Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
10% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
- Last staterooms
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
Milwaukee - Toronto
Dates:
11/10/2024
to
18/10/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
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 Champlain for an 8-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes amidst the splendid colors of autumn.
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.
Le Champlain will then sail the canal connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. 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.
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.
Ref : MT2945US - EC111024
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Your trip in detail
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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3/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
L'AUSTRAL
28/2/2025 to the 15/3/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
4/1/2025 to the 19/1/2025
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, geologist Scott Burns and historian Keith Edgerton.
- A cruise with the opportunity to explore the five Great Lakes of North America, between the United States and Canada.
- A transit through the locks of the Welland Canal, connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
- An itinerary combining nature and culture: picturesque landscapes and geological curiosities, the history of indigenous Americans inhabiting the region before European colonization, and charming villages.
- An excursion to the magnificent Niagara Falls.
- A visit to charming Mackinac Island, with its preserved Victorian architecture.
Ports of Call & Excursions
11 October 2024 - Milwaukee
Embarkation 11/10/2024 From 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Departure 11/10/2024 at 5:00 pm
Nested on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, the largest city in the State of Wisconsin, harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Industrial long ago, the city, known as Brew City because of its old breweries renowned all over the world, is experiencing a certain renaissance. While warehouses have given way to restaurants, bars, theatres and art galleries in the city centre, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past. Further south lies Chicago, the economic centre of the Midwest, with an interesting mix of natural and urban landscapes: its immense skyscrapers, diverse architecture, many parks and magnificent beaches make the city a popular destination.
12 October 2024 - Sailing Lake Michigan
Arrival 12/10/2024
Departure 12/10/2024
You will sail the United States’ largest freshwater body, which gave its name to Michigan, one of the four states that border this lake measuring 500 km long and 200 km wide. The first colonists settled in the south at the end of the 17th century, on the site of the current megalopolis of Chicago. Wild landscapes of forests with sparkling colours, cliffs, golden sandy beaches and dunes as far as the eye can see stretch along its 2,600 km of shoreline. In the north, magnificent wind-swept islands rise out of the lake’s emerald waters. At 8 km long, the Mackinac Bridge, which spans the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges.
12 October 2024 - Mackinac Island
Arrival 12/10/2024 midday
Departure 12/10/2024 evening
Close to the banks of Lake Huron in the State of Michigan, Mackinac Island promises a real journey through time. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this small island measuring only a few km² still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear today, with its Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Fort Mackinac, on the heights of the island, is a reminder of the conflicts that punctuated the history of this strategic place, a former fur trade centre. In addition to this scenery from the past, the island offers magnificent fine sandy beaches and is home to one of the oldest National Parks in the United States.
13 October 2024 - Sault Ste. Marie
Arrival 13/10/2024 early morning
Departure 13/10/2024 late afternoon
Located to the east of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Separated from its Canadian twin city by St. Marys River, it is famous among other things for its locks, known as either the Sault Locks or the Soo Locks, which enable ships to travel the metres in change in elevation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. These locks, which date back over 160 years, are considered the most important in the world due to their shipping traffic. Make sure you visit the Museum Ship Valley Camp where you can visit the interior of a former freighter that sailed on the Great Lakes for more than 50 years.
14 October 2024 - Little Current
Arrival 14/10/2024 late morning
Departure 14/10/2024 late afternoon
A small port town located along the North Channel of Lake Huron, Little Current is considered to be the gateway to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. The town’s emblematic construction, the Little Current Swing Bridge built in 1913, provides the only land access to the island, peaceful lands whose name means “the island of spirits” in the local dialect. A real haven of peace, sheltering wild nature and some hamlets, the place is ideal for outdoor activities such as horse-riding and hiking.
14 October 2024 - Sailing Lake Huron
Arrival 14/10/2024
Departure 14/10/2024
A natural border between the American State of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario, Lake Huron is one of the five American Great Lakes and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Comprising the main lake, Saginaw Bay, the North Channel and Georgian Bay, and home to around 30,000 islands, it offers varied coastal landscapes and unique views. From your ship, you’ll thus be able to admire the wild beauty of the wooded and at times craggy coastline of Manitoulin Island, or the spectacular cliffs of the Bruce Peninsular.
