Great Lakes Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,289 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Great Lakes tours
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Table of contents
- The best Great Lakes tour packages
- What people love about Great Lakes Tours
- Travel Great Lakes your way
- Best tour companies for Great Lakes tours
- Popular Great Lakes Cruise Ships
- Great Lakes tours for every type of group
- Top Great Lakes travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Great Lakes
- Contact our Great Lakes travel experts
- What our customers ask about Great Lakes Tours & Trips
The best Great Lakes tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaGreat Lakes travel expert at TourRadar
Ontario & French Canada (6 destinations)
171 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful and well located accommodation. Also like the rotation of seats during the tour.”
Belina, traveled in October
The Great Lakes reveal their majesty aboard Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise and Thousand Islands boat tour. Toronto's CN Tower, Kingston's historic waterfront, and charming summer homes along St. Lawrence River await. Centrally located hotels provide bases for immersing in the region's maritime culture and natural wonders.
Duration 8 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls (USA), Kingston, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $3,399
6% Off- NZ$3,199You save $200
Niagara Falls Toronto & 1000 Islands – 3 Days
141 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour this year was good. Compared with last year tour, which way excellent.”
Alice, traveled in April
The Great Lakes showcase their finest attractions: Niagara's American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, Toronto's vibrant waterfront at HTO Park, and the historic 1000 Islands. Your adventure includes Maid of the Mist voyage and stays at Wyndham Super 8 and Comfort Inn.
Duration 3 days Destinations New York City, Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, Detroit, Toronto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese Operator Empire Vacations From
6% Off- NZ$1,015
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
121 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very knowledgeable and personable.”
Elaine, traveled in September
Michigan's attractions range from Detroit's automotive heritage to Mackinac Island's Victorian charm. The Henry Ford Museum, Bavarian-styled Frankenmuth, and Charlevoix's unique architecture await. Historic properties including Grand Hotel and Palmer House Hilton provide luxurious stays.
Duration 8 days Destinations Detroit, Frankenmuth, Mackinac Island, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Grand Rapids, Chicago Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $7,139
4% Off- NZ$6,889You save $250
Mackinac Island featuring Niagara Falls
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The featured sites were interesting and informative, and Macinac Island was beautiful!”
Connie, traveled in September
Great Lakes gems shine from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, showcasing Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Mackinac Island's Victorian charm. The historic Island House welcomes you, Grand Hotel's famous lunch buffet delights, while Frankenmuth's German culture enchants. Bavarian dining and Niagara Falls illumination complete your journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, Dearborn, Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth, Niagara Falls Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Tours of Distinction From $4,723
7% Off- NZ$4,373You save $350
Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time, a good balance between rest and activities, and delicious food!”
Leslie, traveled in July
The wilderness of Great Lakes unfolds from Algonquin Log Cabin base. Crystal waters of Surprise Lake, Otter Bay's beaver habitats, and spectacular Lookout Bluff vistas await. Three days of adventure feature gourmet meals, sauna access, and comfortable chalet accommodation.
Duration 3 days Destinations Algonquin Provincial Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Voyageur Quest From
7% Off- NZ$915+$117 upfront costs
What people love about Great Lakes Tours
- Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure
This was an absolutely amazing experience. The entire team was so helpful, Mauricio was en excellent guide, made it accessible for all levels (some of us had no cross country ski experience while others had a lot). The activities were really fun but there’s no forced participation. On the Tuesday we didn’t want to ski again so Mauricio suggested a great walk for us. Sage cooked the most amazing food, I was eating veggie and it was all delicious. We weren’t hungry at any point, with snacks provided etc. They all went above and beyond and we had the best time.
- Ontario & French Canada (6 destinations)
Yes Tour Was Great we got to see more places this way than if we would have not taken a tour.
- Niagara Falls Toronto & 1000 Islands – 3 Days
Great Tour, compared with last year tour, which way excellent The tour this year was good
Travel Great Lakes your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Great Lakes. We have 11 adventures that vary from 3 days to 11 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 37 adventures available in Great Lakes.
