Sarah Bretz, ContributorViking’s Great Lakes season has officially begun, as its two expedition ships — Viking Octantis and Polaris — are now deployed in the region. The 378-guest vessels offer a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth, exploring all five Great Lakes.
The cruise line has also opened two new itineraries in the Great Lakes in 2026 for booking. The 10-day Great Lakes Treasures voyages will sail roundtrip from Milwaukee and will allow guests to explore new ports of call for Viking including Chicago, as well as Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park and Benjamin Islands.
The longer 17-day Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures voyage sails between Toronto and Milwaukee and includes Niagara Falls, Canada’s Point Pelee National Park, and a transit of the Welland Canal.
“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover. With more than 10,000 miles of coastline, world-class cities and remote wilderness areas, it is truly a destination that is best explored by ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We would like to thank our local partners for the warm welcome once again, and we look forward to introducing more curious travelers to the Great Lakes this season and in future years.”
Viking’s Great Lakes Cruises
Here are highlights of Viking’s Great Lakes cruises from 2024 to 2026:
Great Lakes Treasures — 10 days, roundtrip Milwaukee
Visit Chicago and its variety of world-class museums, including the Art Institute. Explore the picturesque islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and admire their bucolic landscapes. Venture out to Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Marine Park and marvel at the stunning pink granite isles of the Benjamins Islands. Participate in lab studies as you explore coastal wetlands and delve into the native cultures of the Great Lakes.
Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures — 17 days, between Toronto and Milwaukee
Discover the mighty Niagara Falls and immerse yourself in nature amid the freshwater marshes of Point Pelee’s peninsula. Witness the creativity of Detroit’s urban development as you admire the city’s postmodern and art deco skyscrapers. Behold the stunning isles of Georgian Bay from the water and marvel at their verdant landscapes during this extended voyage.
Great Lakes Collection — 15 days, between Toronto and Duluth
Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the Great Lakes. Experience culture-rich urban centers and admire the awesome power of thundering Niagara Falls. Explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
Niagara & the Great Lakes — 8 days, between Toronto and Milwaukee
From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness alongside renowned cultural attractions while cruising the waterways of the Great Lakes. Immerse yourself in the lakes’ storied shipping history, experience the power of the beautiful 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.
Undiscovered Great Lakes — 8 days, between Thunder Bay and Milwaukee
Cross the width of Lake Superior between Duluth and the Soo Locks, exploring the lake’s North Shore Inside Passage as you sail. Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of the lake. Gain insight into the unique features and ecosystems of remote wilderness islands and admire Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North.” Follow in the footsteps of fur traders in Duluth and step back in time as you stroll the quaint, car-free streets of Mackinac Island.
Canada & East Coast Explorer — 15 days, between Toronto and Fort Lauderdale
Sail the U.S.’s Atlantic coastline and visit storied cities. Enjoy Charleston’s southern charm and colonial homes. Visit Norfolk, home to the world’s largest naval base. Trace Nova Scotia’s shores to explore its rugged landscapes and visit Quebec’s national parks. Traverse one of North America’s scenic waterways, the St. Lawrence River, and marvel at the locks and canals that comprise the St. Lawrence Seaway on an enriching journey to historic ports.
Longitudinal World Cruises
Viking is also offering a variety of Longitudinal World Cruises between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, offering guests the opportunity to sail from the world’s largest freshwater system to “the end of the world” or the reverse. Additionally, all of Viking’s cruises in the Great Lakes feature a stop at Mackinac Island, which was recently rated the #1 summer travel destination in the United States by USA Today 10Best.
Comments
Have you ever taken a cruise with Viking? Have you/would you consider taking a Great Lakes voyage? Drop an anchor below and let us know!