15 October 2024 - Sailing St. Clair River
Arrival 15/10/2024
Departure 15/10/2024
Forming a natural line of separation between the United States and Canada, the St. Clair River, which flows from Lake Huron into Lake St. Clair, is a significant element of the Great Lakes Waterway. Used in the 18th century for the fur trade by the French colonists of North America who sailed it on small boats to trade with the Amerindians, it was then travelled by freighters transporting lumber, iron ore and copper from the Great Lakes region to the cities of the Rust Belt.
15 October 2024 - Sailing through Detroit
Arrival 15/10/2024
Departure 15/10/2024
During your navigation along the Detroit River, an important commercial waterway linking Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron, you will sail along the largest city in Michigan. You’ll then enjoy panoramic views over the skyscrapers of the former Motor City, jewel of the automotive industry, Fordism and Motown music in the 20th century. You’ll also be able to admire the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the river and enables access to Windsor, on the Canadian shore of the river. This steel suspension bridge, over two kilometres long, was constructed in 1929. This bridge alone carries over 25% of trade between the United States and Canada.
16 October 2024 - Sailing Lake Erie
Arrival 16/10/2024
Departure 16/10/2024
Located to the south of Lake Huron and connected to Lake Ontario by the Welland Canal, Lake Erie, which owes its name to one of the Amerindian tribes which peopled its banks before the arrival of the French in the 17th century, is remarkable for its unique ecosystem. Its shallow fish-filled waters make it an excellent fishing spot, while its banks, famous for their many migratory birds, attract photographers and ornithology enthusiasts.
16 October 2024 - Port Colborne
Arrival 16/10/2024 late morning
Departure 16/10/2024
Port Colborne is a small port city located in southern Ontario, at the mouth of the Welland Canal. It is well-known for one of the longest locks in the world: measuring 420 metres, this lock, the 8th in the canal, has an observation footbridge and marks the final transit point before the Erie Canal. In addition to the discovery of this tremendous hydraulic infrastructure, this port of call will be your privileged access point to the famous Niagara Falls, renowned all over the world for their spectacular beauty. Located on the river of the same name, which means “water thunder” in Amerindian language, these wonders of nature are among the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
17 October 2024 - Going through the Welland Canal locks
Arrival 17/10/2024
Departure 17/10/2024
More than 42 km long, the Welland Canal is part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and enables ships to travel between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. With eight locks today, this canal, whose first version dates from 1824, is considered to be one of the major technical constructions of the 20th century. Its completion revolutionised trade in the Great Lakes region by facilitating the transport of goods from the big industrialised cities of Chicago, Cleveland or Milwaukee to the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing along this technological masterpiece is a unique experience that will let you admire the different locks, real jewels of engineering, and enjoy the magnificent surrounding scenery.
18 October 2024 - Toronto
Arrival 18/10/2024
Disembarkation 18/10/2024 at 8:00 am
The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.
Mackinac Island with Fort Mackinac
Your tour of Mackinac Island offers an overview of the historical and cultural significance of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, including the living museum at Fort Mackinac.
Disembarking your tenders at the main dock, you will board horse-drawn carriages for a narrated tour of the island, including a drive past the Grand Hotel. Constructed in the late 19th century, the Hotel has played host to, among many others, five U.S. presidents, inventor Thomas Edison, and author Mark Twain. Continuing your tour, you pause at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron. At Surrey Hill, you will have a rest break and switch to 3 horse hitch carriages before proceeding to historic Fort Mackinac.
Fort Mackinac was the site of an important battle during the War of 1812, and throughout the 19th-century, it remained an army outpost housing soldiers and their families. It is now a living museum with exhibits and live re-enactments that illustrate what life was like for the women, men, and children who lived here — from military training and battles to medical treatments to the challenges of family life.
At end of the tour, you may either ride or walk down the hill to the waterfront, where you will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some of the world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
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This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring little walking other than to and from your carriage and the ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bike Tour of Mackinac Island
One of the best ways to get a sense of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas is to cycle along the road that traces the shore line all the way around. The road is paved and flat, and there are no cars, allowing for a leisurely ride through Mackinac's natural beauty.
Join your guide, adjust your bike, don your helmet, and begin your ride. As you circle the island, you will stop first at Mission Point for views over the harbor and downtown; Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, with breathtaking views of Lake Huron; British Landing, where British troops and their Native American allies came ashore during the War of 1812 and where you catch your first glimpse of Mackinac Bridge, the world's fifth longest suspension bridge; and finally, Devil's Kitchen, a small cave on the western coast that legend says is home to evil spirits.
