Plan on an afternoon arrival at Thunder Bay Resort for a wonderful evening.  This beautiful, all season resort is poised on 400 acres in the heart of Northeast Michigan.  Tonight, you enjoy an Elk Viewing Carriage ride that crosses the Thunder Bay River.  You may see newborn calves and bull elk in velvet, it’s a magical place filled with nature.  At the end of the carriage ride you disembark at the beautiful Elk Antler Log Cabin where a blazing fire in the massive fireplace awaits you.  You then enjoy a Five-Course Gourmet Meal and Wine Tasting. (D)

Over 1,000 ships lie beneath the surface of Lake Huron, more than 200 of them in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary alone.  You start the day with a visit to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.  In the center’s main hall you find a full-size replica of a wooden Great Lakes Schooner, and a shipwreck where you can walk the decks, feel a Great Lakes storm, and touch the massive timbers of the boat resting on the lake bottom – all without getting wet!

This afternoon board the ferry to Mackinac Island.  As you step foot on the Island, you will feel like you have stepped back in time.  Check into your Mackinac Island hotel for a two night stay.  Dinner is included tonight. (B,D)

The day begins with a scenic ride around the Island on Horse-Drawn Carriages.  Brunch is included at the Grand Hotel, one of the finest hotels in the world; it is a truly lovely setting, and a memorable meal.  Take a moment and enjoy a rocking chair view from the world’s longest porch.

After your tour, you can continue exploring the island and doing a little shopping.  Visit some of Mackinac Island’s unique shops and be sure to taste some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge.  Dinner is included tonight as well. (B,D)

Board the ferry this morning for Mackinaw City for a fascinating ride across the “Mighty Mac” the Mackinac Bridge.  At one time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Then travel into the Upper Peninsula to Sault Ste. Marie, MI.  Here you enjoy a Soo Locks Sightseeing Cruise.  Get an up close look at the famous Soo Locks, the world’s largest locking system.  You will actually ride through the Soo Locks and cruise alongside giant lake and ocean ships.  Inside the Soo Locks your boat will ride the water as it is raised 21′ straight up, to the level of Lake Superior.  The typical tour route includes an up bound and down bound lockage through both the giant U.S. Locks and historic Canadian Lock.  A live narration explains everything you see, including the history and operation of the Locks. Your boat brings you close to all the interesting sights along the shorelines of the twin border cities.

Crossing into Canada this afternoon, follow a once famous fur trading route along the North Channel to Blind River where you make a rest stop at the Timber Village Museum.  This houses a collection of some 5,000 artifacts  from the McFadden Lumber Company, hand carved horses and sleighs by Joseph Briere, medical instruments from Dr. Robb, Dr. Hamill, and Dr. Pigeon’s practice, hockey and recreational sports memorabilia.

You then arrive in Little Current, ON for a two night stay.  Dinner is included this evening at the Anchor Inn.  Located in the heart of Little Current, it offers historical charm and delicious food. (B,D)

This morning you meet your First Nation Guide for a tour of Manitoulin Island, the Heart and Spirit of the Great Lakes of Canada, it is also the largest fresh water island in the world.  The people and the communities have emerged through a history as colorful and complex as any in Canada – from the fur trade to free trade, from the ice age to the new age.  Your guide will tell stories like the Cinderella story of Daniel Dodge, heir to the Dodge Motor Company, and a simple Manitoulin Island girl who falls in love and marries a “prince.”

Visit the Kagawong Evangelical Church and hear the story behind the unique pulpit made from the bow of a boat lost in the North Channel.  Next you visit the Immaculate Conception Church, the island’s unique Catholic Church, which blends Ojibway traditions with Christian symbolism to create a beautiful house of worship.

The traditions of the First Nation are also experienced at the Ojibwe Cultural Center established in 1974 to preserve and revitalize the language, culture, arts, spirituality, and traditions of the Anishinaabe people of Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) and surrounding areas.

Dinner is included tonight at the hotel.  This evening you enjoy The Voice of the Drum.  Feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth through the Voice of the Drum.  You will receive an introduction to native song and drum.  This is an exhilarating hand drum performance by a professional singer or group, where you learn to make their own personal hand drum to take home! (B,D)

Complete your circle today as you continue around Lake Huron.  A ferry will take you on one of the most scenic cruise you have ever make.  You travel from South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island to Tobermory on the tip of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula.  You will awe at the striking escarpments on the shoreline, then once off the ferry you motor along the coastline of Lake Huron crossing the border at Sarnia and spending this night in Port Huron, MI.  Dinner is a local restaurant. (B,D)

Leaving Port Huron we will now route your group toward home. (B)