The Great Lakes and Niagara Falls are among North America’s most stunning natural wonders, offering breathtaking scenery, rich history, and countless opportunities for adventure. In 2025, travelers can experience these iconic destinations in style aboard luxurious cruises that combine relaxation, cultural immersion, and thrilling excursions. From exploring charming lakeside towns to witnessing the power of Niagara Falls up close, these cruises offer the perfect mix of exploration and comfort.
Below, we’ve highlighted five of the best Great Lakes and Niagara Falls cruises for 2025. Let’s dive into what makes these cruises unforgettable and why they should be on your travel radar.
1. Niagara & the Great Lakes
Operator: Viking Expeditions
Ship: Viking Octantis or Viking Polaris
Duration: 8 days
Short Itinerary: Sails from Toronto to Milwaukee (or reverse), visiting Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Point Pelee, Detroit, Alpena, Mackinac Island, and Milwaukee. Covers Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan.
Price: Starting at approximately $6,000–$9,000 per person (luxury expedition).
Viking’s expedition-style cruise aboard the Viking Octantis or Polaris (184 passengers) combines luxury with adventure. The Niagara Falls excursion is a centerpiece, offering a boat tour to the base of the falls or a visit to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory for a unique twist. The journey through the Welland Canal provides stunning views and a sense of the region’s industrial heritage.
Shore excursions blend nature and culture. At Point Pelee, a UNESCO-recognized migratory bird sanctuary, guided walks reveal vibrant wildlife. Mackinac Island’s Fort Mackinac and horse-drawn carriage tours offer a step back in time, while Detroit’s Motown Museum and Alpena’s Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center dive into the region’s musical and maritime history. Scenic highlights include sailing past the limestone cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula and exploring Lake Huron’s pristine waters via kayak or Zodiac (included in the fare).
Onboard, the Viking Octantis and Polaris feature Nordic-inspired design, with six dining options (including regional specialties like Lake Michigan perch), a Nordic Spa, and expedition briefings by onboard scientists. Staterooms with Nordic Balconies ensure optimal views of the lakes’ scenic shores.
Viking’s expedition equipment (kayaks, Zodiacs, and special operations boats) and complimentary excursions in every port set it apart. The cruise line’s focus on sustainability, including eco-friendly ship design, aligns with efforts to preserve the Great Lakes’ ecosystem.
Explore Viking Expeditions’ Great Lakes itineraries →
2. Great Lakes Collection
Operator: Viking Expeditions
Ship: Viking Octantis or Viking Polaris
Duration: 8 days
Short Itinerary: Sails from Toronto to Milwaukee (or reverse), visiting Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Point Pelee, Detroit, Alpena, Mackinac Island, and Milwaukee. Covers Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan.
Price: Starting at approximately $6,000–$9,000 per person (luxury expedition).
Viking’s Great Lakes Collection is a luxurious, expedition-style cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Viking Octantis, designed for exploration with kayaks, Zodiacs, and special operations boats included at no extra charge. The itinerary is a deep dive into the Great Lakes’ natural and cultural wonders, with Niagara Falls as a centerpiece. Passengers can marvel at the falls’ raw power from an observation deck or join a boat tour to feel the mist of Horseshoe Falls.
Scenic highlights include kayaking in Georgian Bay’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where granite islands and pristine waters create a serene backdrop, and hiking in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Lake Superior for breathtaking vistas. Cultural excursions feature First Nations traditions, such as learning about Indigenous heritage in Ontario, and visits to world-class museums in Toronto and Detroit. The Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, connecting Lake Superior to the lower lakes, offer a front-row seat to an engineering feat.
Onboard, the Viking Octantis boasts six dining venues with regionally inspired menus, a Nordic Spa & Fitness Center, and Nordic Balcony staterooms optimized for wildlife observation. The ship’s expedition team, including scientists and naturalists, leads educational talks and guided tours, enhancing the journey’s depth.
Viking’s expedition kit (kayaks, Zodiacs, etc.) and complimentary excursions in every port make this cruise ideal for adventure seekers. The ship’s eco-friendly design and focus on sustainability, such as ballast water management to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species, add a conscientious touch.
