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The Great Lakes - Why Not Choose a River Cruise
The Canadian waterways form extensive networks across the country's ten provinces and three territories, making Canadian river cruises are a popular tourist choice in getting around this beautiful region. A favourite destination is the Great Lake area, straddling the USA-Canada border and containing Canada's five Great Lakes, the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world set in picturesque landscapes, with pristine wilderness meeting the hustle and bustle of the big cities that nestle along their shores. The group consists of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, forming a chain which connects the east-central interior of North America to the Atlantic Ocean. The Lakes themselves are studded with 35,000 islands. With such scope and breadth, it's easy to see why millions of tourists flock to this impressive, vast-reaching beauty spot every year.
On a Canadian river cruise, travellers can expect sublime sailing along some of Canada's most impressive waterways. The diversity of the area means that you can sail from one city stop-off to another, meeting completely different outlooks, from the rock formations around Lake Michigan to the sandy shores of Katherine Cove or the coastal marches of Lake Erie. On your cruise, there is plenty of time to get properly acquainted with the cities you stop off at, with land time where you can explore the region at your leisure. This is your chance to get a real sense of the city.
Chicago on Lake Michigan is a popular river cruise stop-off. It is the largest city on the Great Lakes, and the largest city in the state of Illinois. A cultural hotspot, there is no shortage of museums, art galleries and festivals. Check out the Chicago Cultural Centre or the award-winning Millennium Park for your culture fix. Toronto is another popular choice. Sitting on Lake Ontario, it has one of the most stunning outlooks; the word 'ontario' comes from the Huron word meaning 'beautiful', and is loosely translated as 'Lake of Shining Waters'. Reflected in the glassy waters, Toronto's modern skyline is impressive, full of glittering skyscrapers and the distinctive shape of the CN Tower. The waterfront is a recreational area that hosts many events including the Toronto Film Festival. The Royal Ontario Museum in the city centre is the largest museum in all of Canada, with themed galleries spanning world cultures and natural history. Or, if you're more scientifically minded, the Ontario Science Centre is a family-friendly hub with plenty of workshops and exhibitions to keep the kids' minds engaged and the whole family busy.
Along with the gaming tables there are four restaurants, including a French eatery called Nuances, and a cabaret theatre. Nuances is upscale, receiving a Five Star rating two years running. But for those who are just hungry, there's a snack bar, as well. The Cabaret offers musical revues, comedy and well-known Vegas performers. All are set among the glittering glass and many murals that create the dazzling ambiance.
For a more unusual day trip option, why not take a shipwreck tour? Due to their unusual climactic conditions, the Lakes have claimed several vessels which lie, mostly intact, under the water. Michigan Shipwreck Tours, based on the southern shore of Lake Superior, offer glass-hulled boat tours which cover a 10-mile area, viewing three shipwrecks as well as incorporating an 'above water' section of the tour that takes travellers to Grand Island. Covering 13,000 acres of untouched wilderness, it is a must-see for nature lovers and features impressive rock formations as well as the East Channel Lighthouse.
If you have opted for a package holiday river cruise, then do look out for all the optional tours and excursions that your tour operator offers for each stop-off point. Expert coach drivers will be on hand and of course your tour guide, to talk you through the history of the area and lend their own well-honed expertise to enhance your holiday experience. And with an itinerary laid out before you leave, you don't have to worry about anything at all. On board, you can enjoy the inclusive meals and stellar service, and on land, you can take things at your own pace or you can opt for the guided tours. It's a flexible and easy option, with all the luxury of a cruise and all the laid-back comfort of a hand-picked holiday.
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