Deluxe Stateroom
10% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
Toronto - Milwaukee
Dates:
10/9/2023
to
10/16/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville for an 8-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes amidst the splendid colours of autumn.
You will leave from cosmopolitan and dynamic Toronto, Ontario, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Canada’s largest city will charm you with its museums, parks, and gardens.
Le Dumont-d’Urville will then sail the canal connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. From your call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive Niagara Falls. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle.
Your next lake, Lake Huron, boasts myriad islands in its northern part, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake. Here you will discover the charming city of Parry Sound, in the heart of the fantastic UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay, and the quaint town of Little Current, gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island.
From Sault Ste. Marie, you will have the opportunity to transit the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks for a foray into Lake Superior, before continuing to Mackinac Island for an exploration of the island’s Victorian past by horse and buggy.
End your voyage by sailing the length of Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea, following in the footsteps of the region’s indigenous Americans, first settlers, and trappers. Make your way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the United States’ “brew city,” for disembarkation.
Ref : TM1945US - EU091023
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE CHAMPLAIN
7/24/2023 to the 8/2/2023
LE BORÉAL
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
- New
- Last staterooms
LE PONANT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Frederick Stonehouse
Frederick Stonehouse is the author of over thirty books on maritime history, many focusing on the Great Lakes, including the best selling The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. He has been a consultant for both the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada and has been an "on-air" expert for National Geographic and History Channel as well as many regional media productions.
Awards include the 2006 Association for Great Lakes Maritime History Award for Historic Interpretation, Historical Society of Detroit’s 2007 Historian of the Year, 2017 Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society C. Patrick Labadie Special Acknowledgement Award, Northern Michigan University 2014 Distinguished Alumna Award, 2018 “Governor’s Special Tribute” (Michigan), and 2019 Historical Society of Michigan Follo Award.
His knowledge of sailing our itinerary as a Coast Guard licensed mariner and academic credentials provide a unique perspective for our voyage. Forty years of Great Lakes shipwreck diving and searching adds a practical viewpoint of Great Lakes maritime history. Several of his books relate directly to waters we sail and ports visited.
Fred teaches Great Lakes maritime history at Northern Michigan University and is an active consultant for numerous maritime projects and programs. He is past President of the National Board of Directors of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association and past Vice Chair (Policy) of the Michigan Port Collaborative. Fred makes his home in Marquette, Michigan.
Language spoken: English
James Zimbelman
James R. Zimbelman is Senior Geologist Emeritus, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Jim has published more than 110 peer-reviewed manuscripts, geologic maps, and book chapters. He is the lead author of The Volcanoes of Mars (Elsevier, 2021) and he co-authored Dune Worlds: How windblown sand shapes planetary surfaces (Springer, 2014). He is the 2020 G. K. Gilbert Award winner from the Geological Society of America, the 2013 Ronald Greeley Distinguished Service Award winner from the Planetary Geology Division of GSA, and the 1995 Professional Achievement Award winner from Northwest Nazarene University. His research interests include analysis of high-resolution imaging data of Mars, studies of long lava flows on planetary surfaces, and planetary sand transport processes. From 2016 to 2020, he was Lead Curator for the new “Exploring the Planets” gallery at NASM (scheduled to open in 2022). He has been Study Leader on numerous Smithsonian Journeys trips, including five trips to Iceland, and two more NASA-supported research trips to Iceland. He retired in September of 2020.
Jim holds a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics (1976) from Northwest Nazarene University, an M.S. in Geophysics and Space Physics (1978) from the University of California at Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Geology (1984) from Arizona State University.
Language spoken: English
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including maritime historian Frederick Stonehouse and geologist James Zimbelman.
- A cruise with the opportunity to explore the five Great Lakes of North America, between the United States and Canada.
- A cruise along the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay.
- An itinerary combining nature and culture: picturesque landscapes and geological curiosities, the history of indigenous Americans inhabiting the region before European colonisation, and charming villages.
- An excursion to the magnificent Niagara Falls.
