lake huron cruises

The backbone of the Great Lakes is a rock formation called the Niagara Escarpment, and it runs along the Canadian shore of Lake Huron and creates some of the most dramatic cruising grounds on the lakes. The Bruce Peninsula, part of this escarpment, separates Lake Huron from Georgian Bay with magnificent overhanging cliffs and grottos. Sailing further northwest reveals the spectacular North Channel and the Straits of Mackinac. This strait between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan and the surrounding region have historically been known as Michilimackinac. Pronounced “Mackinaw” for short, it has witnessed French Jesuit missionaries and voyageurs, the development of the beaver fur trade and the competition between England and France to be the dominant colonial power in North America. La Salle, the quintessential 17th century French explorer, built the first European sailing vessel to ply the Great Lakes. In August 1679, LaSalle set sail west upon Lake Erie cruising on waters previously traversed only by birch bark canoes. On the third day, he entered a strait at the western end of the lake. La Salle simply named it “le détroit du lac Érie” meaning the strait of Lake Erie. Today, we simply call the city now located there Detroit. That is where this cruise begins, and the first half of it approximates LaSalle’s journey along the northern shore of Lake Huron to Mackinac Island. This cruise alternates between U.S. and Canadian ports of call, please follow all customs and immigration rules for both the U.S. and Canada while boating on Lake Huron.

Cruising Lake Huron

Detroit, mi to lexington, mi.

Up-and-coming restaurants, a do-it-yourself attitude, scenic and social parks, public transit, bike lanes and a safe, walkable riverfront are redefining downtown Detroit. Architecture from Albert Kahn and Isamu Noguchi lives next to all-night joints selling loaded Coney dogs and Prohibition-born speakeasies pouring locally crafted beer and cocktails. The city’s Greektown, Eastern Market, Entertainment District, and Corktown neighborhoods are booming with activity.

Ontario’s Blue Coast has miles of scenic shoreline, award winning floral gardens and picturesque parks. This waterfront community features an array of fun activities including winery tasting tours, heritage sites, professional live theatre, boutique shopping, docent lead art gallery tours and visits to apple orchards and berry farms.

Since Victorian times, Goderich has been known as the “Prettiest Town in Canada”. It is also the winner of multiple Communities In Bloom Awards. Parks, beaches, walking trails, golf, fishing, special events, museums, heritage architecture and the rich maritime history are just a few of the attractions to enjoy. Of special note is the Huron Historical Gaol, the location of the last public hanging in Canada. This unique octagonal building served as the Huron County jail from its opening in 1842, and is now a museum.

Saugeen Shores has been a popular vacation destination since the early 1900’s with 12 beaches to choose from. Southhampton Main Beach is the most well known and stretches for a couple of miles. Families will enjoy a ride on the Port Elgin Railroad. It departs from The Station located on the Port’s main beach. It’s a 15-minute ride through North Shore Park aboard an authentic narrow-gauge train with a replica of an 1836 American Steam Engine.

Tobermory is home to the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. Dramatic cliffs rise from the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay, and black bears roam and find refuge in both rocky and wooded areas of the Bruce Peninsula. Fathom Five offers some of the best freshwater diving opportunities in the world. Clear water, submerged cliffs, caves, and overhangs and more than 20 historical shipwrecks offer a variety of underwater experiences. Everyone, from the novice snorkeler to the most advanced diving enthusiast, can find lots to explore.

The village of Killarney was founded in 1820 as a fur trading post on Georgian Bay. The surrounding area is a wilderness landscape that showcases a wild coast dotted with pink granite and the La Cloche Mountains’ white quartzite ridges. There are over 50 exceptionally clear, sapphire colored lakes set among jack pine hills. Outstanding hiking trails, for every skill level, are found throughout Killarney Provincial Park.

First settled in the late 1860’s, Little Current grew into a major Great Lakes port with docks filled with passenger freighters, sawmills on the waterfront employing hundreds of workers, and visitors crowding into the towns three hotels. Today, visitors cross the town’s most famous landmark, the swing bridge, to discover a lovely town where they can enjoy shopping along the downtown streets.

At the west end of Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island, is the village of Meldrum Bay. Once a busy fishery and lumber area, the quaint present day village pays homage to its maritime heritage with its inn, cottage resort and general store. It is recognized by some to be quite possibly the best Chinook salmon fishery in Canada. A visit to the Mississagi Lighthouse and museum is an ideal way to round out a visit.

