A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys

Cruise overview

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

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.

Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Bellot for an 9-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes.

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.

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. 

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.

Leaving  Manitoulin Island, sail across Lake Huron to reach Detroit, the “Motor City”. Here you visit the Henry Ford Museum, an eccentric collection of objects reflecting Ford’s fascination with Americana, and Greenfield Village, a gathering of historic structures from around the country.  

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.

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.