LOS ANGELES — Viking has kicked off its third season in the Great Lakes, with both of its identical expedition ships now deployed in the region. Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris offer a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth and explore all five Great Lakes. The 378-guest expedition vessels, which were designed specifically to transit the historic Welland Canal, will remain in the lakes until early October before returning to Antarctica for the austral summer.
Viking has also announced that two new Great Lakes itineraries for 2026 are now open for booking. The 10-day Great Lakes Treasures voyage will sail roundtrip from Milwaukee and explore new ports of all for the company, including Chicago, as well as Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park and Benjamin Islands. The longer 17-day Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures voyage sails between Toronto and Milwaukee and also includes Niagara Falls, Canada’s Point Pelee National Park and a transit of the Welland Canal.
“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover. With more than 10,000 miles of coastline, world-class cities and remote wilderness areas, it is truly a destination that is best explored by ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We would like to thank our local partners for the warm welcome once again, and we look forward to introducing more curious travelers to the Great Lakes .