Located in Les Cheneaux Islands, Cedarville and nearby Hessel are the centers of the wooden boat universe in Michigan. Hessel hosts the antique wooden boat show that is held every year on the second Saturday in August. Vessels include dinghies, rowboats, canoes, launches, sailboats, utilities, runabouts, large cruisers, racers and classic fiberglass boats. It is one of the most popular wooden boat shows in the U.S.

Once ashore, buy some fresh handmade fudge, rent a bicycle and start your journey back in time. Fort Mackinac, constructed by the British Army just before the end of the Revolutionary War, played a part in the War of 1812 on the Great Lakes. The Grand Hotel, built in 1887, is perched on a bluff, with sweeping views from its 660-foot long front porch.

Lakeside Park is the center of all summer recreational activity in Rogers City. Stretching along ten acres of Lake Huron waterfront, and anchored by the state-of-the-art municipal marina are a sandy swimming beach, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts. A large bandshell hosts concerts throughout the summer, and there is a Nautical Festival each August at the park. A special feature of Lakeside Park is the Sailor’s Memorial dedicated to the crews of Great Lakes freighters who have lost their lives while underway.

Two lighthouses are a major draw to Presque Isle. At one end of the “island” is the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Built in 1840, the harbor light operated until 1871 when the keeper transferred to a new, taller, coastal lighthouse a mile to the north. The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse park is a composed of two main structures, a keepers dwelling and a light tower. The stone and brick tower measures 30 feet tall. Visitors can climb the hand-hewn stone steps for a panoramic view of the Lake Huron shoreline. Nearby is the one-story brick keeper's dwelling that serves as a hands-on museum. The "New Presque Isle Light", at 108 feet, is the tallest lighthouse tower accessible by the public on the Great Lakes. That light station complex is part of a 99-acre township park that includes a playground, picnic area, pavilion and nature trails.

The Tawas Bay area is perfect for walking and bicycling. Travel the paved 13-mile Alabaster Bike Path along Lake Huron to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse at the State Park. The sandy beaches on the bay are recognized as a premier location for both kiteboarding and family outings.

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron in Michigan’s Thumb, Harbor Beach is surrounded by farmland and woods. Rich in history, there is much to see in this part of the Thumb. Six scenic parks, two historical museums and a theater. The annual Harbor Beach Maritime Festival, in July, is a terrific opportunity to enjoy a great weekend of water sports and entertainment.

Lexington is a charming little harbor village, rich with history of the lumber era and steamships traveling up Lake Huron. Stroll on the beach, play a round of golf or attend one of the free concerts in the park, it is pure Michigan.

Explore Other Regions

Great Lakes Cruises

On our unique Great Lakes tour boats, you will traverse great depths, watch the sun rise and set over distant horizons and learn compelling details about the region — both on- and offshore. Along the way, enjoy stops at local wineries, historic lighthouses, museums, aquariums, renowned restaurants and so much more! Niagara Great Lakes Cruise As you’ll discover when you click on the individual Great Lakes cruises listed below, each and every one of our trips has something to write home about.

With our Niagara and the Great Lakes trip , for example, you can write about the sheer volume of water cascading over the world-famous Niagara Falls. (For the record, more than 3,000 tons of water cascade over the falls every second!) The roar can be heard for miles, and you’ll have a front-row seat to this magnificent natural wonder.

Or a bird’s eye view if you opt for the helicopter .

And that’s just the beginning! What follows is a trip that comprises eight days and seven nights of splendor aboard the sleek, modern Viking Octantis . Your cross-two-countries trip will include visits to Point Pelee, Ontario, Detroit, Michigan, the Thunder Bay National Maritime Sanctuary, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where you’ll disembark.

Intrigued? There’s more where that trip came from. USA River Cruises offers a multitude of Great Lakes cruises — something for every taste. Chicago to New York City Great Lakes Cruise Our Great American Waterways: Chicago to NYC trip is a case in point. Onboard the Grand Caribe , which was refurbished in 2009 and carries 84 passengers, you’ll have a grand time cruising across several great lakes. Starting in the Windy City, you’ll traverse Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. You’ll even get a taste of life on the famous Erie Canal and the Hudson River as you wind your way toward the Atlantic Ocean.