Select from our extensive range of 44 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Great Lakes with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursThis Great Lakes cultural journey weaves through vibrant cities and indigenous experiences with expert local guides leading the way. Starting in Toronto's atmospheric Distillery District, the tour moves to Ottawa where you'll discover Parliament Hill's significance and explore the elegant State rooms of Rideau Hall. A meaningful stop at Madahòkì Farm connects visitors with indigenous traditions, tea ceremonies and the rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses that call this place home. Quebec City reveals layers of French-Canadian culture, as Local Experts share stories of the Citadel, Latin Quarter, streets of Place-Royale and beyond. Our travelers consistently praise the thoughtfully curated dining experiences - from traditional First Nations dishes at Sagamité to seasonal creations at Play Food & Wine. Montreal's portion of the journey winds through historic ports, past centuries-old architecture and along Saint-Laurent boulevard's colorful murals. With a mix of structured tours and independent exploration time, you'll gain deep insight into each destination while historic hotels like the Fairmont Château Frontenac provide an authentic backdrop for your Great Lakes adventure.
Best tour companies for Great Lakes tours
Popular Great Lakes Cruise Ships
Great Lakes tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
46 tours in Great LakesExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Great Lakes. We have 46 adventures that vary from 3 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
8 tours in Great LakesOur small group tours through Ontario and French Canada strike that perfect balance between social connections and attentive service. A popular route links six key destinations where guides like Susan and Gladys share deep local insights while keeping the atmosphere personal. From Toronto's urban pulse to up-close views at Niagara Falls, through Kingston's heritage-lined streets and Ottawa's cultural heart, before diving into Quebec's distinct character - the journey unfolds naturally. For nature enthusiasts, the Algonquin wilderness experience gathers 12-16 paddlers to master canoe skills, sleep beneath towering red pines, and navigate the winding Amable du Fond River. Our guests often tell us how the intimate group size enhances everything from waterfall swimming to wildlife encounters and shared meals by the campfire. The extended Ontario-to-Halifax rail journey offers a mix of intimate city tours and coastal discoveries, with travelers noting that smaller numbers make both urban exploration and train travel more relaxed and engaging.
Private / Personalized
9 tours in Great LakesThe Algonquin Log Cabin program offers a real private wilderness experience. You'll master paddling skills, trek Kitchie Island and explore Otter Bay with guides who know every corner. There's a dedicated chef preparing gourmet meals, comfortable cabin stays and also nighttime adventures in a 26-foot Voyageur Canoe. Our travelers often mention how knowledgeable the guides are, how good the food is and also how well the program balances active time with moments to relax. Want more hiking or paddling? Maybe focus on wildlife photography? We can adjust the program to match what you're after.
Top Great Lakes travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our 3-day Great Lakes tours pack quite a bit into a short time. The Algonquin Log Cabin program teaches you proper canoe skills while you explore - you'll paddle out to spot beaver lodges in the morning mist and hike through Kitchie Island. Our guides know every inch of these waters, and travelers tell us they love finishing their days with gourmet meals in the warm cabin setting. For Niagara focus, we run several tours from New York through the Finger Lakes, where you'll walk Watkins Glen Canyon and get up close to the falls on the Maid of the Mist. The Toronto-Niagara tours add city elements, with time to explore the historic Distillery District and also evening views of the illuminated falls.
A week gives you much more to explore around the Great Lakes. The Chicago-Toronto route really lets you get to know both cities - from Chicago's Millennium Park and Loop district through Michigan's charming Saugatuck and on to Niagara Falls' Canadian side. Our travelers particularly enjoy how the tour mixes city walks, visits to places like the Henry Ford Museum and also nights out in lively spots like Greektown.
Ten days opens up even more possibilities. From Chicago, you'll wind through Cleveland's Little Italy and excellent Art Museum, spend two nights taking in Niagara Falls, then continue to New York's financial district and Times Square. Another popular option heads toward Washington DC instead - you get all the Great Lakes highlights plus Capitol tours, Potomac River cruises and also dinners in Georgetown's restaurant scene.
Demographics
Solo travelers find a welcoming home on our Eastern Canada circuits. You'll explore Toronto's neighborhood food scenes, experience Niagara's raw power and also discover quiet corners in the Thousand Islands. Our guests tell us they love having their personal space on the bus while still enjoying group dinners in places like Old Montreal's charming streets. The Algonquin tours work especially well - shared cabins and group activities naturally bring everyone together during canoe training, trail hikes and also late-night stargazing.
Couples love how our Niagara-Toronto tours set the mood just right. The journey starts with wine tasting in the Finger Lakes, flows into intimate dinners at Skylon Tower watching the illuminated falls, and includes quiet moments in Niagara-on-the-Lake's charming Victorian streets. Many couples tell us they treasure their evening cruises through the Thousand Islands, peaceful walks in Quebec City's historic quarter and also private dining experiences in local gems. The mix of guided activities and couple time works perfectly, especially in Ottawa's ByWard Market and Montreal's Old Port.
