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Niagara & the Great Lakes

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Balcony
$8,707
Suite
$12,469
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Toronto
 Cruise Finishes
Milwaukee
8 Day Niagara & the Great Lakes Itinerary (Viking)
Countries Explored: Canada, USA
Cruise Line
Viking
Ship
Departures
Passengers
378
Crew
260
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
VKNGL

Overview

From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness alongside renowned cultural attractions while cruising the striking waterways of the Great Lakes. Immerse yourself in the lakes’ compelling shipping history, experience the power of the 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.

Itinerary

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Toronto is beloved by many as one of Canada's boldest and most innovative capitals. Hugging the shores of Lake Ontario and facing the picturesque Toronto Islands, it was founded by British loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in 1793. Today the city is a pleasure to explore on foot, whether strolling past the Victorian bay-and-gable homes of Rosedale, or the historic enclave of Wychwood Park, an Ontario Heritage Conservation district. The city's Distillery District is home to North America's largest preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture.

The Welland Canal is one of Canada's greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. Built from 1824 to 1833 to bypass the Niagara River and its mighty falls, the Welland comprises eight locks that lift or lower ships a total of 326 feet between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. This vital canal is the spine of the peninsula's trade and industry, with numerous docks receiving ships and roadways crossing the water. Viking's latest expedition vessels are purpose-built to traverse this impressive waterway, allowing ships to dock safely while navigating this important crossing.

Point Pelee is a pristine area that points into Lake Erie from Ontario, tapering off to a fine point before disappearing into the waters. The peninsula comprises woodlands and the largest freshwater marshes on the Great Lakes. It was proclaimed a national park in 1918 and is further protected by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty that protects wetlands. Located at the convergence of two major bird migration flyways, about 350 species have been recorded here. Boardwalks deliver visitors into this unique ecosystem of vast, open vistas and wave-kissed shores.

Detroit sits on one of the four straits that link the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway and has emerged as a city rich in culture. In 2015, it became the first US city to earn designation as a “City of Design” by UNESCO for its creativity in urban development. Detroit was founded as a fort in 1701 and later grew into the epicenter of the US automobile industry. Today the city is beloved as the birthplace of Motown, a portmanteau of “motor” and “town.” Its waterfront reveals remarkable examples of postmodern and art deco skyscrapers.

Alpena is in the northeastern region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The town faces Lake Huron's Thunder Bay and is home to Alpena Light, a brilliant red steel structure built in 1914. After its founding in 1840, fishing and logging were introduced to bolster its economy; today it is home to one of the largest limestone quarries in the world. Two of its architectural gems are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the art deco County Courthouse and the late-Victorian IOOF Centennial Building, once the city's courthouse.

Steeped in the charms of simpler times, Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes. Located in the Straits of Mackinac where Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas are closest and Lakes Huron and Michigan meet, 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.

Milwaukee was first settled by Europeans in 1818, when French-Canadian fur trader Solomon Juneau arrived. German, Polish and Eastern European immigrants followed, bringing with them a long tradition of beer brewing. For several decades in the 20th century, Milwaukee became the world's most prolific beer producer. Today, the city is a vibrant center 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.

Milwaukee lies on the shores of Lake Michigan at the confluence of three rivers—the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic. For centuries before the arrival of Europeans, the area was inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Potawatomi, Menominee, Fox and Winnebago. In 1647, missionary Jacques Marquette came to Milwaukee's shores, and fur traders soon followed. The settlement was a secondary trading post until after the Revolutionary War, when Jacques Vieau established the “Milwaukee Outfit” and made the outpost an important stop on the western shores of Lake Michigan. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

Life Onboard Viking Octantis

Viking Octantis
Viking Octantis

Launching in 2022, the Viking Octantis is Vikings' newest expedition ship, part of a fleet of award winning, state of the art ships built for exploration in sensitive environments. Read more

The Thinking Person's Cruise
The Thinking Person's Cruise

Viking are destination experts. With no casinos or children on board, you can be assured that the focus is firmly on enrichment and education. Read more

And Relax
And Relax

After a day of exploration or just to enhance the relaxation of a day at sea, the on-board Spa will leave you feeling recharged and revitalized. Read more

Best Dining Options at Sea
Best Dining Options at Sea

Viking offer six on board dining options. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner at no additional charge of fee. Read more

All Inclusive
All Inclusive

Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not. A variety of features and services are standard inclusions on your cruise. Read more

Expedition Experiences
Expedition Experiences

Viking include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. Enjoy included experiences around the world. Read more

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Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Exclusive Savings
Thursday 25 Apr 2024
Thursday 02 May 2024
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,090
$8,905
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Suite
Save $1,140
$13,855
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Thursday 09 May 2024
Thursday 16 May 2024
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$11,875
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Saturday 11 May 2024
Saturday 18 May 2024
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$11,380
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Saturday 25 May 2024
Saturday 01 Jun 2024
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Save $1,155
$15,340
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Tuesday 27 Aug 2024
Tuesday 03 Sep 2024
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$15,835
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Thursday 29 Aug 2024
Thursday 05 Sep 2024
Ship Viking Octantis
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$12,865
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Tuesday 24 Sep 2024
Tuesday 01 Oct 2024
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
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$9,598
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Suite
Save $1,230
$22,765
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Tuesday 22 Apr 2025
Tuesday 29 Apr 2025
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,088
$8,707
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Save $1,115
$11,380
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Monday 05 May 2025
Monday 12 May 2025
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,095
$9,400
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Save $1,125
$12,370
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Tuesday 06 May 2025
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
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$9,400
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Save $1,125
$12,370
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Monday 19 May 2025
Monday 26 May 2025
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,101
$9,994
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Save $1,130
$12,865
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Tuesday 17 Jun 2025
Tuesday 24 Jun 2025
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,105
$10,390
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Suite
Save $1,135
$13,360
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Monday 14 Jul 2025
Monday 21 Jul 2025
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,105
$10,390
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Suite
Save $1,135
$13,360
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Monday 25 Aug 2025
Monday 01 Sep 2025
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,105
$10,390
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Suite
Save $1,135
$13,360
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Friday 17 Apr 2026
Friday 24 Apr 2026
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,090
$8,905
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Suite
Save $1,116
$11,479
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Sunday 26 Apr 2026
Sunday 03 May 2026
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,093
$9,202
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Suite
Save $1,120
$11,875
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Friday 01 May 2026
Friday 08 May 2026
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,095
$9,400
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Suite
Save $1,123
$12,172
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Sunday 10 May 2026
Sunday 17 May 2026
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,097
$9,598
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Suite
Save $1,125
$12,370
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Sunday 24 May 2026
Sunday 31 May 2026
Ship Viking Polaris
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,103
$10,192
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Suite
Save $1,132
$13,063
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Thursday 11 Jun 2026
Thursday 18 Jun 2026
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
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$10,786
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Suite
Save $1,138
$13,657
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Monday 07 Sep 2026
Monday 14 Sep 2026
Ship Viking Octantis
Nordic Balcony
Save $1,110
$10,885
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Suite
Save $1,140
$13,855
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Viking. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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