An “ocean” in the middle of the North American landscape: the Great Lakes, natural wonder and lifeline at the same time. With a total area of around 244,000 km² (94,209 mi.²), they are a superb dream destination for explorers. Each lock opens up a new chapter in a book of beautiful pictures that have come to life with the hues of Indian summer. Passable only for a few ships, the HANSEATIC inspiration masters these nautically demanding passages with flying colours thanks to its retractable bridge wings. This is also the case during the lock adventure on the Welland Canal. On the ship’s many open deck areas, you are right up close when eight locks and almost 100 m (328 ft) of height are overcome, corresponding to a lock lift the height of Niagara Falls. Afterwards, you will enjoy the very best views on your cruise on Lake Erie.

Leaving Windsor, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the skyline of the former “Motor City” before heading out to explore the many facets of Detroit*. Your experts on board share knowledge that is just as varied as the shores that you visit.

Enriched with exciting background information, you will continue your cruise on Lake Huron to the fishing village of Tobermory. Idyllic bays, deep-green forests and limestone coastlines will leave you with lasting memories as you explore the Bruce Trail at your own pace.

The small HANSEATIC inspiration is in its element as it charts a course through a scenic labyrinth of water to reach Parry Sound. Explore the town and the nearby lake shore on the marine walking trails or take a boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands*. The varied archipelago scenery is filled with islands emerging from the water, narrow channels and imposing cliffs. Alternatively, you can turn your focus to unforgettable panoramic pictures in Killbear Provincial Park*, where pink granite banks and autumnal forest blend to create majestic scenery.

The islands around Killarney are a crown jewel in wild nature – unspoilt nature that harks back to the time of the first trappers. This El Dorado for nature lovers is best explored individually.

Your adventure continues with an exciting lock passage through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. As the largest lock system in the world, the Soo Locks are a masterpiece of engineering. Built around 150 years ago, huge container ships can master the change in height of around 6 m (20 ft) between Lake Huron and Lake Superior – as can the small HANSEATIC inspiration, with you as an observer of the manoeuvres on deck.

On Lake Superior, Canada’s Thunder Bay welcomes you with spectacular coastal landscapes. Marvel at the “Niagara Falls of the north”, where the water plunges down around 40 m (131 ft), when you visit historic Fort William and the Kakabeka Falls*. A hiking adventure in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park* will have you climbing a flat-topped mountain ridge with dramatic granite cliffs.

Cruising along the northern shore of Lake Superior, you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view or learn interesting details about the First Nations from the team of experts on board before your small ship passes the locks again at Sault Ste. Marie.

In Sault Ste. Marie , in-depth insights into the city’s history await you. Sault Ste. Marie is not only divided by a river, but also by the state border between Canada and the US.

Mackinac Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the US. In the 17th century, European explorers came to the island that was inhabited by people of the Odawa tribe. Soon Mackinac Island occupied a strategically important position as a trading centre for the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. The British built Fort Mackinac on the island during the American War of Independence. Discover Victorian mansions and the 19th-century Grand Hotel on foot, by bike and on a horse-drawn carriage ride, as the island is car-free to this day.

In the 19th century, Fayette drove industrialisation with one of the most productive iron smelters at the time. If the authorities grant permission, you can learn more about what it was like working at the blast furnaces and about life in the historic wooden buildings. By the time you reach Lake Michigan, your personal American dream will have come true in Milwaukee.