When you have completed your circumnavigation of the island and returned your bike, you will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
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Bikes (Momentum Vida 8-speeds) and helmets are provided. Participants should be in good physical health and are required to sign a waiver. The total distance is just over 8 miles, over a paved, flat surface. We recommend layered clothing. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mackinac Island with Grand Hotel
Your tour of Mackinac Island offers an overview of the historical and cultural significance of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, including the liiconic Grand Hotel.
Disembarking your tenders at the main dock, you will board horse-drawn carriages for a narrated tour of the island, including a pause at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron. At Surrey Hill, you will have a rest break and switch to 3 horse hitch carriages before continuing your tour.
Arrive at the Grand Hotel for time to explore this classic hotel on your own. Constructed in the late 19th century, it has played host to, among many others, five U.S. presidents, inventor Thomas Edison, and author Mark Twain.
You may either ride or walk the short distance to the waterfront, where you will have some time to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some of the world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
-
This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring little walking other than to and from your carriage and the ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain. For daytime visits to the Grand Hotel, casual resort-wear is acceptable but no cut-offs or tank tops are permitted.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walking Tour of Historic Mackinac Island
Get an insider's take on historic Mackinac Island on a guided walking tour of the island's highlights. Come to understand the people, history, culture, and architecture of this North American treasure.
Meet your guide at the dock for a brief overview of the history of the island. Leave the downtown area and proceed past historic cottages and views of the stunning Mackinac Bridge in the distance. Take a break and explore the iconic Grand Hotel and its grounds, including its “Secret Garden”.
Return downtown to historic Market Street, where you will be introduced to Mackinac's architecture and how it has changed over time as the town itself has changed from an Anishinabek community, to a fur trading post, to a Christian mission and a military outpost, and to a resort island. You will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
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Walking on this tour totals approximately 1.5 miles, mostly on sidewalks, but also beach and grassy areas and includes a moderately steep hill and some steps. We recommend comfortable shoes and dressing in layers to anticipate the weather. For daytime visits to the Grand Hotel, casual resort-wear is acceptable but no cut-offs or tank tops are permitted.
Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lake Superior: Soo Locks & SS Valley Camp
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, re-board your coach for the drive to the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Visitor Center. Here you will experience the engineering marvel that is the Soo Locks through numerous exhibits that chronicle their construction.
Then visit the Valley Camp Museum Ship, an actual lake freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years. As a museum, the SS Valley Camp is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will have the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the ship and discover that its massive cargo holds contain 20,000 square feet of exhibits, displaying hundreds of artifacts, paintings, and other items related to the rich maritime history of Lake Superior, including two lifeboats from the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
After this visit, return to the port for lunch onboard your ship.
In the afternoon you will board your chartered SOO Locks boat. Cruise along the St. Mary’s River until you reach the Soo Locks, where your boat is raised 21 feet to enable it to enter Lake Superior. Leaving the locks, you pass under the International Bridge and Railroad Bridge and cross into Canadian waters to see Canada’s largest steel plant in operation today. Heading back to U.S. waters, you will return to the lower harbor via the historic Canadian Lock, and sail past St. Mary’s rapids to Sault Ste. Marie.
When you disembark your cruise, you can walk back to your ship.
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U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 0.6 miles of walking and some steps.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tahquamenon Falls & Shipwrecks Museum
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, reboard your coach for a 90-minute scenic drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Then follow your guide to the Upper Falls, where a paved walkway provides accessible viewing opportunities of the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-wide waterfall. If you are adventurous, you may walk 94 steps down (and up again) for a truly up-close experience at the brink of the falls.
Walk along a paved path that meanders through a forest of sugar maple, beech, and hemlock trees, where you may see chipmunks, red squirrels, and white-tailed deer, not to mention black-capped chickadees, owls, woodpeckers, and other birds.
Lunch will be at the local pub.
Your next visit is at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on the shores of Lake Superior at Whitefish Bay. Visit the historic lighthouse keeper's quarters at Whitefish Point, constructed in 1861, with exhibits portraying life at the lighthouse in the 1920s, and the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboat Rescue Station Surfboat House. View the Whitefish Point Light Tower, still in operation. Or you may stroll along the shoreline, where First Nation Ojibwe and French explorers gathered nearly 400 years ago. The Edmund Fitzgerald was one of the largest freighters sailing the Great Lakes when it sunk during a fierce storm in November 1975. All 29 crew were lost. The ship’s bell has been retrieved and is on display at the museum.