This cruise takes its time: 16 days and 15 nights, to be exact. With scenery that rivals any in North America, you’ll see vast cityscapes and picturesque villages in abundance.

Stops include Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Mackinac Island, Michigan, where horse-drawn carriages are likely the only traffic you’ll see, and Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The itinerary also includes Buffalo, New York, Rochester, New York, and finally New York City. We promise you’ll be a changed person once you disembark in the Big Apple. Seeing the country from a USA River Cruise is a special kind of experience, after all. USA River Cruises: Great Lakes Cruises That’s just two of our exciting cruises. There’s so much to explore, and we try to design cruise itineraries that make time for both natural and manmade wonders.

Give us a call today to get started on your own Great Lakes Cruise adventure!

Niagara & the Great Lakes-Viking Polaris

Toronto to Milwaukee

• September 17, 2024, September 24, 2024, May 5, 2025 -- 7 more dates available.
• From $6,295
• Viking Polaris

St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes

Quebec City, QC to Milwaukee, WI

• September 20, 2024, September 19, 2025
• From $13,060

Great Lakes Explorer

Toronto, ON to Duluth, MN

• June 14, 2024, June 15, 2024, June 28, 2024 -- 1 more date available.
• From $11,580
• New Great Lakes Itinerary for 2024!!

Longitudinal World Cruise IV

Milwaukee, WI to Ushuaia, Argentina

• September 15, 2025
• From $44,995
• Viking Octantis

Great Lakes Collection

Duluth, MN to Toronto, ON

• May 23, 2024, June 6, 2024, July 6, 2024 -- 11 more dates available.
• From $14,495

Viking Great Lakes Explorer

Milwaukee to Thunder Bay

• June 1, 2024, June 27, 2024, July 11, 2024 -- 4 more dates available.
• From $6,995

Undiscovered Great Lakes

Thunder Bay to Milwaukee

• June 8, 2024, July 4, 2024, July 18, 2024 -- 4 more dates available.

Niagara & the Great Lakes-Viking Octantis

• May 25, 2024, June 15, 2024, June 20, 2024 -- 16 more dates available.

Canadian Discovery

New York to Toronto

• August 3, 2024, August 15, 2024, April 11, 2025 -- 1 more date available.
• From $10,995

7-Night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay Cruise

Milwaukee to Toronto

• August 15, 2024, August 22, 2024
• From $6,480

Great Lakes and Georgian Bay Cruise

• May 24, 2024, June 4, 2024, July 13, 2024 -- 4 more dates available.
• From $9,160
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Huron Lady II Cruises

Come aboard to view freighters, the Ft. Gratiot Lighthouse, and the Bluewater Bridges from the comfort of the iconic Huron   Lady II.

Public Cruises

• We host daily sightseeing cruises beginning on May 25th. Take some time to relax and enjoy the sights of Port Huron.
• Dinner Cruises

On-Board Cruises, $75.00 per person: June 24th, July 8th & 22nd, August 5th & 19th

Voyageur Dinner Cruise $125.00 per person: July 15th & 29th, August 12th & 26th

Private Charters

We provide a one of a kind venue for your  Rehearsal Dinner, Birthday Party, Family Reunion, Business Events or other private event.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fireworks - july 1st.

Join us on July 1st in Sarnia to view the Ontario fireworks display! We will depart our dock in Port Huron at 8:30 pm and head up under the Bluewater Bridges into Lake  Huron to watch the sunset, and then to St. Clair in time for the city’s fireworks celebration. Once the display is finished, we’ll head back to our dock in Port Huron..

4th of July Fireworks

This year’s fireworks cruise will take you down to the city of St. Clair to view their fireworks display! We will depart our dock in Port Huron at 8:30 pm and head downriver to St. Clair in time for the city’s fireworks celebration. Once the display is finished, we’ll head back to our dock in Port Huron.

Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race Day

Come aboard the Huron Lady for an exciting 3-1/2 hour cruise on Lake Huron to witness the start of the Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat Race. During the cruise, we will be tuned into local radio stations for all the race details and announcements regarding the teams. The Mackinac Race Cruise departs Black River at 11:30am on July 20th and heads out to the starting line to watch the excitement as the sailboats start for Mackinac Island. Passengers are encouraged to bring a camera or binoculars. Act now as seating is limited.

