10 Night Toronto to Chicago (Milwaukee) Cruise and Land Tour from Toronto

A Frenchman named Etienne Brule was sent into the "Canadian" wilderness by the famous explorer Samuel de Champlain in the early 1600s. Brule found the river and portage routes from the St. Lawrence Seaway to Lake Huron, possibly Lakes Superior and Michigan, and eventually Lake Ontario. The native Huron peoples had long called this area between the Humber and Don rivers "Toronto", believed to mean "meeting place". A bustling village evolved into a French trading post. After the British won the Seven Years' War, the settlement was renamed York in 1793. More than 40 years later, the city officially became Toronto on March 6, 1834. Following an unsuccessful American invasion in 1812, several devastating fires, and a rebellion in 1837, there was a slow but steady increase in the population of white Anglo-Saxon Protestants leading into the 20th century. Unlike the USA's "melting pot" concept, Toronto can be described as more of a "tossed salad" of ethnic groups. Since World War II, the city has attracted residents from all over the world; more than 27.5 million visitors annually. Indeed, Toronto is the leading destination for tourists in Canada - a bold, dynamic city offering superb attractions, music, and events. This vibrant, modern city with 19th-century flair offers a cultural kaleidoscope for residents and visitors alike. Considered Canada's premier metropolis, the diverse city also provides diverse dining delicacies. Perhaps visit historic St. Lawrence Market, where the flavors of Toronto have come alive in authentic artisan foods for more than 200 years.

A Frenchman named Etienne Brule was sent into the "Canadian" wilderness by the famous explorer Samuel de Champlain in the early 1600s. Brule found the river and portage routes from the St. Lawrence Seaway to Lake Huron, possibly Lakes Superior and Michigan, and eventually Lake Ontario. The native Huron peoples had long called this area between the Humber and Don rivers "Toronto", believed to mean "meeting place". A bustling village evolved into a French trading post. After the British won the Seven Years' War, the settlement was renamed York in 1793. More than 40 years later, the city officially became Toronto on March 6, 1834. Following an unsuccessful American invasion in 1812, several devastating fires, and a rebellion in 1837, there was a slow but steady increase in the population of white Anglo-Saxon Protestants leading into the 20th century. Unlike the USA's "melting pot" concept, Toronto can be described as more of a "tossed salad" of ethnic groups. Since World War II, the city has attracted residents from all over the world; more than 27.5 million visitors annually. Indeed, Toronto is the leading destination for tourists in Canada - a bold, dynamic city offering superb attractions, music, and events. This vibrant, modern city with 19th-century flair offers a cultural kaleidoscope for residents and visitors alike. Considered Canada's premier metropolis, the diverse city also provides diverse dining delicacies. Perhaps visit historic St. Lawrence Market, where the flavors of Toronto have come alive in authentic artisan foods for more than 200 years.

We dock at Port Colborne, located on Lake Erie. Originally called Gravelly Bay, after the shallow, bedrock-floored bay upon which it sits, the city traces its roots to the United Empire Loyalist settlements established in the area following the American Revolution. The original village was renamed after Sir John Colborne, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada at the time the Welland Canal's new southern terminus opened in 1833. In the year 1888, American tourists from southern states began building vacation homes on the lakeshore of the western edge of the town. By 1890, these southern transplants had created an entire gated community called the Humberstone Club. Over 30 grand summer homes, along with a variety of clubhouses and service buildings, were built along the lake in the following years, many of which still stand today on historic Tennessee Avenue. Described by the city as "Niagara's South Coast", tourism is important to Port Colborne's local economy. The city features live theatre, golfing, trails, fishing, beaches, restaurants, recreation, a marina, and shopping districts along the Welland Canal. But most American Queen Voyages guests will consider Port Colborne as the gateway to Niagara Falls, which is approximately 45 minutes away by coach. Since its formation 12,000 years ago, the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls has been coveted by explorers, honeymooners, daredevils, and the curious. An optional premium experience ferries you past the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations; followed by a tasting at a local winery and time to shop for souvenirs.