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U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Indigenous Culture of Manitoulin
Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island and home to the thriving Native American community of the M’Chigeeng First Nation. This excursion provides an introduction to this community and to the traditions they celebrate.
Your exploration begins after a brief drive that brings you to the Immaculate Conception Church, a spiritual focal point that incorporates beliefs and customs from both the native Ojibwe culture and the Catholic Church. Across the street from the church is the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, established in 1974 in an effort to maintain the Ojibwe language and cultural heritage. Tour this museum and art gallery, tradtional healing lodge and browse the gift shop where you can observe traditional crafts like bead working and the art of making dreamcatchers.
Following a smudging ceremony (cleansing and healing ritual), your visit culminates with a traditional ceremony of dance, drumming, and song. Called “Pow-Wow” by the Native American people, it is a way for them to honor their culture and heritage, as well as a secular tradition helping to gather people from different countries together.
The excursion concludes with a 30-minute return drive to Little Current, where you are invited to stroll the beautiful waterfront boardwalk and visit the quaint downtown shops.
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In order to avoid congestion at the different sites, the order of the visits might vary.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kayaking the Kagawong
A 30-minute drive from the pier brings you to the village of Kagawong, where you will meet your kayaking instructors for a safety briefing and an orientation to Lake Kagawong and the Kagawong River, which connects the lake to the North Channel of Lake Huron.
You will be kayaking on the upper part of the Kagawong River, which flows in a northerly direction out of the Lake and passes under a highway bridge just above Bridal Veil Falls. Here the water is calm, the current is gentle, and the wetlands on either side of the river provide cover from prevailing westerly winds. The water is no more than 5 feet deep. While paddling on these clean, cool waters, you might see beaver, muskrat and waterfowl migrating from the Canadian Arctic to warmer winter climates in the south.
At the conclusion of the kayaking experience, you will walk the riverside trail to the viewing platform for Bridal Veil Falls. From late September to mid-October visitors may well witness a salmon run of thousands of fish.
On the way back to Little Current, you will stop at Manitoulin Chocolate Works, a family-owned business, where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and reward your kayaking efforts with a taste of small batch locally made Manitoulin Chocolate.
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All participants will be asked to sign a waiver. Life-jackets are provided and must be worn. Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. There will be one instructor for every six paddlers participating. There is a choice between one and two-seater kayaks. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail
The Cup and Saucer Trail, so-named because of the shape of its rock foundation, is located about 11 miles from the port of Little Current. It offers panoramic views from 230-foot-high lookout points spread along the trail. The property is managed by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to preserve the natural beauty and resources of the Ontario Niagara Escarpment.
Board your coach at the pier for a scenic 30-minute drive to the foot of the trail. The hike takes about one hour to reach the summit and another hour to hike back down to the parking lot. At 1,160 feet, the Cup and Saucer is the highest point on Manitoulin Island, and the views of the forests and lakes below are simply incredible. Visits in October should coincide with the peak of autumn colors.
On your return to the base of the trail, you will be treated to a selection of Canadian wines, beers, and cheeses, along with locally smoked rainbow trout and whitefish — all elegantly served in glassware on white linen tablecloths.
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Participants must be in reasonably good physical condition as some sections of the trail are steep and can be muddy and slippery when wet. A good pair of hiking boots is essential. The trail is about 4 miles in length and takes roughly 2 hours to complete, allowing time for viewing and photos. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sheguiandah Historic Site
Manitoulin Island was formed about 450 million years ago and has been inhabited by humans for about 11,000 years. This excursion visits one of the most important sites providing evidence for the presence of these early populations and for the uses to which they put the resources found here.
A short drive from the pier in Little Current brings you to Sheguiandah, designated a National Historic Site by Parks Canada, where you will be met by your guide, Dr. Pat Julig, a professor at Laurentian University, one of the archaeologists working the site and the person most responsible for designing the interpretive boardwalk and museum you will visit.
A 40-minute walk along the boardwalk, punctuated by stops at various points for comments from Dr. Julig, leads to the summit of the hill and to the ancient quartzite quarry, where the discovery of large numbers of stone tools, spear heads, and other artefacts first attracted the interest of archaeologists and led to its excavation. Later expansion of the site discovered even more evidence of human habitation and established the use of the site as a place for camping, fishing, hunting, and gathering, as well as quarrying.