Sturgeon Fest Cruise

Sponsored by Friends of the St. Clair River, this 1.5 hour Sturgeon Cruise takes guests on the St. Clair River and Lake Huron to interact with biologists catching, tagging, measuring, and releasing Lake sturgeon underneath the Blue Water Bridges. The cruise features a live sturgeon aquarium experience and watching sturgeon research activities from the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service’s research vessel, the N’me   (Anishinaabe for Lake sturgeon).   Throughout this narrated cruise, you can ask questions to the biologists who study sturgeon and learn about the latest Great Lakes research. Over 10,000 Lake sturgeon call underneath the Blue Water Bridges home which makes it possible to see these gentle giants. There is no other cruise like this in the entire Great Lakes!

Funds raised from this cruise support their year-round education and conservation programs. Learn more about 2024 Sturgeon Fest at www.SturgeonFestival.com

102 Huron Ave. Port Huron, MI 48060

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Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of  sightseeing and take in the many sights on the St. Clair River and Lake  Huron . We also offer a delicious Dinner Cruise  as well as  Private Charters.  Come join us on Lake Huron today!

Buy a Gift Card

Do you want to buy the perfect gift for someone? Why not buy them a gift card to use on Huron Lady Cruises? Click the link below to check out our gift card option.

Exploring Port Huron

Enjoy the scenes of the St. Clair River, Lake Huron, the International Blue Water Bridges, Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, and Great Lakes freighters.

The ultimate venue for any event

• Unique Dining Experience
• Employee Appreciation
• Wedding Receptions
• Family Reunions
• ...and more!
• Adult :   $28
• Senior (60+) :   $26    
• Child (5-12) :   $13    
• Child (4 & Under) :   $1  
• Fireworks Cruises
• Sturgeon Fest
• Port Huron Bayview Mackinac Race
• School Field Trips

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Night Sky Cruises

4th of july cruise – mackinaw city, 4th of july cruise – st. ignace.

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Eastbound Lighthouse Cruise

Westbound lighthouse cruise, extended eastbound lighthouse cruise, extended westbound lighthouse cruise, les cheneaux lighthouse cruise.

• Tour Groups
• Schools & Scouts
• Conventions & Reunions
• Marine Service

Adults: $46.00

Children (ages 5-12): $46.00

Children (under 5, on lap): Free

Adults: $75.00

Children (ages 5-12): $44.00

Children (under 5): Free

Children (under 5): Free

Adults: $105.00

Children (ages 5-12): $61.50

Adults: $99.50

Children (ages 5-12): $60.00

Evening Lighthouse Cruise

Adults: $118.00

Children (ages 5-12): $66.00

Cost includes a boxed lunch.

Adults: $60.00

Private Charter Cruises

Cruise travel tips.

• Only trained service animals are permitted on Shepler’s cruises. • Outside food or beverages are not permitted. • Smoking is not allowed. • Passengers of all ages are required to have a ticket for boarding. Children under five are free of charge, but do require a ticket for boarding and must sit on a parent’s lap. A paid child’s seat is required for a seat. • Guests should plan to arrive one hour prior to departure time. • All cruises depart from Mackinaw City unless otherwise specified. • Guests departing on a Shepler’s cruise enjoy complimentary parking in our Day Lot (visit our Parking page for details).

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Great Lakes Cruises

8 best great lakes cruises for 2024-2025, a voyage along the great lakes – with smithsonian journeys, great lakes - masterpieces of nature, expedition in the heart of the american great lakes, lake superior – a life-sized expedition, great lakes - wilderness and history on vast lake backdrops, great lakes and st lawrence river - unlocking the american dream, great lakes of north america: milwaukee to toronto, st lawrence river and nova scotia - canada's lifeline amidst indian summer colors, top great lakes cruise ships for 2024-2025, great lakes cruise tips & travel guide, top cruise ports in the great lakes.

• Lake Superior
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Ontario

Best time to take a Great Lakes cruise

• Cleveland 
• Niagara Falls (Port Colborne)
• Toronto 
• Montreal 
• Quebec City  ( Quebec )
• Mackinac Island
• Sault Ste. Marie

How to choose a Great Lakes & St. Lawrence River Cruise

The best great lakes for cruising, top things to see and do on a great lakes cruise, faqs: great lakes cruises, top great lakes travel destinations.