3. All 5 Great Lakes, Chicago to Toronto
Operator: Victory Cruise Lines
Ship: Victory I or Victory II
Duration: 10 days
Short Itinerary: Sails from Chicago to Toronto (or reverse), with stops at Muskegon, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), and Toronto. The route covers all five Great Lakes, including the Welland Canal.
Price: Starting at approximately $5,200–$7,500 per person (all-inclusive).
Victory Cruise Lines offers an intimate, all-inclusive experience aboard the Victory I or II, each carrying about 200 passengers. The Niagara Falls excursion from Port Colborne is a highlight, featuring a Maid of the Mist boat tour that brings you close to the thundering Horseshoe Falls or a walk through the Journey Behind the Falls for a behind-the-scenes view. Navigating the Welland Canal, with its eight locks lifting the ship 326 feet, is a captivating engineering spectacle.
Shore excursions immerse passengers in the region’s heritage. On Mackinac Island, a horse-drawn carriage ride explores the car-free island’s Victorian charm, with fudge-tasting as a sweet bonus. In Detroit, tours highlight the city’s Motown legacy and revitalized riverfront. Muskegon offers lighthouse visits and craft brewery tours, while Sault Ste. Marie showcases the Soo Locks, connecting Lake Superior to the lower lakes.
Onboard, Victory’s regionally inspired dining features Great Lakes whitefish and Michigan cherry desserts, complemented by a “luxury pillow menu” and daily turndown service. The small ship size ensures personalized service and access to smaller ports.
Victory’s all-inclusive pricing covers meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, and most excursions, making it a seamless experience. The cruise line’s “Great Lakes Ambassadors” program connects passengers with local experts for deeper cultural insights.
4. Great Lakes + St. Lawrence Seaway Cruise
Operator: Victory Cruise Lines
Ship: Victory I or Victory II
Duration: 11 days
Short Itinerary: This cruise sails from Chicago to Montréal (or reverse), visiting Muskegon (Michigan), Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Toronto, Kingston, and Montréal. The route traverses Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, plus the St. Lawrence Seaway and its iconic Welland Canal.
Price: Starting at approximately $5,500–$8,000 per person (mid-range, all-inclusive).
Victory Cruise Lines specializes in intimate, all-inclusive small-ship cruising, with Victory I and II each hosting around 200 passengers. The journey emphasizes immersive shore excursions, many included in the fare, that dive into the region’s history and culture. A standout is the Niagara Falls excursion from Port Colborne, where passengers can experience the thundering Horseshoe Falls up close via a thrilling boat tour (ponchos provided to stay dry!) or explore the Journey Behind the Falls for a unique perspective. The Welland Canal’s eight locks, an engineering marvel, offer a fascinating passage as the ship navigates the elevation changes between Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Onboard, Victory’s culinary team crafts regionally inspired dishes, from Great Lakes whitefish to Detroit-style pizza, paired with a “luxury pillow menu” and daily turndown service for a personalized touch. Shore excursions include a horse-drawn carriage ride on car-free Mackinac Island, where Victorian charm and fudge-tasting await, and a visit to Detroit’s revitalized downtown, showcasing its Motown heritage and vibrant arts scene. The small ships allow access to lesser-visited ports like Muskegon, where passengers can explore historic lighthouses or local breweries.
Victory’s focus on community immersion sets it apart, with customized tours that connect passengers with local culture, such as meeting artisans or exploring historical forts. The all-inclusive pricing covers meals, drinks, and most excursions, making it a hassle-free experience.
Related: The 11 best New England cruises from Boston
Related: Best St. Lawrence River Cruises | 10 recommended cruises on the St. Lawrence River
5. Great Lakes Explorer
Operator: Pearl Seas Cruises
Ship: Pearl Mist
Duration: 15 days
Short Itinerary: This cruise sails from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay (or reverse), visiting Muskegon, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Little Current, Parry Sound, Midland, Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Toronto, and Thunder Bay. It covers all five Great Lakes with a focus on scenic and historical ports.
Price: Starting at approximately $7,000–$10,000 per person (mid-range, all-inclusive).
The Pearl Mist, a small and elegant ship with just 210 passengers, delivers a destination-focused experience with a focus on regional cuisine and culture. The Niagara Falls excursion is a highlight, offering a boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls or a Journey Behind the Falls experience, where passengers can stand behind the cascading waters. The cruise also navigates the Soo Locks and Welland Canal, providing close-up views of these engineering wonders.
