Last week Viking Cruises announced that they will be expanding into North America in 2022. Starting next year, Viking will be bringing two new luxury ships with four itineraries focussed on the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States.
Viking Octantis, will begin sailing in January 2022 in Antarctica before heading to North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing first to Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking will also be increasing competition on a relatively new frontier for cruising, with high-end ships voyaging on the Great Lakes.
These are some of the largest cruise ships that the great lakes have ever seen. For the first time in the modern era, Thunder Bay will be a turnaround port. Viking will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will mark a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for Ontario as well as the the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Some Canadian destinations highlighted in these itineraries include Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, Parry Sound, Killarney, Thunder Bay and Point Pelee.
About Viking Great Lakes & Canada Cruises
America’s Great Lakes are a little-known, unspoiled wonderland, boasting diverse natural beauty, scenic wildlife and some of the most interesting cities in North America. Over 750 miles across with 10,000 miles of coastline, the Great Lakes cover an area twice as large as Pennsylvania. Glide silently by kayak past otters in Georgian Bay, hear the roar of Niagara Falls, hike through verdant old forests or visit Canada’s prominent museums to marvel at art inspired by these shores. Here are some highlights you might experience during your journey:
- Explore the largest freshwater ecosystem on earth—the Great Lakes
- Watch for wildlife, from bald eagles to moose, bears and beavers
- Hike through stunning forests in this pristine environment
- Learn about Canada’s colonial past and the St. Lawrence River
- Kayak in stunning Georgian Bay—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- View the world-class collection of the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Explore tranquil, scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Transit engineering marvels like the Welland Canal and Soo Locks
Available Itineraries
Great Lakes Explorer
8 Days | Milwaukee to Thunder Bay
Discover the maze of granite islands that comprise Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Hike and kayak through its tranquil beauty and admiring sweeping vistas. Experience Victorian charm on Mackinac Island and venture into the boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on Lake Superior’s northern shore. Explore coastal wetlands replete with birdlife, comb pristine beaches and get acquainted with native cultures of the northern Great Lakes.
Undiscovered Great Lakes
8 Days | Thunder Bay to Milwaukee
Cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the Apostle Islands and Keweenaw Peninsula along the way. Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of the lake. Gain insight into the unique features and ecosystems of remote wilderness islands. Admire Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North”. Step back in time at historic Fort William and on the quaint, car-free streets of Mackinac Island.
Niagara & the Great Lakes
8 Days | Toronto to Milwaukee
From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness alongside renowned cultural attractions. Immerse yourself in the lakes’ compelling shipping history. Experience the power of thundering Niagara Falls and keep watch for scores of migratory birds at Point Pelee. Led by a team of experts, explore sheltered bays and woodlands to uncover complex ecosystems and hidden treasures.
Canadian Discovery
13 Days | New York City to Toronto
Unleash your inner explorer in the remote wilds of eastern Canada. Discover this region’s rich colonial past amid stunning natural settings. Admire the unparalleled beauty of the rugged coast of the Canadian Maritimes. Cruise along the wide expanse of the St. Lawrence River and marvel at the dramatic cliffs and wildlife of the Saguenay River Valley. Engaging shore excursions in each port allow you to better enjoy all this region has to offer.
Due to the ongoing pandemic domestic travel is on the rise so this is sure to be a popular route. If you’re interested in checking out any of these cruises please contact us! Our team is ready to help you plan your next Great Lakes adventure!
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