• North America

Great Lakes Trips by Activity

• Great Lakes hiking (5)
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SEANIC CRUISES

Unforgettable Experiences

PLEASE NOTE:  In compliance with Transport Canada regulations

alcohol consumption as well as  access to the front deck and cabin are not available on these cruises.

Please review our Policies for full information. 

SHORELINE CRUISE - 1 hr

1HR SHORELINE CRUISE IS NOW EXCLUSIVE

ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE WITH JUST YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS ONBOARD!!

Groups of  1-6 passengers $250.

Additional $35.00 per passenger thereafter to maximum of 12

(pric ing for infants & kids UNDER 12  available upon request )

Appreciate the unique charm of the area. Make a note of lesser known public beaches and towns nestled on Lake Huron near Kincardine. Check out The Bruce Power Plant. Even though it’s about four miles away you’ll get a sense of the size of the complex as it is the largest nuclear power plant in the world!

IMPORTANT NOTICE -

Alcohol consumption prohibited per Transport Canada regulations.

All cruises must be booked in advanced

BRUCE POWER PLANT   2.5-3 hours

BRUCE POWER PLANT EXCURSION IS NOW EXCLUSIVE

Groups of  1-8 passengers $475.

Additional $55.00 per passenger thereafter to maximum of 12

Aside from being a relaxing boat ride taking in local sites along the way, you’ll get close to a site providing vital technological support to the people of Ontario.

Did you know that the massive Bruce Power Plant complex 

Is a leading supplier of medical isotopes that are used worldwide in life-saving cancer treatments and sterilization of medical devices.

Is implementing a Life-Extension Program, including a Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project, to provide clean, reliable, low-cost electricity to 2064 and beyond.

Provides 30% or more of Ontario’s power

POINT CLARK (LIGHTHOUSE) - 3 hours

Adults $75. Seniors 65+ and children 12 and under $65.

Point Clark Lighthouse is located on in a beach community, Point Clark, Ontario, near a point that protrudes into Lake Huron. Built between 1855 and 1859 under the instructions of the Board of Works, Canada West, it is one of the few on the Great Lakes to be made primarily from stone.

POINT CLARK (LIGHTHOUSE)  2.5-3 hours

POINTE CLARK LIGHTHOUSE EXCURSION IS NOW EXCLUSIVE

SPECTACULAR & BEAUTIFUL LAKE HURON SUNSET CRUISE    1.25 hrs to 1.5 hrs

PLS NOTE THIS IS A PUBLIC CRUISE, EVERYONE IS WELCOME YOUNG & OLD ALIKE

PRICE PER PERSON $55.

(pricing for infants & kids UNDER 12  available upon request)

Let the National Geographic -ranked spectacular sunset take your breath away. The Ontario shores of Lake Huron stretch more than 300 km from Sarnia to Tobermory, with all beaches facing west providing an appreciative audience for daily solar drama. 

Leave in daylight, be dazzled by the unique sunset, and return to the marina in darkness. A photo op unlike any other.

Departure for this cruise will be 30 mins before the

 estimated sunset time each day, which in summer months 

generally occurs after  9:00pm & around 7:00pm as the summer gets closer to the  ending.

 ALL OUR TRIPS ARE NOW PRIVATE.

YOU CAN ENJOY AN EXCLUSIVE 1HR SUNSET CRUISE 

$350. for up to 6ppl additional $50. per passenger thereafter to maximum of 12 passengers on this cruise

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A Guide to Boating The North Channel of Lake Huron

Boating the North Channel is intoxicating. It’s a magical connection to the best of Ontario's natural geographical beauty. Complete the 160-nautical-mile journey across the top of Lake Huron , and you'll find the best that boating can offer. From 20-mile wide open water passages, to narrow island channels less than 50 feet  wide, you can travel in one trip what other mariners boat for a lifetime to experience. This world-famous cruising ground runs along the northern shoreline of Lake Huron and is protected by the largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Island .

A Variety of Splendours

Cruising the North Channel as a holiday , you can take a week, or just about as long as you desire. While essential amenities can be found along the entire route, it's the natural and isolated beauty of the North Channel that is most attractive. With night-time skies free from artificial lights, the Aurora Borealis (better known as the Northern Lights ) will dance for you in multi-colours. Make a trip to the Killarney Provincial Park Dark Sky Preserve to reveal the Milky Way—or see the show right from your boat.

You never know when you'll have the opportunity to take in the Northern Lights–right from your boat.

