Great Lakes with St Lawrence River and Greenland Expedition Cruise

Mackinac Island is a natural jewel and is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the USA. Life still moves at a slow pace here. The streets are filled with the ringing of bicycle bells, the clattering of horses’ hooves and the rattling of carriages – because this little idyll is car-free. The historic Fort Mackinac from the time of the American War of Independence perches majestically high up on a cliff. It tells the story of 1812, when the original buildings, which are still preserved today, were conquered by the British. Victorian villas and the island’s grand hotel tell of the 19th century. The spacious Marquette Park, the marina and the city centre with its many shopping opportunities and restaurants underline how beautiful the present is. Enjoy Mackinac Island fudge, a world-famous sweet speciality.

Moving from nature to culture, the route takes you to Sault Sainte Marie. The city shares a significant past with the American city of the same name on the other side of the Saint Marys River, which forms the state border. This was not always the case: the division only occurred after the American Revolutionary War. Take advantage of your stay to discover the history and way of life in the area. Small art galleries, restaurants and cafes create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and walks take you to see historic locks and buildings from the early 1800s. The bushplane museum, dedicated to the history of seaplanes and aviation in Canada, is also worth a visit. In addition, the city is a starting point for a variety of excursions* offering a great mix of history, nature and outdoor experiences.

The charming town of Parry Sound is located in the heart of Georgian Bay in an archipelago with Scandinavian allure. In this area, which has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, some 30,000 islands lie close together. The scenic approach through a small lagoon brings you ashore. It is the ideal place for many outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking and hiking. You can explore the shore on foot along the Marine Walking Trails, with captivating views of the cliffs and lake. With luck, you might also catch a glimpse of the wildlife of Georgian Bay, which is sometimes referred to as the sixth Great Lake. The incomparable feeling of freedom and discovery is what makes the region around Parry Sound so unique.

The quaint town of Killarney, with a population of barely 500, has its Irish roots in its name. Just imagine how overwhelmed the first settlers and trappers must have felt here by the vastness and the sense of freedom. It is Ontario’s little secret in the midst of a colourful wilderness: from the white quartzite of the mountains to the pink granite of the rocks and the indigo blue of the lake. An expedition area that is second to none. An invitation for you to take walks and linger. From the promenade, a hiking trail leads to the region’s landmark, the Killarney Lighthouse. Or take the shuttle bus to Killarney Provincial Park for hikes with your experts to gain a deeper understanding of this untouched wilderness. The calm waters here also offer the opportunity to enjoy Georgian Bay on a Zodiac ride with beautiful scenery and good chances for wildlife sightings – with a bit of luck, you’ll see cormorants, Canada geese and bald eagles.

During your cruise across Lake Huron, you will reach the small fishing village of Tobermory. The picturesque town is located in the middle of the protected Fathom Five National Marine Park and invites you to stroll down and linger on its harbour promenade with local arts and crafts shops, cafes and restaurants. Along the coast, dramatic cliffs and towering monoliths rise out of the water, interspersed with caves and lighthouses. The sight of small coves with their turquoise water will make you think you’re in the Caribbean. Green forests, home to black bears, white-tailed deer and hundreds of other animals, are abundant close to the shore. In addition, around 40 species of wild orchids can be found here. A stage of the Bruce Trail offers a variety of landscapes and spectacular views of Georgian Bay. A true paradise for hiking lovers, the region offers a variety of trails for activities that will be enriched by your experts’ knowledge of natural history. There is something for everyone here – a must for nature and outdoor lovers.

History and adventure come together as you cruise on Detroit River and reach the Canadian city of Windsor. It tells the story of industrialisation in just as fascinating way as Detroit, the former “Motor City”, on the opposite side of the river in the United States. Discover the stories behind the skylines and landscapes. Your experts on board are your “navigators” with insider knowledge that remains hidden from others. For example, learn exciting things about the rise, fall and architectural diversity of Detroit, which is now emerging again. What will your personal American Dream of discovery be? The choice is yours: go on interesting excursions* or take a walk along the Waterfront Trail through the city districts of Windsor.