Young adults click with our active itineraries that mix city energy with real outdoor challenges. You'll go from Toronto's entertainment scene and underground city networks to tackling Watkins Glen's winding gorge trails. The schedule includes Montreal's night spots, local food market visits and also plenty of free time to explore urban areas solo. Our Algonquin packages draw lots of young travelers - you'll learn proper canoe skills, swim under waterfalls, cook over campfires and also paddle under incredibly clear starlit skies.
Senior travelers appreciate our tours that blend comfort with real cultural experiences. The pace feels just right, with well-located hotels, easy walks through Old Quebec's historic streets and also scenic routes along the St. Lawrence River. Everyone enjoys exploring Kingston's heritage sites, visiting Notre-Dame Basilica and touring Ottawa's Parliament Hill. Our older guests often mention how much they value having their luggage handled between stops, included meals at local spots and also the freedom to join activities that match their energy levels. The mix of guided visits and free time lets everyone find their own rhythm.
Families get real value from our Great Lakes tours that blend learning with genuine fun. Kids love getting onto the ice at professional hockey facilities, where actual coaches teach them shooting and scoring techniques. The nature parts really come alive at Watkins Glen Canyon and on those Niagara Falls boats - nothing beats seeing your children's faces light up when they feel that cool mist. At Madahòkì Farm, families connect with indigenous culture through traditional dances, stories and also hands-on activities. As evening falls, everyone gathers to watch Niagara's light shows, and in winter, the torch-lit broomball games on frozen lakes create lasting memories. For families with older kids, our Log Cabin programs hit the sweet spot with canoe lessons, wildlife watching and also guided walks through ancient forests.
Solo Travelers44 tours- Couples42 tours
- Seniors (50+)16 tours
Best time to visit Great Lakes
- Spring 2026
The Great Lakes spring tours combine perfectly-timed seasonal experiences with rich cultural stops. Our three-day New York circuits take you through the Finger Lakes when winter melt powers up the waterfalls at Watkins Glen Canyon. Up at Niagara, eco-catamarans bring you close to the falls in their spring magnificence, with evening illuminations playing off the rising mist. For those with more time, our 8-day Eastern Canada routes wind through Toronto's bustling food markets, past the thawing St. Lawrence River near Kingston, and into the heart of indigenous traditions at Madahòkì Farm. TourRadar travelers often tell us how these spring departures dodge the peak crowds while still hitting all the main attractions like the Thousand Islands cruise and Old Montreal's historic streets. The soft morning light in April and May creates ideal photo conditions, especially when capturing the interplay between city skylines and natural features. Our past customers note how the spring timing strikes just the right balance - comfortable enough for outdoor exploration yet pleasantly cool for walking tours through Toronto's diverse neighborhoods and also Ottawa's heritage sites.
- popular 33 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer around the Great Lakes opens up so many possibilities. The longer tours connect multiple cities, letting you take boat rides at Niagara Falls, then explore Toronto, Ottawa and also Montreal. Our travelers get really excited about the hockey training - you'll work with pro coaches who provide gear and proper ice time. Out in Algonquin, you're right on the water - early morning paddles through the mist, waterfall swims, fishing on quiet lakes and also watching for moose near the shore. Some trips include extra touches like meals at traditional sugar shacks, time with indigenous cultures at Madahòkì Farm and night paddling under really clear starry skies. Our customers often mention how much they enjoy mixing active time on the water with learning about local culture.
- popular 30 tours
- 30 tours
- 28 tours
Contact our Great Lakes travel experts
Kate
Expert in Great Lakes at TourRadar
Kate is one of our seasoned Great Lakes Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Great Lakes tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Great Lakes Tours & Trips
Which Cities Should You Check Out When Visiting the Great Lakes?
You've got lots of options when it comes to cool cities to explore. Toronto's got this amazing multicultural vibe and that CN Tower you can't miss Detroit's perfect if you're into Motown or want to see the historic Ford Rouge factory and Milwaukee's got these fantastic breweries plus the Harley-Davidson Museum. Cleveland rocks with its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and if you want something different Mackinac Island is this charming car-free spot where you can take horse-drawn carriage rides and visit the amazing Grand Hotel.
What If I Want to Explore Beyond Just Taking a Cruise?
There are so many ways to experience the Great Lakes! You can go kayaking through gorgeous places like Thousand Islands National Park or join these really interesting Road Scholar tours that dive deep into the region's history and culture. If you're into hiking you'll love exploring the trails in places like Algonquin Provincial Park where you can also try canoeing. The area around the St. Lawrence River has this historic King's Highway that's fascinating to explore.