What's more, there are hiking opportunities at every stop , many of which lead you to waterfalls, beaches, and colourful rock formations in granite. For diving enthusiasts, there are many shipwrecks in cold, but clear, waters. And of course, fishing is everywhere . For those in search of local festivals, markets or special fairs, you’ll have no problem finding those, either.

Day hikes are plentiful with more than 30,000 islands to explore. 

Making Your Way in the North Channel

You can cruise the North Channel east to west, west to east, or round-trip, depending on your departure point and available time. Many of the boaters who cruise the 30,000 Islands along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay each summer decide to head a little further north, in order to include the North Channel in their holiday plans. This makes the town of Killarney your starting point. 

A stopover in Killarney gives you the opportunity to fuel up and enjoy lunch or dinner at Killarney Mountain Lodge or Herbert's Fish and Chips in town. 

Killarney offers docking, fuel and dining . As a launching-off point, it will also give you the opportunity to talk to boaters who've just completed the North Channel from west to east. It’s recommended that for your first North Channel trip, you follow the well-marked channels. But in reality, there's an infinite number of variations to cruising this area. I think it's worthwhile to mention some of the popular stops when traveling from Killarney in the east, to St. Joseph Island in the west.

Places to Cruise in the North Channel

Leaving Killarney, steer northwest until you spot the white granite entrance to Portage Cove. On a summer's day, you may find more than twenty boats moored in this large, safe harbour. From Portage, follow the North Channel buoys southwest to Heywood Island, where another popular overnight bay, Browning Cove, awaits you.

From Heywood Island, you can see the Strawberry Island lighthouse , which marks the entrance to the town of Little Current . The historic bridge between Little Current and the mainland swings open every hour on the hour - ostensibly for ten minutes, but it's best to be waiting - to allow boat traffic into the port. This town is a good place to eat, not to mention pick up any supplies that you might've missed. During July and August, you might also want to tune your VHF to channel 71 around 9 am, for boating information and discussion.

Leaving Little Current, head to the north side of Clapperton Island to locate an overnight stop at either Croker Island or the Benjamin Islands, where you'll find numerous sheltered anchorages. Between hiking on the pink granite rocks, to swimming and exploring the shorelines, you may want to relax here for more than one day. Leaving this island paradise and heading north, you pick up the entrance to Whales Back Channel. To the south will be Dewdney Island, where further mooring opportunities abound.

The next islands of choice along your route are Turnbull and Sanford. Sheltered harbours with sandy beaches will again invite you to stay for more than one night. Pressing onward, you arrive at the town of Blind River , where you'll find marinas, grocery stores and a chance to dine at a local fish restaurant.

The next day presents one of the longest cruise sections, over to the town of Thessalon . The attractive municipal marina is well-stocked and, if you like, they'll even loan you a bicycle to get to local restaurants. Continuing west, boaters have a choice of mooring in more island bays, or traveling around McKay Island and heading into the town of Bruce Mines . South of Bruce Mines is the very large St. Joseph Island. Cruisers at this point can continue west to Lake George, the St. Mary's River and Sault Ste. Marie —or, boat around St. Joseph Island counter-clockwise and head back to Killarney . Either route will take you under the Gilbertson bridge, which joins St. Joseph Island to the mainland.

Things to Keep in Mind While Cruising the North Channel

You will see boats of all sizes on the North Channel, but to handle inclement weather in comfort, a boat length of at least 30' is recommended. As with any cruise holiday on big water, it’s wise to do some detailed planning and preparations before you set out. Begin with current charts, both paper and electronic. List the places where you can overnight your boat and purchase groceries. You can pack fewer clothes than you may think, but be sure to cover both hot days and cool nights. Read over your list of standard travel items, including cameras, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash and credit cards. Check that your boat is mechanically ready and pack all the relevant maintenance manuals. Communication and safety gear should include cell phone, VHF, binoculars, a box of current flares, and two anchors. To ensure land access, most cruising boats on the North Channel carry a dinghy or a pair of kayaks.

With so many destinations available, no two boaters follow the exact same route. The world offers few cruising locations with countless uninhibited anchorages, pristine beaches and remote shorelines. Ontario's North Channel of Lake Huron might well be your best opportunity.

Plan Your Boat Trip on Ontario's Waterways!