- A visit to charming Mackinac Island, with its preserved Victorian architecture.
Ports of Call & Excursions
October 9, 2023 - Toronto
Embarkation 10/9/2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 10/9/2023 at 6:00 PM
The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.
October 10, 2023 - Port Colborne
Arrival 10/10/2023 early morning
Departure 10/10/2023 midday
Port Colborne is a small port city located in southern Ontario, at the mouth of the Welland Canal. It is well-known for one of the longest locks in the world: measuring 420 metres, this lock, the 8th in the canal, has an observation footbridge and marks the final transit point before the Erie Canal. In addition to the discovery of this tremendous hydraulic infrastructure, this port of call will be your privileged access point to the famous Niagara Falls, renowned all over the world for their spectacular beauty. Located on the river of the same name, which means “water thunder” in Amerindian language, these wonders of nature are among the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
October 10, 2023 - Sailing Lake Erie
Arrival 10/10/2023
Departure 10/10/2023
Located to the south of Lake Huron and connected to Lake Ontario by the Welland Canal, Lake Erie, which owes its name to one of the Amerindian tribes which peopled its banks before the arrival of the French in the 17th century, is remarkable for its unique ecosystem. Its shallow fish-filled waters make it an excellent fishing spot, while its banks, famous for their many migratory birds, attract photographers and ornithology enthusiasts.
October 11, 2023 - Sailing through Detroit
Arrival 10/11/2023
Departure 10/11/2023
During your navigation along the Detroit River, an important commercial waterway linking Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron, you will sail along the largest city in Michigan. You’ll then enjoy panoramic views over the skyscrapers of the former Motor City, jewel of the automotive industry, Fordism and Motown music in the 20th century. You’ll also be able to admire the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river and enables access to Windsor, on the Canadian shore of the river. This steel suspension bridge, over two kilometres long, was constructed in 1929. This bridge alone carries over 25% of trade between the United States and Canada.
October 11, 2023 - Sailing St. Clair River
Arrival 10/11/2023
Departure 10/11/2023
Forming a natural line of separation between the United States and Canada, the St. Clair River, which flows from Lake Huron into Lake St. Clair, is a significant element of the Great Lakes Waterway. Used in the 18th century for the fur trade by the French colonists of North America who sailed it on small boats to trade with the Amerindians, it was then travelled by freighters transporting lumber, iron ore and copper from the Great Lakes region to the cities of the Rust Belt.
October 12, 2023 - Sailing Lake Huron
Arrival 10/12/2023
Departure 10/12/2023
A natural border between the American State of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario, Lake Huron is one of the five American Great Lakes and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Comprising the main lake, Saginaw Bay, the North Channel and Georgian Bay, and home to around 30,000 islands, it offers varied coastal landscapes and unique views. From your ship, you’ll thus be able to admire the wild beauty of the wooded and at times craggy coastline of Manitoulin Island, or the spectacular cliffs of the Bruce Peninsular.
October 12, 2023 - Parry Sound
Arrival 10/12/2023 early morning
Departure 10/12/2023 midday
The charming city of Parry Sound enjoys an exceptional natural setting in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, east of Georgian Bay. A holiday destination favoured by the province’s inhabitants, the city and its surroundings offer a condensed version of all that the Great Lakes region has to offer: windswept forests of conifers, rocky shores characteristic of the Canadian Shield, beaches of fine sand, clear and calm waters producing magnificent reflections that change with the time of day and luminosity… A real paradise for fauna and flora, the place will delight fans of nature and photography.
October 13, 2023 - Little Current
Arrival 10/13/2023 early morning
Departure 10/13/2023 mid afternoon
A small port town located along the North Channel of Lake Huron, Little Current is considered to be the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. The town’s emblematic construction, the Little Current Swing Bridge built in 1913, provides the only land access to the island, peaceful lands whose name means “the island of spirits” in the local dialect. A real haven of peace, sheltering wild nature and some hamlets, the place is ideal for outdoor activities such as horse-riding and hiking.
