Cruising the Seaway
Why Cruise the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway System?
There is something for everyone on the Seaway and Great Lakes. Beginning with historic Montreal, Kingston, and the beautiful Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence Seaway, to the wilderness expanses surrounding Lake Superior, cruises pass through great scenery that ranges from heritage waterfront settlements to the pastoral.
Over the course of several days, you can enjoy the view of:
- historic waterfront buildings in the old port section of Montreal, dating back to the 1600's;
- the pristine beauty of the Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence Seaway;
- elegant homes and mansions bordering the lake coast;
- century old lighthouses that remain in use today;
- the fruit orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula;
- stunning rock outcrops, including Lake Huron's "flowerpots";
- breathtaking sunsets;
- wide open expanses teeming with birds; and
- cosmopolitan 21st century skylines shining brightly in the night.
Side trips can include:
- a theatre or casino visit in one of the vibrant port cities;
- the magnificence of Niagara Falls;
- a morning of fishing or sailing in clear blue waters;
- a train ride transcending the Canadian wilderness;
- excursions to the island playgrounds of the rich and famous, where time stopped a century ago; and
- visits to provincial, national and state parks, to many communities of artisans, and to Native communities and cultural sites.
Links to Cruise Travel Sites and Resources
History of the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway System
Facts and Figures on the Great Lakes
Information for Commercial Tour Operators
Commercial tour operators can discover the many advantages of sponsoring a Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway System cruise by referring to our promotional brochure (in PDF format). This publication also provides a number of helpful tips and resources to facilitate the planning of such a cruise.
Our Cruise Vessel Information and Technical Guide (in PDF format) advises vessel operators of the requirements for transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway / Great Lakes.