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Bill Jennings is a former world champion and still active in the boat racing community. He has written extensively for several national magazines in Canada and the US. Presently, Bill operates the Power Boating Academy, providing on-water driver training to boaters of all skill levels.

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FIVE GREAT LAKES

One grand adventure.

Cruise the Great Lakes on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience the unparalleled majesty of the Great Lakes with luxury small-ship cruises complete with personalized service, world-class dining, dynamic activities, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Choose from dozens of itineraries as you explore iconic destinations along the Great Lakes. From the rich history of Mackinac Island and French Canadian villages to the breathtaking shoreline of Lake Superior and the cultural epicenters of iconic cities such as Detroit and Chicago, you can create memories to last a lifetime.

CRUISE LINES

These ships offer intimate experiences combined with crewmembers who anticipate your every want and need. It’s everything you desire on a larger cruise ship, minus everything you wish you could cast away. Adventure is on the itinerary. We invite you aboard one of our participating cruise lines.

Pearl Seas Cruises

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Great lakes cruise benefits, enjoy a more intimate cruising experience, visit multiple u.s. and canadian ports, experience excursions rich with culture and history, traverse along a safe and secure border, featured ports.

Experience unique ports of call in the surrounding states and provinces as you cruise through the magnificent Great Lakes. Discover hard-to-reach destinations, thriving cities, and breathtaking landscapes.

Bay City, Michigan

Buffalo-Niagara, New York

Cleveland, Ohio

Detroit, Michigan

Duluth, Minnesota

Holland, Michigan

Houghton, Michigan

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Muskegon, Michigan

Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

Thunder Bay, Ontario

'Less ships, means less visits' but tourism operators still bullish on Great Lakes cruises

Killarney expecting 7 cruiseship stops this summer, compared to 17 in 2023.

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There will be a lot fewer cruise ships out on the Great Lakes this summer.

This after a couple of the companies that were offering tours with multiple stops in northern Ontario have gone out of business.

For example, Killarney is expecting seven cruise ship stops this year compared with 17 in 2023.

But those in the business say there's no cause for alarm.

• Cruise ship tourists flocking to the Great Lakes, northern Ontario ports
• Viking Cruises adds Killarney to its new Great Lakes Expedition route

"Cruising is a cyclical industry, as is any branch of the tourism industry," said Stephen Burnett, executive director of the Great Lakes Cruise Association. 

"What we're looking at is a temporary dip, it's similar to any business and any industry, you have ups and downs, but in the long run you have an upward curve."

He says three ships that used to serve the Great Lakes have been taken off the water, but he expects two of them will be refurbished and return in the future. 

And Burnett says he's in talks with five other cruise lines that are "all eyeing the Great Lakes."

Bruce O'Hare, who is based in Little Current and works for a company called Lakeshore Excursions catering to cruise ship tourists across the continent, is also confident business will bounce back. 

"Less ships, means less visits, means less excursions in the markets, but we've been doing this for 20 years and we've seen ups and downs in this business before," O'Hare said. 

"It's just a function of an industry that really had no revenue for two years during COVID and when interest rates went from two and three per cent to nine and 10 per cent, it's a function of the way business works."

• More cruise ships on the Great Lakes spurs environmental unease
• Thunder Bay's ready for busy cruise ship season with more ships on the horizon

O'Hare and Burnett see a bright future for northern Ontario ports as well, in particular, more adventure-focused excursions on Lake Superior tailored to younger, more active cruisers. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erik White is a CBC journalist based in Sudbury. He covers a wide range of stories about northern Ontario. Connect with him on Twitter @erikjwhite. Send story ideas to [email protected]

Posted 2024-05-19 00:03

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BOAT SLIP ON THE HURON RIVER CHAIN OF LAKES-$3,000 (CHAIN OF LAKES)

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Sturgeon Fest returning to Port Huron

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Huron Lady cruise, more set for 2024 event

“We happen to have the largest concentration of Lake Sturgeon in the St. Clair River compared to anywhere else in the entire Great Lakes because so much work has been done to study sturgeon, serve and protect them here in Michigan,” Friends of the St. Clair River Executive Director Sheri Faust said.

Sturgeon Fest 2024 is hosted by Friends of the St. Clair River, with partners St. Clair-Detroit River Sturgeon for Tomorrow, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Activities will begin at 10 a.m. at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Park in Port Huron, and the festival will close at 3 p.m.