Return to the trail head and drive to the Sheguiandah Centennial Museum, showcasing finds from the site and laying out in detail the various periods of occupation from prehistory to the modern period.
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This is a moderately easy excursion. The path to and from the site is a modern wooden walkway but there are 50 – 60 steps up to the quarry and ridge; the amount of walking at the small museum is at your discretion. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Iconic Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls — actually a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario — has enthralled visitors with their beauty and power for generations. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border, is the largest of the three and is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The falls are also among the most romantic, photographed, and painted landscapes in the world, attracting the attention of artists from the Hudson River School to modern filmmakers, and becoming a favorite destination for honeymooners ever since Aaron Burr's daughter vacationed here in 1801 with her new husband.
From the pier in Port Colborne, travel by motorcoach through the fertile agricultural valley of the Niagara River. You will pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, before driving along the rim of Horseshoe Falls as you make your way to Hornblower Landing. Here you board a specially designed vessel for an exciting 20-minute excursion that brings you within feet of Horseshoe Falls and its misty spray.
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This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your coach and the ships. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Niagara Falls with Winery Lunch
Niagara Falls — actually a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario — has enthralled visitors with their beauty and power for generations. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border, is the largest of the three and is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The falls are also among the most romantic, photographed, and painted landscapes in the world, attracting the attention of artists from the Hudson River School to modern filmmakers, and becoming a favorite destination for honeymooners ever since Aaron Burr's daughter vacationed here in 1801 with her new husband.
From the pier in Port Colborne, travel by motorcoach through the fertile agricultural valley of the Niagara River. You will pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, before driving along the rim of Horseshoe Falls as you make you make your way to Hornblower Landing. Here you board a specially designed vessel for an exciting 20-minute excursion that brings you within feet of Horseshoe Falls and its misty spray.
Continue to Château des Charmes, a winery founded in 1978 by Paul Bosc, a fifth-generation French winegrower. Here you will enjoy a buffet lunch of locally-sourced products, accompanied by a selection of the estate’s wines. Following lunch, take a guided walk of the vineyards and learn about the vines in this unique micro-climate in the Niagara region.
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This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your coach and the ship and at the winery. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, geologist Scott Burns and historian Keith Edgerton
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Milwaukee to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Toronto at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Mackinac Island with Fort Mackinac
Your tour of Mackinac Island offers an overview of the historical and cultural significance of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, including the living museum at Fort Mackinac.
Disembarking your tenders at the main dock, you will board horse-drawn carriages for a narrated tour of the island, including a drive past the Grand Hotel. Constructed in the late 19th century, the Hotel has played host to, among many others, five U.S. presidents, inventor Thomas Edison, and author Mark Twain. Continuing your tour, you pause at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron. At Surrey Hill, you will have a rest break and switch to 3 horse hitch carriages before proceeding to historic Fort Mackinac.
Fort Mackinac was the site of an important battle during the War of 1812, and throughout the 19th-century, it remained an army outpost housing soldiers and their families. It is now a living museum with exhibits and live re-enactments that illustrate what life was like for the women, men, and children who lived here — from military training and battles to medical treatments to the challenges of family life.
At end of the tour, you may either ride or walk down the hill to the waterfront, where you will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some of the world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
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This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring little walking other than to and from your carriage and the ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bike Tour of Mackinac Island
One of the best ways to get a sense of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas is to cycle along the road that traces the shore line all the way around. The road is paved and flat, and there are no cars, allowing for a leisurely ride through Mackinac's natural beauty.
Join your guide, adjust your bike, don your helmet, and begin your ride. As you circle the island, you will stop first at Mission Point for views over the harbor and downtown; Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, with breathtaking views of Lake Huron; British Landing, where British troops and their Native American allies came ashore during the War of 1812 and where you catch your first glimpse of Mackinac Bridge, the world's fifth longest suspension bridge; and finally, Devil's Kitchen, a small cave on the western coast that legend says is home to evil spirits.
