11 days from

£7588.8

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ships

HighlightsA brand-new expedition cruise to discover exceptional scenery and the history of the Great Lakes of North America, from the First Nations to the first settlements.
Outings and shore visits with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
Hiking opportunity.
A cross-border cruise between the United States and Canada.
Enjoy exceptional sailing on Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario.
From Sault Ste. Marie, the view of Lake Superior and the possibility of discovering Chippewa Falls.
Three new ports of call in Killarney, Midland and Point Pelee National Park.
From Port Colborne, the possibility of discovering Niagara Falls.
Call at the charming Mackinac Island and marvel at its well-preserved Victorian buildings.
Scenery: rugged coastlines, mountain peaks, cliffs, rare geological formations, marshes, peat bogs, forests, islands, lake landscapes…
Wildlife: brown bears, raccoons, reindeer, elk, endemic and migratory birds…

                    Highlights
                    A brand-new expedition cruise to discover exceptional scenery and the history of the Great Lakes of North America, from the First Nations to the first settlements.
Outings and shore visits with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
Hiking opportunity.
A cross-border cruise between the United States and Canada.
Enjoy exceptional sailing on Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario.
From Sault Ste. Marie, the view of Lake Superior and the possibility of discovering Chippewa Falls.
Three new ports of call in Killarney, Midland and Point Pelee National Park.
From Port Colborne, the possibility of discovering Niagara Falls.
Call at the charming Mackinac Island and marvel at its well-preserved Victorian buildings.
Scenery: rugged coastlines, mountain peaks, cliffs, rare geological formations, marshes, peat bogs, forests, islands, lake landscapes…
Wildlife: brown bears, raccoons, reindeer, elk, endemic and migratory birds…

                  

Ship Le Champlain

Capacity: 184, Types: Luxury Small Ship CruiseLuxury ExpeditionWheelchair accessible

Feture image for Expedition in the Heart of the American Great Lakes

Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Champlain for a brand-new 11-day expedition cruise to explore the natural and cultural treasures of the Great Lakes of North America, surrounded by flamboyant nature painted in the colours of the Indian summer.

Departing from Milwaukee, you will sail on Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea, and enjoy the stunning panoramas around the largest freshwater lake located entirely in the United States.

You will then sail to Lake Huron, dotted with myriad islands offering stunning landscapes, white rocks plunging into the sapphire-blue waters of the lake, craggy shores dotted with pine trees with sculptural shapes, and magnificent forests with a mix of deciduous and resinous varieties. Multiple original viewpoints will reveal themselves during rich explorations, including in Georgian Bay. From unspoiled islands to nature reserves and picturesque villages, the history of the region will take shape with each unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Indigenous communities, the trappers, and the first European settlers.

Le Champlain will then sail on the St. Clair River and through the Detroit river before reaching Lake Erie. At Pointe Pelee National Park, designated as a Ramsar site and home to a marsh with a remarkable ecosystem, bird lovers will enjoy watching many endemic and migratory species.

Next, Le Champlain will make its way along the canal connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. When the ship stops at Port Colborne, you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring sight that is Niagara Falls. These three powerful, world-famous cataracts are a stunning show of nature.

A brand-new expedition cruise to discover exceptional scenery and the history of the Great Lakes of North America, from the First Nations to the first settlements.
Outings and shore visits with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
Hiking opportunity.
A cross-border cruise between the United States and Canada.
Enjoy exceptional sailing on Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario.
From Sault Ste. Marie, the view of Lake Superior and the possibility of discovering Chippewa Falls.
Three new ports of call in Killarney, Midland and Point Pelee National Park.
From Port Colborne, the possibility of discovering Niagara Falls.
Call at the charming Mackinac Island and marvel at its well-preserved Victorian buildings.
Scenery: rugged coastlines, mountain peaks, cliffs, rare geological formations, marshes, peat bogs, forests, islands, lake landscapes…
Wildlife: brown bears, raccoons, reindeer, elk, endemic and migratory birds…

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 MILWAUKEE

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.

Day 2 SAILING LAKE MICHIGAN & MACKINAC ISLAND

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. 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.