October 14, 2023 - Sault Ste. Marie
Arrival 10/14/2023 early morning
Departure 10/14/2023 late afternoon
Located to the east of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Separated from its Canadian twin city by St. Marys River, it is famous among other things for its locks, known as either the Sault Locks or the Soo Locks, which enable ships to travel the metres in change in elevation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. These locks, which date back over 160 years, are considered the most important in the world due to their shipping traffic. Make sure you visit the Museum Ship Valley Camp where you can visit the interior of a former freighter that sailed on the Great Lakes for more than 50 years.
October 15, 2023 - Mackinac Island
Arrival 10/15/2023 early morning
Departure 10/15/2023 midday
Close to the banks of Lake Huron in the State of Michigan, Mackinac Island promises a real journey through time. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this small island measuring only a few km² still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear today, with its Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Fort Mackinac, on the heights of the island, is a reminder of the conflicts that punctuated the history of this strategic place, a former fur trade centre. In addition to this scenery from the past, the island offers magnificent fine sandy beaches and is home to one of the oldest National Parks in the United States.
October 15, 2023 - Sailing Lake Michigan
Arrival 10/15/2023
Departure 10/15/2023
You will sail the United States’ largest freshwater body, which gave its name to Michigan, one of the four states that border this lake measuring 500 km long and 200 km wide. The first colonists settled in the south at the end of the 17th century, on the site of the current megalopolis of Chicago. Wild landscapes of forests with sparkling colours, cliffs, golden sandy beaches and dunes as far as the eye can see stretch along its 2,600 km of shoreline. In the north, magnificent wind-swept islands rise out of the lake’s emerald waters. At 8 km long, the Mackinac Bridge, which spans the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges.
October 16, 2023 - Milwaukee
Arrival 10/16/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 10/16/2023 at 7:00 AM
Nested on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, the largest city in the State of Wisconsin, harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Industrial long ago, the city, known as Brew City because of its old breweries renowned all over the world, is experiencing a certain renaissance. While warehouses have given way to restaurants, bars, theatres and art galleries in the city centre, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past. Further south lies Chicago, the economic centre of the Midwest, with an interesting mix of natural and urban landscapes: its immense skyscrapers, diverse architecture, many parks and magnificent beaches make the city a popular destination.
Iconic Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls — actually a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario — has enthralled visitors with their beauty and power for generations. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border, is the largest of the three and is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The falls are also among the most romantic, photographed, and painted landscapes in the world, attracting the attention of artists from the Hudson River School to modern filmmakers, and becoming a favorite destination for honeymooners ever since Aaron Burr's daughter vacationed here in 1801 with her new husband.
From the pier in Port Colborne, travel by motorcoach through the fertile agricultural valley of the Niagara River. You will pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, before driving along the rim of Horseshoe Falls as you make your way to Hornblower Landing. Here you board a specially designed vessel for an exciting 20-minute excursion that brings you within feet of Horseshoe Falls and its misty spray.
- This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your coach and the ships. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Georgian Bay Discovery
Georgian Bay is home to the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. Known locally as ‘The Thirty Thousand Islands', the geology of the archipelago is a complex intertwining of bays, inlets, sounds, islands and shoals, lying along the southern edge of the Precambrian Canadian Shield. The topography supports a rich variety of forests, wetlands, and rocky habitats, supporting an abundant biodiversity.
This excursion consists of a cruise through the heart of this marvelous natural treasure aboard the Island Queen, 132-foot cruise ship, specially designed to operate in these waters. The ship features comfortable seating and large viewing windows, spacious outside observation decks, wheelchair accessible washrooms, a snack bar, and a bar. Passengers are free to move about during the cruise.
In the course of the cruise, your experienced captain will bring the ship close to some of the islands so you can appreciate how remarkably varied they are — some boasting lush forests, others little more than barren rock. As the ship meanders past granite shoals and into narrow channels you will discover why this unique ecosystem has earned a UNESCO designation as a World Biosphere Reserve.