When you have completed your circumnavigation of the island and returned your bike, you will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
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Bikes (Momentum Vida 8-speeds) and helmets are provided. Participants should be in good physical health and are required to sign a waiver. The total distance is just over 8 miles, over a paved, flat surface. We recommend layered clothing. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mackinac Island with Grand Hotel
Your tour of Mackinac Island offers an overview of the historical and cultural significance of this small island in the straits separating Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, including the liiconic Grand Hotel.
Disembarking your tenders at the main dock, you will board horse-drawn carriages for a narrated tour of the island, including a pause at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island, to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron. At Surrey Hill, you will have a rest break and switch to 3 horse hitch carriages before continuing your tour.
Arrive at the Grand Hotel for time to explore this classic hotel on your own. Constructed in the late 19th century, it has played host to, among many others, five U.S. presidents, inventor Thomas Edison, and author Mark Twain.
You may either ride or walk the short distance to the waterfront, where you will have some time to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some of the world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
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This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring little walking other than to and from your carriage and the ship. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun and rain. For daytime visits to the Grand Hotel, casual resort-wear is acceptable but no cut-offs or tank tops are permitted.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walking Tour of Historic Mackinac Island
Get an insider's take on historic Mackinac Island on a guided walking tour of the island's highlights. Come to understand the people, history, culture, and architecture of this North American treasure.
Meet your guide at the dock for a brief overview of the history of the island. Leave the downtown area and proceed past historic cottages and views of the stunning Mackinac Bridge in the distance. Take a break and explore the iconic Grand Hotel and its grounds, including its “Secret Garden”.
Return downtown to historic Market Street, where you will be introduced to Mackinac's architecture and how it has changed over time as the town itself has changed from an Anishinabek community, to a fur trading post, to a Christian mission and a military outpost, and to a resort island. You will have some time at leisure to explore the shops, and perhaps sample some world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge.
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Walking on this tour totals approximately 1.5 miles, mostly on sidewalks, but also beach and grassy areas and includes a moderately steep hill and some steps. We recommend comfortable shoes and dressing in layers to anticipate the weather. For daytime visits to the Grand Hotel, casual resort-wear is acceptable but no cut-offs or tank tops are permitted.
Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lake Superior: Soo Locks & SS Valley Camp
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, re-board your coach for the drive to the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Visitor Center. Here you will experience the engineering marvel that is the Soo Locks through numerous exhibits that chronicle their construction.
Then visit the Valley Camp Museum Ship, an actual lake freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years. As a museum, the SS Valley Camp is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will have the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the ship and discover that its massive cargo holds contain 20,000 square feet of exhibits, displaying hundreds of artifacts, paintings, and other items related to the rich maritime history of Lake Superior, including two lifeboats from the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
After this visit, return to the port for lunch onboard your ship.
In the afternoon you will board your chartered SOO Locks boat. Cruise along the St. Mary’s River until you reach the Soo Locks, where your boat is raised 21 feet to enable it to enter Lake Superior. Leaving the locks, you pass under the International Bridge and Railroad Bridge and cross into Canadian waters to see Canada’s largest steel plant in operation today. Heading back to U.S. waters, you will return to the lower harbor via the historic Canadian Lock, and sail past St. Mary’s rapids to Sault Ste. Marie.
When you disembark your cruise, you can walk back to your ship.
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U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 0.6 miles of walking and some steps.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tahquamenon Falls & Shipwrecks Museum
A short drive from the pier is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, where you must disembark the coach with your passport to clear immigration. Once formalities are completed, reboard your coach for a 90-minute scenic drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Then follow your guide to the Upper Falls, where a paved walkway provides accessible viewing opportunities of the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-wide waterfall. If you are adventurous, you may walk 94 steps down (and up again) for a truly up-close experience at the brink of the falls.
Walk along a paved path that meanders through a forest of sugar maple, beech, and hemlock trees, where you may see chipmunks, red squirrels, and white-tailed deer, not to mention black-capped chickadees, owls, woodpeckers, and other birds.
Lunch will be at the local pub.
Your next visit is at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on the shores of Lake Superior at Whitefish Bay. Visit the historic lighthouse keeper's quarters at Whitefish Point, constructed in 1861, with exhibits portraying life at the lighthouse in the 1920s, and the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboat Rescue Station Surfboat House. View the Whitefish Point Light Tower, still in operation. Or you may stroll along the shoreline, where First Nation Ojibwe and French explorers gathered nearly 400 years ago. The Edmund Fitzgerald was one of the largest freighters sailing the Great Lakes when it sunk during a fierce storm in November 1975. All 29 crew were lost. The ship’s bell has been retrieved and is on display at the museum.
