Arrive into O’Hare International Airport, Chicago. Collect your bags and transfer independently to your downtown hotel.

This evening you are at leisure to enjoy some of the many culinary delights in Logan Square, Wicker Park, or West Loop.

Gale Chicago Hotel or similar

You may like to start your day with a visit to Millennium Park, where you can marvel at the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (commonly known as “The Bean”) and stroll through the serene Lurie Garden.

You could then walk over to nearby Grant Park and visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, or head to the nearby Loop neighborhood and take a ride on the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Learn about the city’s fascinating architectural history as you cruise along the Chicago River, passing by iconic skyscrapers and historic landmarks.

Later, make your way to Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination right on Lake Michigan. You can take a ride on the Centennial Wheel for panoramic views of the city skyline and your first Great Lake, and enjoy the lakefront atmosphere.

Optional Experience – Inside Chicago Grand Tour

Join this guided tour around Chicago’s best sites ending with a visit to the Hancock Tower, one of the city’s tallest landmarks.

Gale Chicago Hotel or similar

Collect your car this morning to begin your road trip around the Great Lakes. Leave Chicago by following the shoreline around the southern end of Lake Michigan.

Indiana Dunes National Park is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Here you can stop to explore the park’s sandy beaches, towering sand dunes, and diverse ecosystems.

Continue around Lake Michigan to Michigan City, where you can take a stroll along the shoreline at Washington Beach Park and visit the Old Lighthouse museum.

On leaving Lake Superior, make your way eastwards to Toledo, on the shores of Lake Erie. As you approach Toledo, you may like make a detour to Maumee Bay State Park, located on the shores of Lake Erie.

Chicago > Toledo | 244 miles

Hilton Garden Inn, Toledo or similar

Today we cross the border from America into Canada. You could choose to this by following the direct route into Detroit on the I75 and across the Ambassador’s Bridge, however you can also follow a longer detour around Detroit by visiting the towns of Ann Arbor and Flint.

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, where you can explore the university campus, stroll through the charming downtown area, and visit attractions such as the University of Michigan Museum of Art and Nichols Arboretum.

Continue your journey on to Flint where you can visit the Flint Cultural Centre, a hub of arts, culture, and education. Explore attractions such as the Flint Institute of Arts, Sloan Museum, Longway Planetarium, and Flint Youth Theatre, all located within the cultural complex.

From Flint you can cross the border across Blue Water Bridge and then follow the 402 and 401 to Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Toledo > Toronto | 288 miles

Courtyard by Marriott, Toronto Downtown, or similar

You may like to start your day with a visit to the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks. Take a ride up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario.

Spend some time exploring the Distillery District  This historic neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and artisanal shops and galleries. Enjoy brunch/lunch at one of the district’s many restaurants, cafes, or breweries, and soak up the area’s unique atmosphere.

You can take a leisurely stroll along Toronto’s waterfront. Visit the Harbourfront Centre, a cultural hub offering art exhibitions, performances, and outdoor activities. You can also admire the views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands, and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling waterfront.

You may also like to explore Kensington Market, an eclectic neighborhood known for its diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and street art. Wander through the colourful streets, browse for vintage clothing and handmade crafts, and sample international cuisine from food stalls and restaurants.

Optional Experience – Toronto Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
A fun, informative and easy way to explore Canada’s biggest city.

Courtyard by Marriott, Toronto Downtown, or similar

Just a 90 minute drive from Toronto, lies one of North America’s great natural wonders. On arrival at Niagara Falls you may like to view the powerful waterfalls from Queen Victoria Park or the Niagara Parkway from various vantage points.

To experience the true scale of Niagara Falls we recommend viewing the falls from a boat beneath the falls. the Voyage to the Falls boat tour will give you stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, as well as the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

You may also enjoy descending into the tunnels behind Niagara Falls for a unique perspective of the natural wonder. “Journey Behind the Falls” allows you to stand directly behind the curtain of water as it plunges over the edge, providing an unforgettable experience.

To escape the crowds, away from the falls, you may like to visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, where you can wander through lush gardens filled with thousands of colourful butterflies and learn about butterfly species from around the world whilst enjoying the serene ambiance of this indoor oasis.

Optional Experience – Niagara Falls Adventure Pass
This pass not only gives you access to the “Journey Behind the Falls” but also a 4-D movie and access to the White Water Walk.