- This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your ship and the tour ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Killbear Provincial Park
Located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Killbear Provincial Park is home to a vast variety of landscapes, ranging from rocky outcroppings to soft sandy beaches and thick green forests. It is also home to a rich diversity of shoreline ecosystems, created by the fluctuating water levels of the Great Lakes.
On a one and a half hour walking tour through the park, learn about Killbear's gneiss rock (not granite), once buried deep under a mountain range that rivalled the Himalayas in size. Also learn to read the signs of glacial scouring on the rock, as you explore the park and its mix of beaches, rugged shoreline, windswept pines and views of the 'The Thirty Thousand Islands', the world's largest freshwater archipelago.
Continue to the Discovery Center for splendid views of Georgian Bay and for its exhibits explaining local flora and fauna, as well as the history and geology of the area. The center has adopted a live Massasauga rattlesnake and an Eastern fox-snake, both classed as species at risk, as the unofficial mascots of Killbear. You are free to explore the Visitor Center on your own.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking on forest trail and polished rocks. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The trail can be slippery when wet.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Kayaking the Kagawong
A 30-minute drive from the pier brings you to the village of Kagawong, where you will meet your kayaking instructors for a safety briefing and an orientation to Lake Kagawong and the Kagawong River, which connects the lake to the North Channel of Lake Huron.
You will be kayaking on the upper part of the Kagawong River, which flows in a northerly direction out of the Lake and passes under a highway bridge just above Bridal Veil Falls. Here the water is calm, the current is gentle, and the wetlands on either side of the river provide cover from prevailing westerly winds. The water is no more than 5 feet deep. While paddling on these clean, cool waters, you might see beaver, muskrat and waterfowl migrating from the Canadian Arctic to warmer winter climates in the south.
At the conclusion of the kayaking experience, you will walk the riverside trail to the viewing platform for Bridal Veil Falls. Not only will you have a great view on the falls, but since your visit is in late September, you may well witness a salmon run of thousands of fish.
On the way back to Little Current, you will stop at Chocolate Works, a family-owned business, where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and reward your kayaking efforts with a taste of small batch Manitoulin Chocolate.
- All participants will be asked to sign a waiver. Life-jackets are provided and must be worn. Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. There will be one instructor for every six paddlers participating. There is a choice between one and two-seater kayaks. Participants must be at least 16 years old and in reasonably good physical condition for the 60+ minute paddle. Participants are advised to be wary of poison ivy when walking on the riverside trail.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Indigenous Culture of Manitoulin
Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island and home to the thriving Native American community of the M’Chigeeng First Nation. This excursion provides an introduction to this community and to the traditions they celebrate.
Your exploration begins after a brief drive that brings you to the Immaculate Conception Church, a spiritual focal point that incorporates beliefs and customs from both the native Ojibwe culture and the Catholic Church. Across the street from the church is the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, established in 1974 in an effort to maintain the Ojibwe language and cultural heritage. Tour this museum and art gallery, tradtional healing lodge and browse the gift shop where you can observe traditional crafts like bead working and the art of making dreamcatchers.
Following a smudging ceremony (cleansing and healing ritual), your visit culminates with a traditional ceremony of dance, drumming, and song. Called “Pow-Wow” by the Native American people, it is a way for them to honor their culture and heritage, as well as a secular tradition helping to gather people from different countries together.
The excursion concludes with a 30-minute return drive to Little Current, where you are invited to stroll the beautiful waterfront boardwalk and visit the quaint downtown shops.
- In order to avoid congestion at the different sites, the order of the visits might vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail
The Cup and Saucer Trail, so-named because of the shape of its rock foundation, is located about 16 miles from the port of Little Current. It offers panoramic views from 230-foot-high lookout points spread along the trail. The property is managed by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to preserve the natural beauty and resources of the Ontario Niagara Escarpment.