Step off the ship onto what some call America's "North Coast" and discover why Clevelanders are so fiercely proud of their home. The reinvented city reverberates with vitality and a cool new atmosphere. Expand your mind at the world-class Cleveland Museum of Art, with over 45,000 works to explore. You can also feel the backbeat at the museum devoted to one of America's finest gifts to the world - the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. An optional premium experience to Geauga County offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life with a visit to an Amish home for a traditional wedding feast.

The Detroit cruises take you along the Detroit River to top destinations throughout Canada and the US. Join the cruises to Detroit, which make stops in cities such as Chicago and Toronto. Along the way, you can explore various cities and locations via exciting excursions, such as a tour of Niagara Falls. Schedule your Detroit River cruise today! Detroit, commonly known as the "Motor City", is vibrant, progressive, and busting at the seams with charm. The West Canfield Historic District, located on Canfield Avenue between Second and Third streets, is the only block in Detroit lined on both sides with well-preserved Victorian homes and broad sidewalks. Corktown, the city's oldest neighborhood, has charming little shops and great places to eat. If architecture and history are appealing, visit the Guardian Building. Built in the 1920s, this building known as the Cathedral of Finance, is one of the foremost Art Deco style skyscrapers in the world. In addition to history, the city has many museums to see and experience. The Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the country, with over 100 galleries to peruse. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, located inside the Midtown Cultural Center, is one of the world's oldest independent African American museums. Detroit is the home of MOTOWN so to see where some of the greatest legends in R&B recorded their tunes, visit the Motown Museum. Last, but not least, is the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, which showcases more contemporary art. Other highlights include One Campus Martius, an office building that has become an attraction for its 14-story lobby waterfall. An optional premium experience to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation lets you chronicle the captivating history of the automotive industry. Visitors are astounded by the museum's vast and varied artifacts of American heritage. Why cruise the Detroit River? Whether traveling on cruises from Detroit or selecting an option with Detroit as a stop, you'll encounter many exciting shore excursions that allow you to step into each city's past briefly. During a Detroit River cruise, you'll explore the border between Canada and the US, providing an exciting trip. Join a Detroit River cruise to see top attractions like Niagara Falls. You can also travel through the Thousand Islands, enjoy a slice of deep dish pizza in Chicago, or visit the famous bridge, "The Sault". These excursions are available through various Detroit cruises.

These waters are home to a vast variety of wildlife - trout, salmon, walleye, smallmouth bass, crawfish, freshwater sponges, and sea lamprey, to name a few. That buffet attracts raptors such as hawks and bald eagles and waterfowl such as ducks, swans, and geese. Relax and enjoy the view on your own time on this peaceful lake cruising day. Sip a midmorning consomme, breathe in the fresh lake air on the upper deck, share convivial conversation with other guests, or delve into a captivating book as you look forward to yet another astounding sunset on the water.

Sault Ste. Marie or "the Sault" is located in Michigan and Ontario. There are two separate cities side by side in different countries; bridged together by name and commerce. Culture beats through street veins that connect these harbors to the distinctly different North American countryside beyond each border. Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan, and among the oldest cities in the United States. Some 2,000 years ago, Native Americans settled here for the fish and fur found along the rushing waters of the turbulent river that linked the Great Lakes of Huron and Superior. In the 1600s, French fur traders began calling this burgeoning settlement Saut de Gaston. In 1668, the Jesuit explorer Fr. Jacques Marquette renamed it Sault Ste. Marie in honor of the Virgin Mary. Throughout its history, the St. Mary's River has continued to dominate the life and events of Sault Ste. Marie - as it continues to do so today. Sault Ste. Marie is home to historical sites, lighthouses, pristine nature preserves, and the spectacular Tahquamenon Falls - it has a drop of nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across. Peer into the past at the preserved fur traders' settlement homes on Water Street on an included tour. You will also view the fascinating Soo Locks built by the Fairbanks Scales company, despite challenging construction conditions. The system of two locks, in tandem, each 350 feet long, are the busiest locks in the world and include the largest lock in the Western Hemisphere.