Day 3 SAULT STE. MARIE

The oldest city in Ontario and the centre of one of North America’s oldest settlements, Sault Ste. Marie has a rich historical heritage due to its Amerindian, British and French influences. Linked to its neighbouring and homonymous American city by a bridge spanning St. Marys River, the city owes its name to the river’s many rapids, called “les saults de Sainte-Marie” by French colonists. The gateway to the Algoma region, renowned for its wild expanses, Sault Ste. Marie is also known as the home of the National Historic Site of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, which was completed at the end of the 19th century and constitutes the final part of a navigation network that connects the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior.

Day 4 KILLARNEY

The historical village of Killarney, in Ontario, is located on the north shore of Georgian Bay, on the edge of Lake Huron. It was founded in 1820, making it one of the oldest villages in Canada. At that time, it was a fur trading post. Indigenous people were already very much present in this area, since its Ojibwe name means “canoe passage”. Dominated by the white quartzite ridges of the La Cloche Mountains, Killarney’s surroundings offer visitors a protected natural environment to discover on foot, in a kayak, or during outings in an inflatable dinghy. The pink granite coast and the sapphire-blue waters of the lake are a real treat for the eyes!

Day 5 PARRY SOUND

The charming city of Parry Sound enjoys an exceptional natural setting in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, east of Georgian Bay. A holiday destination favoured by the province’s inhabitants, the city and its surroundings offer a condensed version of all that the Great Lakes region has to offer: windswept forests of conifers, rocky shores characteristic of the Canadian Shield, beaches of fine sand, clear and calm waters producing magnificent reflections that change with the time of day and luminosity… A real paradise for fauna and flora, the place will delight fans of nature and photography.

Day 6 MIDLAND

The town of Midland is located in the south of Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, near the picturesque Thirty Thousand Islands, an archipelago of granitic islands crowned with pine trees. The historical site of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is nearby. This fenced community from the first half of the 17th century has been recreated to bring its story to life. Originally, it was the headquarters for the French Jesuit mission to the Huron-Wendat people. A living history museum immerses visitors in the life of the first Westerners to arrive in Canada. The region is ideal for myriad outdoor activities, such as bike riding, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching along the Wendat Trail.

Day 7 SAILING ALONG FLOWERPOT ISLAND & SAILING LAKE HURON

In the heart of Georgia Bay, discover the magnificent coastal landscapes of Flowerpot Island. Surrounded by crystal-clear water, the site is reputed for its sheer cliffs, its dense vegetation, its rare flora, its heritage lighthouse, and its two strange rock formations that look like flowerpots. A result of the actions of the wind and rain, these pillars of stone detached from the coast are one of the site’s curiosities and gave the island its name. Your ship will sail along these coasts and give you the opportunity to take magnificent photos of this island belonging to the Fathom Five National Marine Park, which is Canada’s oldest National Marine Conservation Area. 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.

Day 8 SAILING ST. CLAIR RIVER & SAILING THROUGH DETROIT

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. 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.

Day 9 POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK

Point Pelee National Park lies at the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland and stretches out over a wooded peninsula extending out into Lake Erie. It is home to one of the few large marshes left in the Great Lakes system. Due to its value in maintaining biological diversity, this rare ecosystem is now protected under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Located at the meeting point of two migratory corridors, the park is a paradise for bird watchers: more than 350 bird species can be found here. With options ranging from hiking to paddling, and bird-watching in the company of your naturalist guides, the programme for this port of call is very much centred on nature.

Day 10 SAILING LAKE ERIE & PORT COLBORNE

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. 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.

Day 11 TORONTO

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.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

show main itinerary

Itineraries are subject to change.

* = Indicative

Le Champlain

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yach…

Le Champlain

Built	2018
Length	131 metres
Lifts/elevators	Yes
Wheelchair accessible	Yes

As the first ship in a new series, Le Champlain will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

RESTAURANTS

As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Champlain will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism.

In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts.

To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.

PUBLIC AREAS

Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Champlain has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.

A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.

A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.

A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.

A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.

Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ship

11 days from £7588.8

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Suitable for Wheelchair users Luxury

Expedition in the Heart of the American Great Lakes

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