Manistique is a small coastal town on the Upper Peninsula of the state of Michigan. Stroll along the promenade that extends two miles along Lake Michigan, or visit the state’s largest freshwater spring, the Kitch-iti-kipi. In the emerald-green lake in Palms Book State Park, almost 10,000 gallons of water gush out of the fissures in the underlying sandstone each minute.

Back on board, you’ll head for a natural gem in Lake Huron: Mackinac Island. Explore the car-free island at your own pace by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or on foot before delving into the history of the American Revolutionary War at Fort Mackinac.

In Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks, which you will pass through at night, separate the USA and Canada. Ahead of you lie endlessly fascinating destinations to explore on Lake Superior.

On the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake, you’ll be greeted by the American city of Duluth. A city tour* presents a living picture book of times gone by: discover the fascinating details of the history of European immigrants at the old rail depot. Enjoy the scenery at Gooseberry Falls and the Split Rock Lighthouse* – as water cascades down the stony steps of the Gooseberry River, the lighthouse built in 1910 keeps watch from the cliff.

With these impressions in your mind, you will reach the Canadian Thunder Bay with its enchanting coastal landscapes. Climb the local landmark made up of a flat-topped mountain ridge with dramatic granite cliffs on a hiking adventure in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park*. Watch water’s elemental force at work in the “Niagara Falls of the north” as you visit historic Fort William and Kakabeka Falls*: the water plunges nearly 40 m (131 ft) into the Kaministiquia River – an amazing natural spectacle.

Cruising along the northern shore of Lake Superior is one of the many great opportunities on this cruise to learn interesting details about the First Nations from your experts on board.

As Canadians mark their national holiday on 1 July, you can celebrate nature from Killarney. The name of the small coastal municipality echo its Irish roots. George Island is an “emerald isle” that can be reached by ferry. Exploring the uninhabited island is just one of the many outdoor activities that you can enjoy here – with nature and tranquillity, water and hiking.

It is the unforgettable feeling of freedom that makes the area around Parry Sound so charming – as demonstrated beautifully by a boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands*.

In a small bay on Lake Huron lies the fishing village of Tobermory. Surrounded by this tranquil idyll, while away the time in the shops around the picturesque harbour, explore the lake landscape in a glass-bottom boat or hike through the forests to the rocky coastline on the Bruce Trail.

The industrial history of the small city of Windsor is overshadowed by its neighbour on the American side of the Detroit River – the Motor City. The skyline of Detroit* heralds exciting insights into the rise, fall and reinvention of the legendary car-making city. Follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford* at the museum that bears his name and see masterpieces of the road and rails from days gone by. While the US city celebrates Independence Day on 4 July, cycle through Detroit* past Belle Isle Park and visit Eastern Market.

After cruising on Lake Erie, it’s time for this journey to come to an end with the passage of the Welland Canal – after eight locks, around 20 bridges and a change in height of 100 m (328 ft), your memories of the Great Lakes will be just as unique as their untamed magic.