Board your coach at the pier for a scenic 20-minute drive to the foot of the trail. The hike takes about one hour to reach the summit and another hour to hike back down to the parking lot. At 1,160 feet, the Cup and Saucer is the highest point on Manitoulin Island, and the views of the forests and lakes below are simply incredible. Your visit in late September should coincide with the beginning of autumn colors.
On your return to the base of the trail, you will be treated to a selection of Canadian wines, beers, and cheeses, along with locally smoked rainbow trout and whitefish — all elegantly served in glassware on white linen tablecloths.
- Participants must be in reasonably good physical condition as some sections of the trail are steep and can be muddy and slippery when wet. A good pair of hiking boots is essential. The trail is about 4 miles in length and takes roughly 2 hours to complete, allowing time for viewing and photos. This hike is considered moderately challenging.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tahquamenon Falls & Shipwrecks Museum
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, reboard your coach for a 90-minute scenic drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
On arrival, follow your guide to the Upper Falls, where a paved walkway provides accessible viewing opportunities of the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-wide waterfall. If you are adventurous, you may walk 94 steps down (and up again) for a truly up-close experience at the brink of the falls.
Before lunch at the local pub, walk along a paved path that meanders through a forest of sugar maple, beech, and hemlock trees, where you may see chipmunks, red squirrels, and white-tailed deer, not to mention black-capped chickadees, owls, woodpeckers, and other birds.
A short drive will bring you to the Lower Falls, which are easily viewed from a paved walkway. A half-mile long boardwalk leads through thick forest, ending up at a viewing platform where you are close enough to feel the mist from the waterfall.
Your next visit is at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on the shores of Lake Superior at Whitefish Bay. Visit the lightkeeper's quarters at historic Whitefish Point, site of the original U.S. Coast Guard Crews Quarters, constructed in 1923 for the Whitefish Point Lifeboat Rescue Station. Those who wish can climb the lighthouse tower. Or you may stroll along the shoreline, where First Nation Ojibwe and French explorers gathered nearly 400 years ago. The Edmund Fitzgerald was one of the largest freighters sailing the Great Lakes when it sunk during a fierce storm in November 1975. All 29 crew were lost. The ship’s bell has been retrieved and is on display at the museum.
- U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Lake Superior: Soo Locks & SS Valley Camp
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, re-board your coach for the drive to the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Visitor Center. Here you will experience the engineering marvel that is the Soo Locks through numerous exhibits that chronicle their construction.
Then visit the Valley Camp Museum Ship, an actual lake freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years. As a museum, the SS Valley Camp is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will have the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the ship and discover that its massive cargo holds contain 20,000 square feet of exhibits, displaying hundreds of artifacts, paintings, and other items related to the rich maritime history of Lake Superior, including two lifeboats from the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
After this visit, return to the port for lunch onboard your ship.
In the afternoon you will board your chartered SOO Locks boat. Cruise along the St. Mary’s River until you reach the Soo Locks, where your boat is raised 21 feet to enable it to enter Lake Superior. Leaving the locks, you pass under the International Bridge and Railroad Bridge and cross into Canadian waters to see Canada’s largest steel plant in operation today. Heading back to U.S. waters, you will return to the lower harbor via the historic Canadian Lock, and sail past St. Mary’s rapids to Sault Ste. Marie.
When you disembark your cruise, you can walk back to your ship.
- U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 0.6 miles of walking and some steps.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Mackinac Island
Your tour of Mackinac Island offers an overview of the historical and cultural significance of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, including the living museum at Fort Mackinac and the iconic Grand Hotel.
Disembarking your tenders at the main dock, you will board horse-drawn carriages for a narrated tour of the island, including a drive past the Grand Hotel. Constructed in the late 19th century, the Hotel has played host to, among many others, five U.S. presidents, inventor Thomas Edison, and author Mark Twain. Continuing your tour, you pause at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron. At Surrey Hill, you will have a rest break and switch to 3 horse hitch carriages before proceeding to historic Fort Mackinac.
Fort Mackinac was the site of an important battle during the War of 1812, and throughout the 19th-century, it remained an army outpost housing soldiers and their families. It is now a living museum with exhibits and live re-enactments that illustrate what life was like for the women, men, and children who lived here — from military training and battles to medical treatments to the challenges of family life.
