Longitudinal World Cruise IV

Admire the untamed beauty and seemingly endless beaches along Point Pelee’s shores during a Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers on to the waters of Lake Erie. Your Viking specialists will explain the region’s wildlife as they navigate the waters of this vast national park. Admire the scenery around you as you marvel at vistas of the woodlands of Canada’s southernmost point. Keep watch for possible sightings of local wildlife and hear about the ecosystems and conservation efforts of the Great Lakes region. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Experience the beauty of Point Pelee National Park from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. Hold tight for the ride as you race across the water, perhaps leaping over the wake of a passing boat. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations and see where migratory birds tend to gather. Along the way, pause to admire the scenery around you as you marvel at vistas of the surrounding woodlands. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship by Zodiac to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit (depending on the season) and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the tranquil waterways of Lake Erie, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Immerse yourself in nature during a canoe trip on Point Pelee’s marshlands with a Parks Canada guide. A freighter canoe is traditionally used for the transportation of cargo, or for fishing and hunting, and they were predominantly used in the region to haul fur and other goods for trading. Native American canoes were made of birch bark as they were lightweight and perfectly adapted to navigate the network of waterways around the Great Lakes region. As the fur trade declined, their use became more for recreational purposes. After transferring to shore by Zodiac, meet your knowledgeable Parks Canada guide, don your life jacket and climb on board with your fellow paddlers. As you glide through the tranquil waters of the marshes, learn about the diverse flora and fauna, and how they benefit from the environment. After your tour, return to base and your awaiting ship.

Take a hike along the boardwalks of Point Pelee National Park and gain insight into the local flora and fauna. Explore the ecosystem of a Great Lakes marshland; Point Pelee National Park is one of the largest in southern Ontario and is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance due to the ongoing conservation efforts that are in place here. Grab your binoculars and transfer to shore by Zodiac to meet your Parks Canada guide as you set off on foot along the boardwalks of Point Pelee National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for swans, turtles and various species of birdlife, such as warblers; yellow warbler, American redstart, common yellowthroat and yellow-breasted chat have been frequently spotted here. As you explore the variety of habitats, including sandy beaches, bottomland swamps, dense forests and open marshlands, your guide will assist you in searching for wildlife.

Discover nature in Point Pelee National Park as you follow the walking trails to Canada’s southernmost tip. Transfer from your ship by Zodiac to the visitor center, where you will meet your Parks Canada guide and set out on a hike. Point Pelee National Park was the first in Canada to be recognized for its conservation works; its lush Carolinian forest oasis covers eight square miles of marshlands, forest, fields and beaches that host a variety of ecosystems. This region is a birding hotspot; migrating birds are attracted by the mild climate and mix of vegetation, and many other species of fauna can be found here, such as beavers and wild turkey. Your guide will point out evidence of their presence during your hike and explain the diverse wildlife that is abundant here. After your walk, bid farewell to your guide and return to your awaiting ship.