Toronto > Niagara Falls | 80 miles

Courtyard by Marriott, Toronto Downtown, or similar

As you travel north from Toronto this morning, head towards Tobermory, on Lake Huron. Consider making a stop at Bruce Peninsula National Park. Here you can stretch your legs on hiking trails, discover scenic lookouts, and stop at pristine beaches along the rugged coastline of Georgian Bay. Don’t miss the famous Grotto, a cave carved into the limestone cliffs that leads to a stunning turquoise pool.

Upon reaching Tobermory, if you have time before the afternoon ferry, you can explore this picturesque harbour town. Stroll along the waterfront, browse through shops and galleries, and enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants.

Board the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry for a scenic voyage across Lake Huron to Manitoulin Island. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands and coastline as you sail across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron.

After arriving on Manitoulin Island, you should have time to explore its scenic beauty. Perhaps visit Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park to see the picturesque waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs.

Toronto > Manitoulin Island | 225 miles

Manitoulin Hotel or similar

If you didn’t yesterday, then you can still head to the eastern tip of Manitoulin Island to visit Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park or take a scenic drive along the island’s shoreline for panoramic views of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

En route to Sault Ste. Marie, you can detour to Chutes Provincial Park, located near the town of Massey. Here you can explore the park’s scenic trails, which wind through lush forests along the Aux Sables River. You could choose to have a picnic next to the cascades.

When you arrive in Sault Ste. Marie you can visit some of the city’s attractions, including the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, and the Art Gallery of Algoma. Maybe, take a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk and enjoy views of the St. Marys River and the International Bridge connecting Canada and the United States, which you will cross tomorrow.

Manitoulin Island > Sault Ste. Marie | 180 miles

Delta Hotel Sault Ste. Marie or similar

From Sault Ste. Marie you cross the border back into the USA and leave Lake Huron behind. You will now be following the shores of our final Great Lake, Lake Superior.

You may choose to stop at Point Iroquois Lighthouse, located near the town of Brimley. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape, and learn about its history as a navigational aid for ships on the Great Lakes.

As you approach Marquette, consider taking a detour to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The highlight of Pictured Rocks  is its towering sandstone cliffs, which stretch for 15 miles along the Lake Superior shoreline. These cliffs display a dazzling array of colours, ranging from vibrant reds and oranges to deep greens and blues, created by mineral stains and algae deposits. Pictured Rocks is also home to several picturesque waterfalls that cascade into Lake Superior. Munising Falls, Miners Falls, and Spray Falls are among the most popular waterfalls in the park.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Pictured Rocks is by taking a boat cruise along the lakeshore. Cruises depart from the nearby town of Munising.

Upon reaching Marquette, visit the Marquette Harbor Light, a historic lighthouse located on the breakwater at the entrance to the harbour. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy views of Lake Superior and the town skyline, or visit the nearby Marquette Maritime Museum to learn about the area’s maritime history.

Sault Ste. Marie > Marquette | 228 miles

Staybridge Suites Marquette or similar

You may wish to begin your day with a visit to Presque Isle Park in Marquette. This scenic peninsula offers panoramic views of Lake Superior. Take a leisurely stroll along the park’s shoreline or hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding scenery.

From Marquette follow the shores of Lake Superior towards Duluth. You may like to detour off the main road to visit the lakeside towns of L’anse and Baraga, or Ontonagon along the way.

Duluth is the largest city on the shores of Lake Superior. When you arrive you may like to explore Canal Park, a historic waterfront district known for its shops, restaurants, and attractions. It is the perfect destination for an evening meal.

Marquette > Duluth | 252 miles

La Quinta Suites, Duluth or similar

Whilst you are in Duluth you might like to visit the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Centre to learn about the history of shipping on the Great Lakes, and also take a stroll along the Lakewalk to enjoy views of the lake and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge.

Duluth has its own scenic drive along the Skyline Parkway. This short route winds its way along the ridgeline overlooking the city and Lake Superior. The parkway offers numerous overlooks and scenic viewpoints where you can take in panoramic views of the lake, harbour, and city skyline.

Alternatively, Minnesota State Highway 61 follows the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. This picturesque drive offers stunning views of the lake, rugged cliffs, and dense forests. Along the way, you can stop at Two Harbors, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Tettegouche State Park.

La Quinta Suites, Duluth or similar

Our Great Lakes Road Trip comes to end as you leave the shores of Lake Superior behind and head south to the city of Minneapolis. Head straight to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where you can return your vehicle and check-in for your return flight.

Duluth > Minneapolis | 160 miles