At end of the tour, you may either ride or walk down the hill to the waterfront, where you will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some of the world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
- This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring little walking other than to and from your carriage and the ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, a multisensorial underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including maritime historian Frederick Stonehouse and geologist James Zimbelman
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Toronto to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Milwaukee at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
HISTORIC TORONTO (1 NIGHT)
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and well worth a full day of exploration. Take advantage of a specially designed program to get acquainted with this vibrant, multicultural city on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Day 1 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Arrive at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Fairmont Royal York hotel. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Toronto | Embark
Following breakfast and check-out from the hotel, embark on a full day tour of Toronto aboard a comfortable coach, whose guide and driver will lead you to some of the highlights of this fascinating city. See the central business district and emblematic CN Tower, visit trendy Yorkville, with its boutiques and chic cafés, and drive along Queen’s Quay to see the redeveloped waterfront. Journey into the Don River Valley and visit the Evergreen Brick Works. Once home to the Don Valley Brick Works factory, the site has been restored and transformed into an award-winning community environmental center and green technology showcase. Following some time at leisure and an independent lunch, continue your panoramic tour with visits to Berczy Park and the Distillery District, an intriguing group of shops, coffee shops, and art studios on cobblestone pedestrian ways that wind among 19th-century buildings that were once a distillery. Your exploration of Toronto comes to an end in late afternoon, when you transfer to the pier and embark your ship.
Your hotel:
The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto’s landmark hotel, is located in the heart of Old Toronto. Recently revitalized, the Fairmont offers all of the facilities and services one would expect from a luxury hotel in a world-class city, including two restaurants and access to a health club, spa, and pool.
Your program includes:
- 1 night at the Fairmont Royal York (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Canadian dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Fairmont Royal York
100 Front St W
Toronto, Canada
M5J 1E3
Telephone: +1 416 368 2511
Total : $900
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Iconic Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls — actually a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario — has enthralled visitors with their beauty and power for generations. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border, is the largest of the three and is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The falls are also among the most romantic, photographed, and painted landscapes in the world, attracting the attention of artists from the Hudson River School to modern filmmakers, and becoming a favorite destination for honeymooners ever since Aaron Burr's daughter vacationed here in 1801 with her new husband.
From the pier in Port Colborne, travel by motorcoach through the fertile agricultural valley of the Niagara River. You will pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, before driving along the rim of Horseshoe Falls as you make your way to Hornblower Landing. Here you board a specially designed vessel for an exciting 20-minute excursion that brings you within feet of Horseshoe Falls and its misty spray.
- This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your coach and the ships. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Georgian Bay Discovery
Georgian Bay is home to the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. Known locally as ‘The Thirty Thousand Islands', the geology of the archipelago is a complex intertwining of bays, inlets, sounds, islands and shoals, lying along the southern edge of the Precambrian Canadian Shield. The topography supports a rich variety of forests, wetlands, and rocky habitats, supporting an abundant biodiversity.
This excursion consists of a cruise through the heart of this marvelous natural treasure aboard the Island Queen, 132-foot cruise ship, specially designed to operate in these waters. The ship features comfortable seating and large viewing windows, spacious outside observation decks, wheelchair accessible washrooms, a snack bar, and a bar. Passengers are free to move about during the cruise.
In the course of the cruise, your experienced captain will bring the ship close to some of the islands so you can appreciate how remarkably varied they are — some boasting lush forests, others little more than barren rock. As the ship meanders past granite shoals and into narrow channels you will discover why this unique ecosystem has earned a UNESCO designation as a World Biosphere Reserve.
- This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your ship and the tour ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Killbear Provincial Park
Located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Killbear Provincial Park is home to a vast variety of landscapes, ranging from rocky outcroppings to soft sandy beaches and thick green forests. It is also home to a rich diversity of shoreline ecosystems, created by the fluctuating water levels of the Great Lakes.