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U.S. immigration formalities cannot be done on the ship or at the port, but exclusively at the U.S. border. You must bring your passport with you. This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Indigenous Culture of Manitoulin
Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island and home to the thriving Native American community of the M’Chigeeng First Nation. This excursion provides an introduction to this community and to the traditions they celebrate.
Your exploration begins after a brief drive that brings you to the Immaculate Conception Church, a spiritual focal point that incorporates beliefs and customs from both the native Ojibwe culture and the Catholic Church. Across the street from the church is the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, established in 1974 in an effort to maintain the Ojibwe language and cultural heritage. Tour this museum and art gallery, tradtional healing lodge and browse the gift shop where you can observe traditional crafts like bead working and the art of making dreamcatchers.
Following a smudging ceremony (cleansing and healing ritual), your visit culminates with a traditional ceremony of dance, drumming, and song. Called “Pow-Wow” by the Native American people, it is a way for them to honor their culture and heritage, as well as a secular tradition helping to gather people from different countries together.
The excursion concludes with a 30-minute return drive to Little Current, where you are invited to stroll the beautiful waterfront boardwalk and visit the quaint downtown shops.
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In order to avoid congestion at the different sites, the order of the visits might vary.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kayaking the Kagawong
A 30-minute drive from the pier brings you to the village of Kagawong, where you will meet your kayaking instructors for a safety briefing and an orientation to Lake Kagawong and the Kagawong River, which connects the lake to the North Channel of Lake Huron.
You will be kayaking on the upper part of the Kagawong River, which flows in a northerly direction out of the Lake and passes under a highway bridge just above Bridal Veil Falls. Here the water is calm, the current is gentle, and the wetlands on either side of the river provide cover from prevailing westerly winds. The water is no more than 5 feet deep. While paddling on these clean, cool waters, you might see beaver, muskrat and waterfowl migrating from the Canadian Arctic to warmer winter climates in the south.
At the conclusion of the kayaking experience, you will walk the riverside trail to the viewing platform for Bridal Veil Falls. From late September to mid-October visitors may well witness a salmon run of thousands of fish.
On the way back to Little Current, you will stop at Manitoulin Chocolate Works, a family-owned business, where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and reward your kayaking efforts with a taste of small batch locally made Manitoulin Chocolate.
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All participants will be asked to sign a waiver. Life-jackets are provided and must be worn. Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. There will be one instructor for every six paddlers participating. There is a choice between one and two-seater kayaks. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail
The Cup and Saucer Trail, so-named because of the shape of its rock foundation, is located about 11 miles from the port of Little Current. It offers panoramic views from 230-foot-high lookout points spread along the trail. The property is managed by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to preserve the natural beauty and resources of the Ontario Niagara Escarpment.
Board your coach at the pier for a scenic 30-minute drive to the foot of the trail. The hike takes about one hour to reach the summit and another hour to hike back down to the parking lot. At 1,160 feet, the Cup and Saucer is the highest point on Manitoulin Island, and the views of the forests and lakes below are simply incredible. Visits in October should coincide with the peak of autumn colors.
On your return to the base of the trail, you will be treated to a selection of Canadian wines, beers, and cheeses, along with locally smoked rainbow trout and whitefish — all elegantly served in glassware on white linen tablecloths.
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Participants must be in reasonably good physical condition as some sections of the trail are steep and can be muddy and slippery when wet. A good pair of hiking boots is essential. The trail is about 4 miles in length and takes roughly 2 hours to complete, allowing time for viewing and photos. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sheguiandah Historic Site
Manitoulin Island was formed about 450 million years ago and has been inhabited by humans for about 11,000 years. This excursion visits one of the most important sites providing evidence for the presence of these early populations and for the uses to which they put the resources found here.
A short drive from the pier in Little Current brings you to Sheguiandah, designated a National Historic Site by Parks Canada, where you will be met by your guide, Dr. Pat Julig, a professor at Laurentian University, one of the archaeologists working the site and the person most responsible for designing the interpretive boardwalk and museum you will visit.
