The Great Lakes, with a total area of around 244,000 square kilometres dominate the North American landscape and, filled with the spirit of discovery that once led settlers to this region, this voyage takes you deep into this magnificent natural wonder of Canada and the USA. For this exploration we are working with our long-time associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, who have made a number of cabins available for our passengers for this navigation of the Great Lakes. Their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration, has been built to undertake journeys such as this and features retractable bridge wings so that it can pass through the locks between the lakes. Whilst on board you can watch the exciting manoeuvres from the many open deck spaces: traversing eight locks and around 20 bridges, this route demands expert precision from the Captain and crew and, in addition to the feats of nautical brilliance that are beyond the capabilities of most ships, you can be assured of excellent service, food and luxurious surroundings on board.
Setting sail from Toronto we will have the opportunity to transit the Welland Canal and, as Lake Erie is around one hundred metres higher than Lake Ontario, we will also travel through the Erie Canal, an engineering feat. We will sail to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay with its myriad of islands and miles of greyish-pink granite shoreline capped with conifers plunging into the emerald waters of the lake. Here you will discover the delightful harbour village of Tobermory and the charming town of Parry Sound, a paradise for nature lovers with its unique flora and fauna. Also visit the historic locks at Sault Sainte Marie, experience the old-world charm of Mackinac Island and step back in time at the Fayette Historic State Park that blends nature with the history of this 19th century industrial town.
The diversity of the Great Lakes will amaze you as this late summer journey offers stunning landscapes and natural wonders, picturesque villages and towns, visits to some of the most infamous cities of North America along with the opportunity to discover the fascinating history of the Native Americans, settlers and trappers. All of this is only possible due to the engineering capabilities of the Hanseatic Inspiration whose beautiful spacious cabins and public areas will enable you to travel in the utmost comfort.
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Toronto, Canada.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration for embarkation. Sail late this evening.
Day 2 Lake Ontario & Lake Erie.
Enjoy a day of cruising scenic Lake Ontario and the Welland Canal. Consisting of eight locks over 27 miles the Canal has allowed large vessels to travel between the US and Canada since 1829. Later we cruise across Lake Erie whose history dates back to the end of the ice age some 13,000 years ago.
Day 3 Windsor & Detroit River.
This morning we cruise down the Detroit River to the Canadian city of Windsor from where we can see the skyline of America’s former Motor City, Detroit, on the opposite bank. An optional excursion will visit Detroit to learn about the roots of the automotive industry and the city’s varied architecture. Follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford at the museum that bears his name and see the masterpieces of road and rails.
Day 4 Lake Huron & Tobermory.
Enjoy the beautiful views as we cruise across Lake Huron this morning, arriving into the fishing town of Tobermory, on Georgian Bay at lunchtime. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace, maybe admire the limestone coastline, small bays and Canadian wildflowers as we walk along the Bruce Trail.
Day 5 Parry Sound.
A scenic approach through a small lagoon brings you to Parry Sound, which lies in a watery labyrinth with a distinctly Scandinavian feel. The marine walking trails are a great way to explore this town named after the polar explorer William E Parry and the nearby lake shore. Alternatively take an optional boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands which illustrate why the town is known as the gateway to the archipelago, as narrow channels lead past imposing limestone cliffs to hidden natural treasures. On an alternative optional excursion you can immerse yourself in a panoramic scene in Killbear Provincial Park, where the pink granite banks merge with the autumnal forest.
Day 6 Killarney.
Spend the morning enjoying the island-studded scenery around Killarney. Here the unspoilt nature harks back to the time of the first trappers. The small coastal municipality is still an El Dorado for outdoor activities. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising as we continue our journey across the expansive Lake Huron.
Day 7 Sault Sainte Marie Canal.
Your adventure continues with an exciting lock passage through the Sault Sainte Marie Canal. As the largest lock system in the world, the Soo Locks are a masterpiece of engineering. Built around 150 years ago, huge container ships can master the change in height of around six metres between Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
Day 8 Thunder Bay, Lake Superior.
Find a spot to relax on deck or enjoy the ship’s facilities as we sail across Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes measuring nearly 32,000 square miles in surface area. We stop at the spectacular coastal landscapes of Canada’s Thunder Bay where on an optional tour to Fort William and the Kakabeka Falls you can marvel at the “Niagara Falls of the North” where the water plunges for 40 metres. Alternatively, join an optional hiking tour to the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park where you will climb a flat topped mountain with dramatic granite cliffs.
Day 9 Lake Superior.
Cruising along the northern shore of Lake Superior, you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view or learn interesting details about the First Nations from the team of experts on board before the Hanseatic Inspiration passes the locks again at Sault Sainte Marie.
Day 10 Sault Sainte Marie.
To experience vibrant culture surrounded by magnificent nature, we continue to Sault Sainte Marie where you have free time to explore. The city is divided not only by a river, but also by the border between Canada on one side and the USA on the other. Maybe walk to the historic locks or visit the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, where you can see some of the restored aircraft and learn about the development of forest fire fighting techniques.
Day 11 Mackinac Island & Lake Huron, USA.
Spend the day on Mackinac Island, a natural jewel of the Great Lakes and one of the most beautiful islands in the USA. Discover the small car-free idyll independently by bicycle or with a carriage ride. While Victorian villas and the Grand Hotel recall the 19th century, Fort Mackinac serves as a reminder of the American Revolutionary War. Enjoy time to explore at your own pace and maybe pick up some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge.
Day 12 Fayette & Lake Michigan.
Over breakfast we arrive in Fayette on the banks of Lake Michigan. During the industrialisation of the 19th century, the township of Fayette had one of the region’s most productive iron smelters. A landing in Fayette Historic State Park will turn back the hands of time, the historic townsite, once a bustling iron smelting industrial community features more than 20 historic buildings. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing on Lake Michigan.
Day 13 Milwaukee to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Chicago airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 14 London.
Arrive this morning.
Ship to Shore: Please note that we will be at anchor at the following ports and will use tender boats or Zodiacs to transfer ashore: Tobermory, Killarney, Mackinac Island and Fayette.
Dates and Prices
26 September to 9 October 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £9895 | £9395 |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £10295 | £9795 |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £10695 | £10195 |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £11195 | £10695 |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £10895 | £10395 |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £11395 | £10895 |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £11795 | £11295 |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £12195 | £11695 |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | Not Available | Not Available |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | Not Available | Not Available |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £12695 | £12195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHI260925
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Onboard team including lecturers • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, shore excursions (further details of the optional excursions will be available to pre-book three months before departure and payment will be made on board), Canadian and US visa/visa waiver.
Please note that all bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 20% deposit and that the balance payment will be due 150 days before the date of departure. Please also note that between 149 and 70 days before the date of departure, cancellation charges shall be 40% of the total holiday price payable.
Ship to Shore: Please note that we will be at anchor at the following ports and will use tender boats or Zodiacs to transfer ashore: Tobermory, Killarney, Mackinac Island and Fayette.
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Also of Interest
Great Lakes of North America
A voyage from Halifax to Milwaukee aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
Hanseatic Inspiration
Itinerary at a glance
- Halifax / Prince Edward Island / Iles de la Madeleine / Gaspe / Tadoussac / Saguenay / Quebec / St Lawrence / Toronto / Lake Ontario / Welland Canal / Lake Erie / Windsor / Detroit River / Lake Huron / Tobermory / Killarney / Parry Sound / Sault Sainte Marie / Mackinac Island / Milwaukee
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000