On a one and a half hour walking tour through the park, learn about Killbear's gneiss rock (not granite), once buried deep under a mountain range that rivalled the Himalayas in size. Also learn to read the signs of glacial scouring on the rock, as you explore the park and its mix of beaches, rugged shoreline, windswept pines and views of the 'The Thirty Thousand Islands', the world's largest freshwater archipelago.
Continue to the Discovery Center for splendid views of Georgian Bay and for its exhibits explaining local flora and fauna, as well as the history and geology of the area. The center has adopted a live Massasauga rattlesnake and an Eastern fox-snake, both classed as species at risk, as the unofficial mascots of Killbear. You are free to explore the Visitor Center on your own.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking on forest trail and polished rocks. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The trail can be slippery when wet.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Kayaking the Kagawong
A 30-minute drive from the pier brings you to the village of Kagawong, where you will meet your kayaking instructors for a safety briefing and an orientation to Lake Kagawong and the Kagawong River, which connects the lake to the North Channel of Lake Huron.
You will be kayaking on the upper part of the Kagawong River, which flows in a northerly direction out of the Lake and passes under a highway bridge just above Bridal Veil Falls. Here the water is calm, the current is gentle, and the wetlands on either side of the river provide cover from prevailing westerly winds. The water is no more than 5 feet deep. While paddling on these clean, cool waters, you might see beaver, muskrat and waterfowl migrating from the Canadian Arctic to warmer winter climates in the south.
At the conclusion of the kayaking experience, you will walk the riverside trail to the viewing platform for Bridal Veil Falls. Not only will you have a great view on the falls, but since your visit is in late September, you may well witness a salmon run of thousands of fish.
On the way back to Little Current, you will stop at Chocolate Works, a family-owned business, where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and reward your kayaking efforts with a taste of small batch Manitoulin Chocolate.
- All participants will be asked to sign a waiver. Life-jackets are provided and must be worn. Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. There will be one instructor for every six paddlers participating. There is a choice between one and two-seater kayaks. Participants must be at least 16 years old and in reasonably good physical condition for the 60+ minute paddle. Participants are advised to be wary of poison ivy when walking on the riverside trail.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Indigenous Culture of Manitoulin
Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island and home to the thriving Native American community of the M’Chigeeng First Nation. This excursion provides an introduction to this community and to the traditions they celebrate.
Your exploration begins after a brief drive that brings you to the Immaculate Conception Church, a spiritual focal point that incorporates beliefs and customs from both the native Ojibwe culture and the Catholic Church. Across the street from the church is the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, established in 1974 in an effort to maintain the Ojibwe language and cultural heritage. Tour this museum and art gallery, tradtional healing lodge and browse the gift shop where you can observe traditional crafts like bead working and the art of making dreamcatchers.
Following a smudging ceremony (cleansing and healing ritual), your visit culminates with a traditional ceremony of dance, drumming, and song. Called “Pow-Wow” by the Native American people, it is a way for them to honor their culture and heritage, as well as a secular tradition helping to gather people from different countries together.
The excursion concludes with a 30-minute return drive to Little Current, where you are invited to stroll the beautiful waterfront boardwalk and visit the quaint downtown shops.
- In order to avoid congestion at the different sites, the order of the visits might vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail
The Cup and Saucer Trail, so-named because of the shape of its rock foundation, is located about 16 miles from the port of Little Current. It offers panoramic views from 230-foot-high lookout points spread along the trail. The property is managed by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to preserve the natural beauty and resources of the Ontario Niagara Escarpment.
Board your coach at the pier for a scenic 20-minute drive to the foot of the trail. The hike takes about one hour to reach the summit and another hour to hike back down to the parking lot. At 1,160 feet, the Cup and Saucer is the highest point on Manitoulin Island, and the views of the forests and lakes below are simply incredible. Your visit in late September should coincide with the beginning of autumn colors.
On your return to the base of the trail, you will be treated to a selection of Canadian wines, beers, and cheeses, along with locally smoked rainbow trout and whitefish — all elegantly served in glassware on white linen tablecloths.