A 40-minute walk along the boardwalk, punctuated by stops at various points for comments from Dr. Julig, leads to the summit of the hill and to the ancient quartzite quarry, where the discovery of large numbers of stone tools, spear heads, and other artefacts first attracted the interest of archaeologists and led to its excavation. Later expansion of the site discovered even more evidence of human habitation and established the use of the site as a place for camping, fishing, hunting, and gathering, as well as quarrying.
Return to the trail head and drive to the Sheguiandah Centennial Museum, showcasing finds from the site and laying out in detail the various periods of occupation from prehistory to the modern period.
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This is a moderately easy excursion. The path to and from the site is a modern wooden walkway but there are 50 – 60 steps up to the quarry and ridge; the amount of walking at the small museum is at your discretion. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing. Participation is limited.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Iconic Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls — actually a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario — has enthralled visitors with their beauty and power for generations. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border, is the largest of the three and is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The falls are also among the most romantic, photographed, and painted landscapes in the world, attracting the attention of artists from the Hudson River School to modern filmmakers, and becoming a favorite destination for honeymooners ever since Aaron Burr's daughter vacationed here in 1801 with her new husband.
From the pier in Port Colborne, travel by motorcoach through the fertile agricultural valley of the Niagara River. You will pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, before driving along the rim of Horseshoe Falls as you make your way to Hornblower Landing. Here you board a specially designed vessel for an exciting 20-minute excursion that brings you within feet of Horseshoe Falls and its misty spray.
-
This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your coach and the ships. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Niagara Falls with Winery Lunch
Niagara Falls — actually a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario — has enthralled visitors with their beauty and power for generations. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border, is the largest of the three and is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The falls are also among the most romantic, photographed, and painted landscapes in the world, attracting the attention of artists from the Hudson River School to modern filmmakers, and becoming a favorite destination for honeymooners ever since Aaron Burr's daughter vacationed here in 1801 with her new husband.
From the pier in Port Colborne, travel by motorcoach through the fertile agricultural valley of the Niagara River. You will pass through Chippawa, site of an important battle in the War of 1812, before driving along the rim of Horseshoe Falls as you make you make your way to Hornblower Landing. Here you board a specially designed vessel for an exciting 20-minute excursion that brings you within feet of Horseshoe Falls and its misty spray.
Continue to Château des Charmes, a winery founded in 1978 by Paul Bosc, a fifth-generation French winegrower. Here you will enjoy a buffet lunch of locally-sourced products, accompanied by a selection of the estate’s wines. Following lunch, take a guided walk of the vineyards and learn about the vines in this unique micro-climate in the Niagara region.
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This is an easy and relaxed tour, requiring virtually no walking other than to and from your coach and the ship and at the winery. We recommend layered clothing and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
COSMOPOLITAN TORONTO (1 NIGHT)
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and well worth a full day of exploration. Take advantage of a specially designed program to get acquainted with this vibrant, multicultural city on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Day 1 – Disembark |Toronto, Ontario, Canada
After breakfast and disembarkation, your guide and driver will meet you at the pier to accompany your discovery of Toronto. Begin with a panoramic tour of the central city, including University Avenue, the Legislative Building, the Theater District, and City Hall, ending at the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of Toronto's finest museums. A docent-led tour will introduce you to the museum's preeminent permanent exhibition—the oft-awarded McLean Centre for Indigenous & Canadian Art. After the tour, enjoy time to look around on your own or visit the extensive gift shop.
From the museum, drive to Toronto's emblematic CN Tower, where glass-enclosed elevators take you to the top floor for lunch at the 360 Restaurant, which provides constantly changing views of the city from a vantage point more than 1,000 feet above street level, as the restaurant completes a full revolution every 72 minutes. After your meal, enjoy time at leisure to visit the Observation Deck, before returning to the ground to drive to the Fairmont Royal York hotel, where you check in for overnight. Dinner this evening is independent.
Day 2 – Toronto
Following breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto’s landmark hotel, is located in the heart of Old Toronto. Recently revitalized, the Fairmont offers all of the facilities and services one would expect from a luxury hotel in a world-class city, including two restaurants and access to a health club, spa, and pool.
Your program includes:
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1 night at the Fairmont Royal York
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
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Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel
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Local English-speaking guide
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Lunch on Day 1
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Breakfast on Day 2
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Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the scheduled program departure day
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
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Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
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The official currency is the Canadian dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
The Fairmont Royal York
100 Front St W
Toronto, Canada
M5J 1E3
Telephone: +1 416 368 2511
Total : AU$1,330
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.