14 Night Montreal to Chicago Cruise and Land Tour from Montreal

Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. For your convenience, American Queen Voyages Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and the friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Representatives from AQV and a local port/city partner will be available to provide you with dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Approximately 31 miles long by 10 miles wide, with a 755-foot mountain occupying its center, Montreal was a land mass inhabited by the Iroquois who had lived in Quebec for thousands of years. In 1535, Jacques Cartier from France was among the first to explorer the island. Cartier and his men climbed to the highest point to place a cross, claiming the mountain for France and naming it Mont-Royal. The city of Ville-Marie, founded by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve in 1642, was later renamed Montreal. In 1759, French colonists were defeated and Montreal was later occupied and administered by Great Britain. Despite being conquered by the British, French Montrealers continued to flourish and exist as the majority on the island over the subsequent decades. Many French Montrealers on the island today still have the last name of a British ancestor. A large number of English-speaking Montrealers also have French last names. When considering metropolitan sophistication, Montreal comes to mind as its geography is as diverse as its population. Some 120-plus cultural communities comprise the city's multilingual fabric. An included tour showcases attractions that are urban wonders yet steeped in history. Guests also have time to visit museums, boutiques, and galleries. Optional tours take visitors to the Mount Royal Overlook for a bird's-eye view of the city, then slip beneath the metropolis to explore Underground City and its many shops, art venues, and bistros. Marvel at ornate edifices like Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, which is sculpted, painted, and gilded in gold leaf.

The port of Gananoque is located at the confluence of the St Lawrence and Gananoque rivers, in the heart of the Thousand Islands - a North American archipelago comprised of 1,864 islands that straddle the Canada-U.S. border in the St Lawrence River as it emerges from Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 50 miles (80 kilometers) downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The Canadian islands are in the province of Ontario and the U.S. islands are in the state of New York. Recognized as one of Eastern Ontario's most stunning waterfront communities, Gananoque can mean "Water Rising over Rocks" or "Garden of the Great Spirit", depending on who you ask. And equally colorful is the life of Joel Stone, who was granted the land by the British in 1793. He started with 700 acres and a flour mill, and then saw potential to develop lumbering, mining, and milling. Indeed, by the early 19th century, the Gananoque River was lined on both banks by numerous mills, a tannery, tool manufacturing plant, and harness and carriage factory. The influence of the river to the town continues today, for the people that call this place home, those that summer on the islands and visitors. The natural beauty of the Gananoque region has been a conduit for the creative community. Whether one is artsy with a twist of outdoorsy or a bucket list traveler in need of a dash of adrenaline, there is never a shortage of things to do, places to visit, and memories to make.

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.

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.

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-storey 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.

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.

The port of Little Current is quite literally the gateway to the world's largest freshwater island - Manitoulin - considered sacred by the native Anishinaabe people. Considering the only land access to the island is the iconic swing bridge on the east end of town, it's an apt tag line. Recognized as one of the best freshwater boating regions in the world, an evening stroll along the boardwalk will reveal boats from all over the Great Lakes Basin and east coast of Canada, as well as the U.S. Little Current's main street is home to many stores and shops, some with a long and rich history. Turner's, which opened its doors in the late 19th century, is still operating today, and still run by the Turner family. The upper level houses a small display of artefacts from the early days of Little Current. With the Immaculate Conception Church and its distinctive tepee-like architecture as a symbol, indigenous life and legend meld with European history. Venerated rhythms of the ages come to life in the talented hands and feet of native drummers and dancers, which you may have the chance to experience. If you decide to venture out of town during your visit, there are two must-sees. Ten minutes away, you'll find the Cup and Saucer hiking trail - a 7-mile (12-kilometer) network of trails leads up to the summit. Further down the road at the small settlement of Kagawong, enjoy the natural beauty of Bridal Veil Falls, which you can admire from the lookout above.

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.

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.

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.