Filled with the same passionate spirit of discovery that led the first settlers to these regions, the adventure of navigating the locks of the Welland Canal lies ahead of you. The approximately 45 km (28 mi.) long waterway, which opened in 1932, connects Lake Ontario with Lake Erie. Your small expedition ship features retractable bridge wings so that it can pass through the locks between the lakes. These feats of nautical brilliance are beyond the capabilities of most ships. Eight locks, around 20 bridges and a difference in altitude of almost 100 m (328 ft) – a lock lift comparable to the height of the Niagara Falls. This route demands millimetre precision from the captain and crew: the locks are only 2.5 m (8.2 ft) wider than the ship with a beam of 22 m (72 ft). Follow the exciting manoeuvres on the many open deck areas, with knowledgeable commentary from your experts.

Welcome to Toronto, one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The metropolis is considered an international centre for trade, finance and architecture. Discover how skyscrapers, parks and trendy neighbourhoods work well together to form a whole, either independently or with the help of your experts. Combine all the highlights during your stay and take an in-depth look into the structure of the city. Many of the leading architects have designed buildings here, such as Toronto-born Frank Gehry, Daniel Libeskind and Santiago Calatrava – making your visit an expedition through architecture. Or you can use the city as a starting point for an excursion* to the fascinating Niagara Falls: a must for every nature lover.

Where the St Lawrence River creates the border between the United States and Canada, your small expedition ship will pass through a photogenic labyrinth of skerries. Cruising through the Thousand Islands offers highly diverse island contrasts. In fact, there are not just 1,000, but more than 1,800 islands. Each island is different: some are covered in green forests, some have an English castle or colourful cottages – and the best views of them can be enjoyed from the many open deck areas.

A highway of water: the St Lawrence River is a transport route, lifeline and the “home of whales” in North America. It connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. During your extraordinary passage, the ship will have to negotiate seven locks with a difference in height of up to 15 m (49 ft). Exciting manoeuvres that you can experience directly during the day: since your ship is built for expeditions and direct encounters with nature, you can use the many open decks to observe the lock passages. The Observation Lounge on Deck 8 also offers you a beautiful view of the action ahead. With your lock adventure on the St Lawrence River, you will experience a nautical feat that only a few ships can accomplish.

In Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, the French way of life meets British understatement. The metropolis is gently nestled along Mont Royal: the local mountain is also the city’s namesake and is a pleasant park for taking walks to enjoy wonderful views of Montreal. In the oldest district of Vieux-Montreal, many buildings such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Bonsecours Market and the town hall are reminiscent of the city’s French roots. Enjoy the European flair of the neighbourhoods on your own explorations or on excursions*. In the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, your personal spirit of discovery meets a special form of savoir vivre.

On your approach along the impressive the St Lawrence River, an iconic structure already provides a hint of Quebec’s French flair: the Chateau Frontenac, a hotel in the style of a Norman castle, sits majestically high above the city. Take a fascinating journey of discovery through the picturesque old town: wander down the narrow, cobbled lanes, past traditional French architecture, charming boutiques and bistros. The ensemble is enclosed by a centuries-old city wall, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. In addition to the slower pace of life, Quebec is characterised by a vibrant cultural scene in which art galleries, theatres and street artists come together.

