Your cruise of the Great Lakes takes you to some of the top destinations and cities in the mid-East of the United States and Canada. Learn about the history and culture of the Great Lakes region, sample the local cuisine, learn about the industrial past, marvel at mighty Niagara Falls and the beautiful landscapes that span this region, or simply relax on the serene blue waters of these expansive lakes under the warmth of the North American sun.
Your Great Lakes cruise will feature stops in such cities as Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Quebec City.
Here’s what you can expect from the top cruise ports throughout the Great Lakes:
Chicago - The aptly named “Windy City” is one of the finest cities in the United States and is eager to host you on your Great Lakes tour. Explore this major city and discover why it is the economic powerhouse of the United States midwest. Get a view of the city and Lake Michigan from the sky when you ascend to the top of the Willis Tower, reaching 1,451 feet into the air.
Detroit - Known for its major role in the American auto industry, Detroit’s industrial narrative might be more history at this point, but it is still a great stop on Great Lakes cruises. While in the Motor City, check out the Henry Ford Museum to learn about the entire history of the transportation industry. You can also visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the West Canfield Historic District, and more.
Cleveland - Despite its “rust belt” reputation, Cleveland is a resilient city with a thriving cultural scene, excellent universities and medical centers, exciting nightlife, great sports teams, sprawling parks, and exciting museums. Home of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, this was where a radio DJ first coined the term “rock and roll.” Beer aficionados will enjoy the fresh brews from Great Lakes Brewing Company, and those who want to enjoy nature can check out the famous Cleveland Metroparks and perhaps even Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where waterfalls cascade over rock formations.
Niagara Falls (Port Colborne) - Marvel at the expansive wonder that is Niagara Falls. From the Bridal Veil Falls on the American side, watch as 76,000 gallons of water rush over the edge each second, then make your way to the Canadian side to see the Horseshoe Falls, where an incredible 681,750 gallons per second crash into the lake below. Get up close to their raw power as your boat cruises right into the midst of the falls. Or witness it from above in a cable car. You can even go behind the falls on an exclusive tour.
Toronto - The buzzing city of Toronto welcomes you to explore its multicultural streets and sites as you take in all that Canada’s biggest city has to offer. Get the view from above in the CN Tower (North America’s tallest tower), or head down to the Distillery District, where you’ll find cafes, boutiques, theatres, art galleries, restaurants, and more. If that’s not enough, wander St. Lawrence Market, where colorful stalls show off all manner of wares.
Montreal - Old Europe meets modern design in metropolitan Montreal. Check out the Underground City to see a fascinating array of shops, art venues, theaters, and cafés. Then see the city from a different perspective from Mt. Royal Overlook. Take a journey into the past when you visit the iconic Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica. This is a major connection point for Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River cruises, some of which also explore New England.
Quebec City - You’ll feel the French influence as you explore Quebec City, with its towering Château Frontenac in Upper Town and the style that glitters all around this city. You can also stroll the Joan of Arc Garden to see a tranquil part of the city’s English heritage. While you explore the city, you may almost feel as if you’re in Europe!
Other small port towns & cities you may stop in on your Great Lakes cruise include:
Where are the Great Lakes?
Your Great Lakes cruise will feature stops in such cities as Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Quebec City.
Here’s what you can expect from the top cruise ports throughout the Great Lakes:
Chicago - The aptly named “Windy City” is one of the finest cities in the United States and is eager to host you on your Great Lakes tour. Explore this major city and discover why it is the economic powerhouse of the United States midwest. Get a view of the city and Lake Michigan from the sky when you ascend to the top of the Willis Tower, reaching 1,451 feet into the air.
Detroit - Known for its major role in the American auto industry, Detroit’s industrial narrative might be more history at this point, but it is still a great stop on Great Lakes cruises. While in the Motor City, check out the Henry Ford Museum to learn about the entire history of the transportation industry. You can also visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the West Canfield Historic District, and more.
Cleveland - Despite its “rust belt” reputation, Cleveland is a resilient city with a thriving cultural scene, excellent universities and medical centers, exciting nightlife, great sports teams, sprawling parks, and exciting museums. Home of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, this was where a radio DJ first coined the term “rock and roll.” Beer aficionados will enjoy the fresh brews from Great Lakes Brewing Company, and those who want to enjoy nature can check out the famous Cleveland Metroparks and perhaps even Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where waterfalls cascade over rock formations.
Niagara Falls (Port Colborne) - Marvel at the expansive wonder that is Niagara Falls. From the Bridal Veil Falls on the American side, watch as 76,000 gallons of water rush over the edge each second, then make your way to the Canadian side to see the Horseshoe Falls, where an incredible 681,750 gallons per second crash into the lake below. Get up close to their raw power as your boat cruises right into the midst of the falls. Or witness it from above in a cable car. You can even go behind the falls on an exclusive tour.
Toronto - The buzzing city of Toronto welcomes you to explore its multicultural streets and sites as you take in all that Canada’s biggest city has to offer. Get the view from above in the CN Tower (North America’s tallest tower), or head down to the Distillery District, where you’ll find cafes, boutiques, theatres, art galleries, restaurants, and more. If that’s not enough, wander St. Lawrence Market, where colorful stalls show off all manner of wares.
Montreal - Old Europe meets modern design in metropolitan Montreal. Check out the Underground City to see a fascinating array of shops, art venues, theaters, and cafés. Then see the city from a different perspective from Mt. Royal Overlook. Take a journey into the past when you visit the iconic Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica. This is a major connection point for Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River cruises, some of which also explore New England.
Quebec City - You’ll feel the French influence as you explore Quebec City, with its towering Château Frontenac in Upper Town and the style that glitters all around this city. You can also stroll the Joan of Arc Garden to see a tranquil part of the city’s English heritage. While you explore the city, you may almost feel as if you’re in Europe!
Other small port towns & cities you may stop in on your Great Lakes cruise include:
- Mackinac Island
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Little Current
- Parry Sound
- Green Bay
- Muskegon
- Milwaukee
Where are the Great Lakes?
- Straddling the border between the northern United States and Canada with a connection to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River, collectively, the Great Lakes occupy a land area of around 95,000 square miles.
- This interconnected network of lakes constitutes the largest body of fresh water on the planet, and each lake has its wonders and attractions waiting to be explored.
- From East to West, the Great Lakes are:
- Lake Ontario
- Lake Erie
- Lake Huron
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Superior
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