- Participants must be in reasonably good physical condition as some sections of the trail are steep and can be muddy and slippery when wet. A good pair of hiking boots is essential. The trail is about 4 miles in length and takes roughly 2 hours to complete, allowing time for viewing and photos. This hike is considered moderately challenging.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tahquamenon Falls & Shipwrecks Museum
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, reboard your coach for a 90-minute scenic drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
On arrival, follow your guide to the Upper Falls, where a paved walkway provides accessible viewing opportunities of the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-wide waterfall. If you are adventurous, you may walk 94 steps down (and up again) for a truly up-close experience at the brink of the falls.
Before lunch at the local pub, walk along a paved path that meanders through a forest of sugar maple, beech, and hemlock trees, where you may see chipmunks, red squirrels, and white-tailed deer, not to mention black-capped chickadees, owls, woodpeckers, and other birds.
A short drive will bring you to the Lower Falls, which are easily viewed from a paved walkway. A half-mile long boardwalk leads through thick forest, ending up at a viewing platform where you are close enough to feel the mist from the waterfall.
Your next visit is at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on the shores of Lake Superior at Whitefish Bay. Visit the lightkeeper's quarters at historic Whitefish Point, site of the original U.S. Coast Guard Crews Quarters, constructed in 1923 for the Whitefish Point Lifeboat Rescue Station. Those who wish can climb the lighthouse tower. Or you may stroll along the shoreline, where First Nation Ojibwe and French explorers gathered nearly 400 years ago. The Edmund Fitzgerald was one of the largest freighters sailing the Great Lakes when it sunk during a fierce storm in November 1975. All 29 crew were lost. The ship’s bell has been retrieved and is on display at the museum.
- U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Lake Superior: Soo Locks & SS Valley Camp
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, re-board your coach for the drive to the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Visitor Center. Here you will experience the engineering marvel that is the Soo Locks through numerous exhibits that chronicle their construction.
Then visit the Valley Camp Museum Ship, an actual lake freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years. As a museum, the SS Valley Camp is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will have the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the ship and discover that its massive cargo holds contain 20,000 square feet of exhibits, displaying hundreds of artifacts, paintings, and other items related to the rich maritime history of Lake Superior, including two lifeboats from the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
After this visit, return to the port for lunch onboard your ship.
In the afternoon you will board your chartered SOO Locks boat. Cruise along the St. Mary’s River until you reach the Soo Locks, where your boat is raised 21 feet to enable it to enter Lake Superior. Leaving the locks, you pass under the International Bridge and Railroad Bridge and cross into Canadian waters to see Canada’s largest steel plant in operation today. Heading back to U.S. waters, you will return to the lower harbor via the historic Canadian Lock, and sail past St. Mary’s rapids to Sault Ste. Marie.
When you disembark your cruise, you can walk back to your ship.
- U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 0.6 miles of walking and some steps.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Mackinac Island
Your tour of Mackinac Island offers an overview of the historical and cultural significance of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, including the living museum at Fort Mackinac and the iconic Grand Hotel.
Disembarking your tenders at the main dock, you will board horse-drawn carriages for a narrated tour of the island, including a drive past the Grand Hotel. Constructed in the late 19th century, the Hotel has played host to, among many others, five U.S. presidents, inventor Thomas Edison, and author Mark Twain. Continuing your tour, you pause at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron. At Surrey Hill, you will have a rest break and switch to 3 horse hitch carriages before proceeding to historic Fort Mackinac.
Fort Mackinac was the site of an important battle during the War of 1812, and throughout the 19th-century, it remained an army outpost housing soldiers and their families. It is now a living museum with exhibits and live re-enactments that illustrate what life was like for the women, men, and children who lived here — from military training and battles to medical treatments to the challenges of family life.
At end of the tour, you may either ride or walk down the hill to the waterfront, where you will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some of the world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
- This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring little walking other than to and from your carriage and the ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.