A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
Route Map
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
United States
Tour the world-class Milwaukee Art Museum with its iconic white wings that open and close like a ship in motion.
Arrive
2026-08-19 00:00:00
Depart
2026-08-19 17:00:00
Day 2
Mackinac Island, Michigan
United States
Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past Victorian mansions while the aroma of fresh fudge drifts through car-free streets lined with century-old charm.
Arrive
2026-08-20 13:00:00
Depart
2026-08-20 20:00:00
Day 3
Sault-Sainte-Marie, Ontario
Canada
Navigate the magnificent Sault Locks and witness massive cargo ships rise and fall through one of the world's busiest waterway engineering marvels.
Arrive
2026-08-21 07:00:00
Depart
2026-08-21 18:00:00
Day 4
Little Current, Ontario
Canada
Explore the scenic North Channel by boat and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Ontario's Great Lakes maritime heritage.
Arrive
2026-08-22 11:00:00
Depart
2026-08-22 19:00:00
Day 5
🌊 At Sea
Day 5
Parry Sound, Ontario
Canada
Explore the stunning 30,000 Islands by boat and discover pristine wilderness, wildlife, and secluded beaches in this natural paradise.
Arrive
2026-08-23 08:00:00
Depart
2026-08-23 17:00:00
Day 6
🌊 At Sea
Day 6
🌊 At Sea
Day 7
🌊 At Sea
Day 7
Port Colborne, Ontario
Canada
Navigate the historic Welland Canal locks and watch massive ships rise and fall through eight engineering marvels in real time.
Arrive
2026-08-25 00:00:00
Day 8
🌊 At Sea
Day 9
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Marvel at the thundering Niagara Falls, one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders, just an hour from the cruise terminal.
Arrive
2026-08-27 00:00:00
About This Cruise
<p>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.<p></p>This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.<p></p>Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Bellot for an 9-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes.<p></p>Depart from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the United States’ “brew city,” and begin your voyage by sailing the length of Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea, following in the footsteps of the region’s indigenous Americans, first settlers, and trappers.<p></p>On Mackinac Island, explore the island’s Victorian past by horse and buggy before continuing to Sault Ste. Marie, where you will have the opportunity to transit the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks for a foray into Lake Superior. <p></p>Your next lake, Lake Huron, boasts myriad islands in its northern part, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake. Here you will discover the quaint town of Little Current, gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. Then explore the charming city of Parry Sound, in the heart of the fantastic UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay.<p></p>From your call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive Niagara Falls. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle. Le Bellot will then sail the Welland Canal connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.<p></p>You will end in cosmopolitan and dynamic Toronto, Ontario, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Canada’s largest city will charm you with its museums, parks, and gardens.</p>
From $8,270 per person
8 nights on
Le Bellot
with
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Book Cruise
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