds during a culinary excursion to savour several slices of Chicago-style pizza.

Day 10 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin  

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Fly overnight to the UK

Day 11 | Arrive in the UK  

What’s included with your Finest Collection package

Exclusive SixStarCruises Holiday price:

(prices based on 8 May 2026 departure)  

Call for your additional £500 off to celebrate 10 years of Viking Ocean when you book by the 15th May