Viking began sailing on the Great Lakes in 2022. And when I set out for the weeklong Undiscovered Great Lakes trip onboard Viking Polaris this past summer, I was particularly interested in how the experience would compare to my sailing in Antarctica on the same ship, which would now be handling a decidedly different destination.
Beginning in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I tried several adventurous outings before ending the journey with more leisurely touring. (Though the line no longer sells this exact route, its current 15-day Great Lakes Collection itinerary stops at many of the same ports.) Here’s what clients have to look forward to on this product.
Great Lakes Adventures Via Viking Polaris
In Ontario’s Silver Islet, a Zodiac floated me and other cruisers nearly above the abandoned concrete shafts of a former (and now-sunken) silver mine. Seeing the site from above was impressive, as it represented a story lost to time and trapped under the tranquil surface.
On a shore excursion in Silver Islet, the writer enjoyed a slice of local pie.
Credit: 2025 Jason Leppert
While that trip proved inspiring, I also embarked on Polaris’ more traditional tenders, visiting the town of Silver Islet to peruse its general store and delight in a slice of blueberry pie from the attached coffee shop. If guests weren’t keen on this option, the ship deployed its armada of kayaks and special operations boats on a variety of other missions.
Viking deploys special operations boats on excursions of all sorts.
Credit: 2025 Jason LeppertClients may be further impressed by Polaris’ other toys. On my sailing, the ship’s team launched a pair of submarines off McGarvey Shoal, allowing passengers to dive and explore beneath the water’s surface. On my trip, the subs dove to the Gunilda wreck site — the luxury steam yacht sank in 1911, and it is considered one of the most well-preserved shipwrecks in the world. The sub team also showed us the submerged remains of a locomotive in the vicinity, which they found independently as part of the ship’s extensive (and impressive) in-house science and archaeology programming.
Shore Excursions
While the scenery on the Great Lakes may not be as impressive as more traditional expedition destinations, I still loved exploring the region. A high-speed special operations boat ride had us scouring the shores for birds and other wildlife, and the area offers good hiking. On our route, the expedition team opted to replace a visit to Ontario’s Battle Island with a stop in Terrace Bay. Here, our landing location permitted us to either take a short stroll on a serene beachfront or to see some nearby turbulent rapids. Later, we returned to U.S. soil and docked in Duluth, Minnesota, which provided convenient access to lakefront walking tours and other available (included and extra-cost excursions. Even on a rainy day, seeing the likes of the anchored William A. Irvin freighter museum and Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge was a treat.
Time on Michigan's car-free Mackinac island was part of the writer's itinerary.
Credit: 2025 Michael Deemer/stock.adobe.comLater, we transitioned the Soo Locks between Lake Superior and Lake Huron and tendered to our final stop, Mackinac Island. The island is famed for its absence of automobiles, and we took a horse-drawn carriage tour through the adorable city. Exploring where the film “Somewhere in Time” was captured indeed felt like traveling to the past, as the town is a time capsule, preserving turn-of-the-century architecture.
Viking Polaris Perks
On a “sea day,” I made sure to relax in The Hide, an observation lounge and bar uniquely nestled right in the ship’s bow. Enjoying a libation here, while taking in incredible views, is just one of the reasons Polaris is among my all-time favorite cruise ships. One deck below, more indulgence awaits. The Nordic Spa offers a great complimentary thermal suite flanked by windows to the outside. And delicious food is not too far away. Be sure to point clients to signature restaurant Manfredi’s, which serves exceptional Italian cuisine.