Scheduling one of the available Mackinac Island cruises is an excellent way to explore the area. These cruises take you to beautiful Mackinac Island, where you can spend time among nature or stroll the downtown area. As most of the island is covered by a state park (about 80%), you'll find stunning views wherever you turn. Multiple opportunities abound for taking a step back into Mackinac Island's rich history with immersive experiences featuring living history interpreters. Guided by a comfortable vessel, visiting Mackinac Island is an excellent option for a getaway. This island is a unique destination famous for its car-free streets and fudge. It features many family-friendly activities and attractions that appeal to various interests, including a butterfly house. Mackinac Island, Michigan Cruises: History of the Area: Although the robust fur trade continued into the 1800s, the military and economic significance of Fort Mackinac was waning. By the latter half of the 19th century, tourism had emerged as the hallmark of Mackinac Island. Much of the land, designated a national park, was staffed by soldiers from the fort. Coastal resort hotels and Victorian cottages were developed. As more vacationers arrived, entrepreneurs worked to make Mackinac Island synonymous with fudge. In the 1920s, downtown shops innovated the brilliant techniques of demonstrating fudge making right in front of customers and using large ceiling fans to waft the sweet scent out into the street. And although Oldsmobile was making automobiles in nearby Lansing, Mackinac Island banned cars - a distinctive characteristic that remains to this day. Trapped in time and surrounded by staggeringly beautiful landscapes, visitors have found this treasured landmark to be the ideal vacation spot for centuries. No cars. No chain hotels. Just world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge, historic Fort Mackinac, and unique shopping. With awe-inspiring sunrises and unforgettable sunsets, Mackinac Island centers the spirit and soothes the soul. Visitors can experience the tranquil pace on a tour by horse-drawn carriage, just as they did back in 1920. You can tour the Biddle House and get a feel for domestic life during the fur trade. Fire a cannon at historic Fort Mackinac. Or explore the beauty of Mackinac Island State Park. Alternatively, enjoy stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac from the colossal porch - the world's longest - at the legendary Grand Hotel, opened in 1887.

Escanaba, Michigan, nicknamed "Esky" by locals, is a travel destination worth exploring. The name translates to "land of the red buck" in Algonquian dialect of the Anishinaabe tribe that flourished in the area in the early 1900s. The city of Escanaba played an important role in the American Civil War as the supplier of lumber and iron ore, both resources having been abundant in the area at that time. Today, Escanaba's industrial impact has decreased as the demand for iron ore diminished, but its travel appeal has made headway as it boasts many natural attractions and activities. While a small town with a population of just over 12,000 people, Escanaba has a rich culture similar to that of Wisconsin. There are parks, boating, beaches, historical sites, and more. However, Escanaba is most known for its theater and performing arts. Home to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, the Waterfront Art Festival, the Players de Noc, and many other arts organizations and galleries, entertainment is never far. And with lush parks, easy access to water sports, and waterfront sunsets, plus the must-have Yooper pasty delicacy (think, empanadas!), Esky offers many delights for you to enjoy.

These waters are home to a vast variety of wildlife - trout, salmon, walleye, smallmouth bass, crawfish, freshwater sponges, and sea lamprey, to name a few. That buffet attracts raptors such as hawks and bald eagles and waterfowl such as ducks, swans, and geese. Relax and enjoy the view on your own time on this peaceful lake cruising day. Sip a midmorning consomme, breathe in the fresh lake air on the upper deck, share convivial conversation with other guests, or delve into a captivating book as you look forward to yet another astounding sunset on the water.

As your American Queen Voyages journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town - whether it's an optional premier post-cruise experience or a quick transfer to the airport for your final trip home - your AQV team can pre-arrange everything for you.