Shore excursions emphasize local flavor, such as exploring Milwaukee’s breweries, visiting Cleveland’s historic West Side Market, or touring Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, a living museum with costumed historians. Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic drive to Kakabeka Falls, dubbed the “Niagara of the North,” and guided nature walks in Northwest Ontario’s wilderness. The itinerary’s stop at Little Current in Georgian Bay offers opportunities to explore quaint villages and pristine beaches.
Onboard, the Pearl Mist features spacious staterooms, a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, and dining that highlights Great Lakes culinary traditions, such as fresh fish and local wines. Many shore excursions include food and wine themes, enhancing the cultural immersion.
Pearl Seas’ focus on regional cuisine and all-inclusive pricing (including most excursions) creates a seamless, immersive experience. The small ship size allows access to smaller ports like Little Current, offering a more intimate connection to the region.
See dates and book this 8-day cruise →
6. Expedition in the Heart of the American Great Lakes
Operator: Ponant
Ship: Le Champlain or Le Bellot (Explorers Cruise Ships)
Duration: 10 days
Short Itinerary: This cruise sails from Milwaukee to Toronto (or reverse), with stops at Muskegon, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Killarney, Parry Sound, Midland, Point Pelee, Port Colborne (Niagara Falls), and Toronto. It covers Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
Price: Starting at approximately $8,130 per person (luxury expedition).
Ponant’s luxury expedition cruise aboard Le Champlain or Le Bellot offers an elegant, French-inspired experience with a focus on fall foliage, cultural exchanges, and engineering marvels. The Niagara Falls excursion from Port Colborne includes a boat tour to the base of the falls or a visit to the Table Rock Welcome Centre for panoramic views. The Welland Canal transit is a highlight, showcasing the intricate lock system that lifts ships over 326 feet.
Shore excursions emphasize cultural and natural beauty, such as exploring Francophone and Indigenous heritage in Quebec and Ontario, or visiting Mackinac Island for a horse-drawn carriage ride and fudge-tasting. In Killarney, passengers can kayak or hike in Georgian Bay’s pristine wilderness, while Point Pelee offers birdwatching opportunities in a migratory hotspot.
Onboard, Ponant delivers a refined experience with French wines, gala dinners, and Quebecois specialties in Canadian ports. The small ships (184 passengers) feature luxurious amenities like spacious staterooms, a spa, and al fresco dining, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Ponant’s French flair and partnerships with Smithsonian Journeys (on select sailings) offer exclusive cultural lectures and guided tours. The focus on late-season fall foliage cruises makes this itinerary particularly scenic, with vibrant autumn colors enhancing the Great Lakes’ landscapes.
7. A Voyage Along the Great Lakes with Smithsonian Journeys
Operator: Ponant
Ship: Le Champlain or Le Bellot
Duration: 8 days
Short Itinerary: Sails from Toronto to Milwaukee (or reverse), with stops at Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Point Pelee, Midland, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, and Milwaukee. Covers Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan, plus the Welland Canal.
Price: Starting at approximately $7,000–$10,000 per person (luxury expedition).
Ponant’s luxury expedition cruise, in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, offers a refined, culturally rich experience aboard the elegant Le Champlain or Le Bellot (184 passengers). The Niagara Falls excursion features a Maid of the Mist boat tour or a visit to the Niagara Power Vista for insights into the falls’ hydroelectric history. The Welland Canal transit is a scenic and educational highlight, showcasing the locks’ intricate mechanics.
Shore excursions blend culture and nature. In Midland, passengers can explore Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands via kayak or visit the Ojibwe cultural center. Mackinac Island’s historic charm comes alive with carriage tours, while Point Pelee’s marsh boardwalk offers birdwatching in a migratory hotspot. Sault Ste. Marie’s Soo Locks and Milwaukee’s brewery tours add engineering and local flavor.
Onboard, Ponant’s French-inspired elegance shines with gala dinners, Quebecois specialties, and a curated wine selection. The ships feature a Blue Eye underwater lounge for unique lake views, a spa, and al fresco dining. Smithsonian experts lead lectures on the region’s history, ecology, and Indigenous cultures, enriching the experience.