Those who attend the festival can experience the Great Lakes’ largest fish via a live sturgeon touch tank and hands-on activities. Food, music and a Native American drum ceremony will be included in the festivities. Festival parking and admission are free.

Drum ceremonies are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Children’s activities will be available all day under the pavilion. The live sturgeon touch tank will be available for visitors throughout the day at Lighthouse Beach until about 2:30 p.m.

Attendees are invited to purchase a Lake Sturgeon adoption kit, which includes a 10-inch plush sturgeon, an adoption certificate and naming opportunity, as well as a card full of data about sturgeons. Additional information can be obtained at scriver.org/sturgeon-festival.

Sturgeon are a currently classified as a threatened species, but of those still within the Great Lakes, most call the St. Clair River home. Over 10,000 Lake Sturgeon live beneath the Blue Water Bridge.

During the festival, visitors can get aboard the boat The Huron Lady to get a look at the fish in their habitat. The cruise will be narrated by biologists that have researched the fish, and cruise participants can watch sturgeon research activities happening beneath the Blue Water Bridge. U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologists will be catching, tagging and releasing sturgeon.

“It is very interactive. It is meant to put people up close, center stage, with real research and data that is going on to study Lake Sturgeon, and to learn about the latest Great Lakes research,” Faust said.

The Huron Lady Sturgeon Cruises are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased presale only at huronlady.com. Faust said the cost for a ticket is $35, with proceeds to benefit the Friends.

The Friends also offers a year-long Sturgeon Science School program, open to fifth-grade classes in St. Clair County. Faust said there are about 700 students in the program. The free program teaches students about human impact on freshwater ecosystems, and provides hands-on science learning that supports STEM career exposure. The program includes:

• Classroom visits with an environmental educator and the captive-raised live baby lake sturgeon.

• A cruise aboard The Huron Lady. This year’s cruises for students will be held May 30 and 31.

• Interacting with wildlife biologists conducting sturgeon research on Lake Huron.

• Collecting, analyzing and comparing water samples from the St. Clair River.

“We have been going into classrooms throughout the school year. We are bringing about 700 fifth-graders on The Huron Lady for a field trip, as part of their year-long study of Lake Sturgeon. Students receive the classroom program with the baby sturgeon, they create a poster that is the Sturgeon Story portion of it,” Faust said.

Fifth-grade student finalist posters were selected from hundreds of posters created in schools throughout St. Clair County for the Sturgeon Stories Contest. Those who attend the Sturgeon Fest can vote for their favorite student artwork using pocket change. Information about making donations for the Sturgeon Stories Contest prior to the festival online can be found at scriver.org/sturgeon-festival. Voting will close at 2 p.m. June 1, with winners announced at 2:30 p.m. The top three winners will be selected by public votes.

Sturgeon homecoming ceremonies will be held at Lighthouse Beach at 2:30 p.m. Baby and adult Lake Sturgeon will be hand released back into Lake Huron. Faust said during the release ceremony, Native American drum performances will take place.

Sturgeon Fest was first begun by Friends of the St. Clair River in 2014, and the festival is its largest annual fundraiser. Funds raised will support Friends education and conservation programs.

Detailed schedules of events for Sturgeon Fest can be found at scriver.org/sturgeon-festival and on Facebook at facebook.com/stclairriver.

Nicole Tuttle is a freelance reporter for The Voice.

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Possible Alligator Sighting at Kensington Metropark

May 17, 2024.

Tom Tolen / [email protected] Officials at Kensington Metropark east of Brighton are warning visitors to look out for an alligator that may have been sighted in Kent Lake, located in Oakland County’s Milford Township. A spokesman for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks - which operates 13 metroparks in the Metro Detroit area - said Thursday evening that a visitor had reported seeing the alligator, said to be about 4 feet in length. Kent Lake is a 1,200-acre impoundment that was created by damming the Huron River near its headwaters. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Milford Police and Detroit Zoo personnel were all at the scene Thursday evening, and an extensive search by boat and on land was conducted. Alligators, used to milder climates, are not native to Michigan, and it’s believed someone who had a pet gator may have released it into the lake. Appropriate signs were posted along the lake shore advising people to be on the lookout for a possible alligator. Visitors were being asked not to approach an alligator, and if they see one to immediately notify Metroparks Police at 810-227-8910.

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