Great Lakes Tours & Trips
Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon and spot beautiful waterfalls, and ride the Maid of the Mist to see the raw power of Niagara Falls, where rainbows dance in the mist. Explore Toronto’s famous spots, where modern buildings reach new heights. Take a cruise through the 1000 Islands and see Boldt Castle, a monument to love on its own private island.
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Leslie • traveled in August, 2025
Had a great time, a good balance between rest and activities, and delicious food!
Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure - DL
Dominique • traveled in July, 2025
We were two Belgian families with no experience both with canoeing and camping, but our guide Mason ('amazing Mason') took us under his wings. It resulted in a great trip (good food, nice views and some adventure). Thanks a lot!
Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip - J
James • traveled in August, 2025
Great trip, tour was excellent. Guide and driver outstanding. Wonderful places to visit. One of those “I would like to come back again.”
Mackinac Island featuring Niagara Falls
Table of contents
- The best Great Lakes tour packages
- 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
3 - Day Niagara Falls USA & Canada Combo Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We loved our room, which had a picture window facing the falls. The entire experience was well coordinated, first class, and the most immersive way to experience the natural and inspiring wonder of Niagara Falls.”
Lynda, traveled in October
North America's most spectacular waterfall reveals itself from unique vantage points. The tour includes Hornblower Cruises, Queen Victoria Park, and historic Lewiston village. Falls-view accommodation, 7 meals, and expert-guided tours of both American and Canadian attractions complete the package.
Duration 3 days Destinations Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls (USA) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Global Conquest From
- US$1,250
Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing, nothing more to say.”
Corinna, traveled in September
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
- US$533+$68 upfront costs
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
121 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised, great tour.”
James, 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 $4,199
4% Off- US$4,049You save $150
Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It resulted in a great trip (good food, nice views and some adventure).”
Dominique, traveled in June
Pristine waters of Algonquin Park await on this 3-day adventure. Paddle through Surprise Lake, watch wildlife in hidden bogs, and camp at scenic Red Pine points. Expert guides share wilderness skills while preparing gourmet backcountry meals.
Duration 3 days Destinations Algonquin Provincial Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Voyageur Quest From
4% Off- US$504+$62 upfront costs
Mackinac Island featuring Niagara Falls
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful places to visit. One of those 'I would like to come back again.'”
James, traveled in August
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 $2,699
7% Off- US$2,499You save $200
Ontario & French Canada
171 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were fabulous too.”
Sue, traveled in June
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 $1,890
13% Off- US$1,640+$129 upfront costsYou save $250
Hilton Niagara Falls serves as base for Great Lakes exploration. The Hornblower Boat approaches thundering cascades, while visits to the Floral Clock and historic Niagara-on-the-Lake charm visitors. Panoramic dining at Skylon Tower's revolving restaurant caps the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Buffalo, Niagara Falls Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
13% Off- US$829
Best of Eastern Canada (End Montreal)
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Optional excursions were reasonably priced. Suggest you put together other places in each city as a walking guide.”
Joyce, traveled in October
Waters thunder at Niagara's Horseshoe Falls before sailing through 1000 Islands from Kingston's harbor. Luxuriate at lakeside Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview, unlock hockey secrets at Oakville Academy. Indigenous culture comes alive at Madahoki Farm near Ottawa, while Ravine Winery offers tastings overlooking Lake Ontario.
Duration 9 days Destinations Toronto, Niagara Falls (USA), Kingston, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From
13% Off- US$3,425
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
13% Off- US$580
Horseshoe Falls and Lake Ontario coastline showcase natural beauty. Toronto's waterfront HTO Park and 1000 Islands' historic mansions create perfect photo opportunities. Niagara-on-the-Lake and Seneca Lake in Finger Lakes region complete the itinerary.
Duration 3 days Destinations New York City, Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Thousand Islands National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
13% Off- US$670
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
Who are you traveling with?
Top Great Lakes travel itineraries to fit your plans
3 Day Itineraries
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers38 tours- Couples36 tours
- Seniors (50+)18 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 28 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.
- 27 tours
- popular 28 tours
- 26 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
From what our travelers tell us, Globus and Trafalgar stand out for organizing tours that really work well. Their guides like Susan Andrews and Gladys get a lot of praise - they know their stuff and make the whole experience better with their local knowledge and good planning. The coach tours do a solid job getting people to multiple places efficiently, though you should know some days involve quite a bit of time on the road. It's worth noting that while the included activities are generally good value, some of our customers mention the optional extras can get pricey - particularly those special dinner events. One traveler pointed this out after their Quebec City experience. A nice thing about these companies is how they balance structure with free time. The guides keep things running smoothly but don't overload you with endless facts and figures. Both operators clearly put effort into planning routes that make sense and include the key sights while keeping the travel pace manageable. I should mention the feedback on optional activities is mixed - while some find them expensive, others say they're worth it for the unique local experiences. It really depends what you're after. The main itineraries are well-tested though, and that's where both companies consistently deliver good value.
- popular 31 tours
- 21 tours
Contact our Great Lakes travel experts
Micaela
Expert in Great Lakes at TourRadar
Micaela 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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+1 844 311 8331What 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.