The Smithsonian Journeys partnership provides exclusive access to expert-led talks and curated excursions. Ponant’s fall foliage sailings (late August–September) showcase vibrant autumn colors, making the Great Lakes’ landscapes even more stunning.
8. 11-Night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay Cruise
Operator: Pearl Seas Cruises
Ship: Pearl Mist
Duration: 11 days
Short Itinerary: Sails from Toronto to Chicago (or reverse), with stops at Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Cleveland, Detroit, Midland, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, and Chicago. Covers Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan, plus Georgian Bay and the Welland Canal.
Price: Starting at approximately $6,500–$9,500 per person (all-inclusive).
The Pearl Mist, a boutique ship with 210 passengers, delivers a relaxed yet immersive journey. The Niagara Falls excursion includes a Maid of the Mist boat ride or a visit to the Table Rock Welcome Centre for panoramic views of the falls. The Welland Canal and Soo Locks transits are engineering highlights, offering close-up views of these marvels in action.
Shore excursions emphasize the region’s diversity. In Cleveland, passengers can explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or the historic West Side Market. Midland’s Georgian Bay offers kayaking or hiking in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, while Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel and horse-drawn carriage tours provide old-world charm. Detroit’s cultural revival shines through visits to the Detroit Institute of Arts, and Chicago’s architectural boat tours showcase the city’s skyline.
Onboard, the Pearl Mist offers spacious staterooms, regionally inspired cuisine (think Great Lakes fish and local wines), and a festive Welcome Aboard Reception. Complimentary cocktail hours and live music enhance the intimate atmosphere.
Pearl Seas’ all-inclusive model includes most excursions, drinks, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The cruise line’s focus on regional cuisine and access to smaller ports like Midland create a deeply immersive journey.
Why Choose Great Lakes and Niagara Falls Cruises?
The Great Lakes region is a hidden gem for cruising, offering a blend of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and historical insights. Niagara Falls, with its three mighty waterfalls, is a highlight, often experienced via observation decks or boat tours into the mist. Other attractions include:
- Mackinac Island: A car-free island with Victorian charm, historic forts, and famous fudge.
- Chicago and Detroit: Vibrant cities with architectural tours, museums, and cultural experiences.
- Georgian Bay: Scenic cruising through the 30,000 Islands, showcasing untouched wilderness.
- Welland Canal: A marvel of engineering connecting Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, often part of Niagara Falls excursions.
These cruises are ideal for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, education, and adventure, with itineraries designed to showcase the region’s diversity.
The Best Time for Great Lakes and Niagara Falls Cruises
1. Late Spring (May)
– Weather: Temperatures start to warm up, averaging between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C).
– Crowds: Fewer tourists, making it a more peaceful experience.
– Flora: The natural scenery begins to bloom, offering beautiful views of flowers and greenery.
– Activities: Some attractions may still be closed, but it’s a great time for nature walks and enjoying the fresh air.
2. Early Summer (June)
– Weather: Warmer temperatures, averaging 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C).
– Crowds: Tourist numbers begin to increase, particularly around popular destinations.
– Events: Many local festivals and events kick off, showcasing the culture and history of the Great Lakes region.
– Activities: Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and exploring local towns.
3. Peak Summer (July – August)
– Weather: Warm to hot temperatures, typically ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C).
– Crowds: This is the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds at popular attractions and ports.
– Activities: A plethora of events, concerts, and activities are available, including water sports, fishing, and local fairs.
– Considerations: Book accommodations and cruises in advance to secure your preferred options.
4. Early Fall (September)
– Weather: Cooler temperatures begin to set in, ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
– Crowds: Tourist numbers start to dwindle, leading to a more relaxed atmosphere.
– Scenery: The fall foliage begins to emerge, providing stunning views and excellent photo opportunities.
– Activities: A great time for wine tours, apple picking, and enjoying the harvest season.
5. Late Fall (October – November)
– Weather: Temperatures can drop significantly, often between 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C).
– Crowds: Very few tourists, making it a peaceful time to explore.
– Activities: Many cruises may end by mid-October, but it’s a beautiful time for scenic drives and enjoying autumn colors.