Great Lakes Collection

Investigate the serene coastline of Frazer Bay and Georgian Bay during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of Georgian Bay. Your Viking specialists will explain the region’s wildlife as they navigate some of the 30,000 islets of these pristine waters. Admire the scenery around you as you marvel at windswept pines and towering granite and quartzite bluffs. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife and hear about the ecosystems and conservation efforts of the Great Lakes region. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in as you journey along the tranquil waterways of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Discover the natural beauty of Georgian Bay during a Privileged Access visit to Okeechobee Lodge. Located on the shores of Lake Huron, nestled between McGregor Point and Frazer Point, the lodge sits at the mouth of picturesque Baie Fine—the world’s largest freshwater fjord. Built in 1941, its idyllic setting drew a diverse group of guests; Okeechobee was a favorite summer destination for Chicago mobsters and was visited by two US presidents. After being shuttled ashore to the lodge by your Viking Expedition Team, the time is yours to spend as you wish. Embark on a Zodiac cruise, paddle a kayak, swim in Georgian Bay or relax by the shore and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Alternatively, hike inland and gain insight into why this region featured prominently in the works of the renowned Group of Seven painters. At the end of your stay, you will return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Shield on a hike to AJ Casson Peak. The picturesque Baie Fine—the world’s largest freshwater fjord—has inspired artists for generations, including AJ Casson. A founding member of the renowned Group of Seven landscape painters, Casson immortalized this striking wilderness in many of his works, such as the Baie Fine Entrance (1947). Come ashore and follow your Viking Expedition Team guide along a steep and rugged trail up onto a ridge of the La Cloche Mountains, its white quartzite rock dating back 1.88 billion years. As you ascend more than 500 feet up the ridge, admire the sweeping views overlooking Baie Fine and Frazer Bay. At the peak, enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the North Channel of Georgian Bay as it feeds into Lake Huron, before descending and returning to your ship.

Retrace the steps of pioneering fur traders and Indigenous Peoples as you hike along the peninsula. Overlooking Lake Huron, between McGregor Point and Frazer Point, your hike begins from Okeechobee Lodge. Lace up your boots and set off with your guide on a hike along a well-marked trail. Your route will take you across sandy beaches and through bucolic woodlands up to the summit, where you will pause to gaze over stunning vistas. Admire the striking natural beauty around you, learning about the local history and geology of the area—an interesting rock inscription tells a native story—as well as keeping watch for signs of local wildlife, such as birds and small mammals. At the end of your hike, return to your awaiting ship.

Experience the beauty of Frazer Bay and Georgian Bay from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. Hold tight as you race across the water, perhaps leaping over the wake of a passing boat. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations and navigate the abundance of islets. Along the way, pause to admire the scenery around you as you marvel at windswept pines and towering granite and quartzite bluffs. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world around you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Gain insight into the history of the Great Lakes from the perspective of the Anishinaabe people. Transfer to shore from your ship via zodiac, where you will meet your trained cultural tour guides at the Okeechobee Lodge. Here, you will delve into the culture and heritage of the Anishinaabe, a large group of Indigenous people that first migrated to North America following the last ice age. Discover the ancient craft of wiigwaas jiimaan—a traditional birch bark canoe that has formed a part of the lives of local Indigenous peoples for centuries. Your knowledgeable guides will be available to answer your questions and you will also have an opportunity to interact with traditional dancers and singers during a pow-wow dance demonstration. Afterward, return to your ship.