With a bit of luck, you will see beluga whales before you reach Tadoussac – the waters here are home to world’s southernmost population. Where the Saguenay Fjord joins the St Lawrence River, the village of Tadoussac, with its 800 inhabitants, welcomes you. It was founded by Europeans in the 17th century and is thus one of the oldest settlements in the country. Colourful houses with restaurants and small shops line the main street. Surrounded by green wooded hills, the pace of life here seems to be more relaxed. The proximity to the wide-open natural surroundings, the curved coastline and the river makes the village a popular starting point for outdoor activities* of all kinds and whale watching* – or for your own hikes.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure that reveals the beauty and vastness of eastern Canada’s largest body of water: the Gulf of Saint Lawrence extends from the mouth of the St Lawrence River to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, connecting Lake Ontario with the Atlantic Ocean. The cruise offers spectacular views of the picturesque coast, passing idyllic islands, historic towns and steep cliffs that characterise the region. Sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise, keeping an eye out for whales and migratory birds from the deck.

Remote locations invite you to go hiking. Rivers rush through the landscape like lifelines. The home of moose, wolves and caribou. The coast is also home to seals and whales: look forward to exciting days in Newfoundland and Labrador, which until a few years ago could only be reached by seaplane or dog sled.

Off to the heart of the Gros Morne National Park: surrounded by fjords, bays, lakes, plateaus and mountain valleys, the small town of Woody Point is the perfect starting point for your outdoor activities* in the wilderness. Idyllically situated on the shore, the buildings from the early days of the 19th century, some of which are historic, tell you about the heritage of fishermen and loggers. With around 280 inhabitants, there are hardly more people living here than there are guests on your expedition ship.

The fishing village of Red Bay seems to have been forgotten by the world. The sheltered natural harbour on the coast of Labrador was once a centre of Basque whaling. It is not known why whaling stopped here. The most likely explanation is that the site was abandoned after the whales were depleted by over-hunting. Today, a museum provides fascinating insights.

Trace the first Icelandic-Greenlandic settlers as you explore the excavations at L’Anse aux Meadows independently. The remains of a large Viking settlement were discovered here in the 1970s. The archaeological site at the northernmost tip of Newfoundland is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum of sorts, with a Viking boat, a chieftain’s house, a church and a fairground. Reconstructed peat houses illustrate life around the year AD 1,000.

In the magical Arctic light, the wonders of the west coast of Greenland will be illuminated north of the Arctic Circle. A vast and silent landscape, home to relics of a 4,500-year-old culture – seemingly almost forgotten by the world.

Arsukfjord is also a gem. In Greenlandic, “Arsuk” means “beloved place” – and you will soon see why on a hike along the fjord. Together with your experts, you will hopefully be able to see musk oxen in the expansive tundra. In the abandoned town of Ivigtut, in contrast, you will gain an insight into the era of mining – perhaps you will find yourself some cryolite and siderite souvenirs, which were mined here.

Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, is the heart of the nation, Here, history is reflected in the colonial harbour and modernity in its centre. Stroll through the pedestrian zone with its many shops selling arts and crafts. The National Museum exhibits mummies that are about 500 years old and boats made of sealskin. Or you can visit the Art Museum with a collection of around 300 paintings and graphic works as well as 400 soapstone figures.

Your ship will chart a flexible course through the fjords of Greenland amid majestic mountain ranges and the deeply carved coastline. The Zodiacs will be used repeatedly. With a little luck, you might spot whales, surrounded by the colossal scenery.

Disko Bay will provide even more memorable moments: ice sculptures in all manner of forms drift slowly through the vast area. Enjoy this natural spectacle from your front-row seat on deck – or take a Zodiac ride to the centre of the action. Illuminated by the sunlight, the ice gleams in a fascinating play of colours from white to azure blue. Depending on the local conditions, we will also visit the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord. Here you can witness one of the most active glaciers in the world releasing majestic icebergs into the vastness of the fjord – an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Sisimiut, where the remarkable old town seems like a museum village, the oldest settlement traces date back over 4,000 years, deep into the Saqqaq culture. Join your experts to hike over rocks and through tundra – to relics from the whaling era. A hike to Tele Island will also take you back thousands of years to see ancient ruins and graves, crowned by magnificent views of Sisimiut and the coast.

Itineraries are subject to change.