TOURS BEYOND

Frankenmuth

Originally Frankenmuth was to be an exclusively German Lutheran community nicknamed “Little Bavaria.” The Bavarian culture of the town has been preserved, and is evident in the architecture and the Bavarian-themed shops and restaurants.

Bronner’s Christmas Store

It’s never too soon to start shopping for Christmas and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is a great place to start. Operating year-round, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland promotes itself as the "World's Largest Christmas Store". This is the place to find Christmas ornaments, decorations and trims, gifts, artificial Christmas trees, Christmas lights, Nativity scenes, and collectibles.

Have a Grand Experience on Mackinac Island

Home to historic Fort Mackinac (pronounced MACK-in-awe), the island became a summer resort destination during the Victorian era, and has been called “The Jewel of the Great Lakes.” Only accessible by boat and plane, transportation on the island is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. The Grand Hotel is a famous National Landmark with old-world charm and the world’s longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac. For over 135 years, The Grand Hotel has been treating guests to distinctive, award-winning service, and every meal is an occasion, even lunch! 

Take a Train Ride 

Board one of North America’s most popular train tours and chug across 182 kilometres of Ontario’s north. Relax and take in the stunning scenery through large viewing windows or see through the eyes of the train engineer with monitors in the coaches. Descend 500 feet to the floor of the Agawa Canyon and enjoy a stopover where time is given to explore the spectacular landscape. Even listen to stories of the Ojibway, fur traders, and explorers with commentary provided during your train ride. The Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park, accessible only by rail, is largely untouched.  Enjoy a picnic by the river, climb the lookout tower for a panoramic view of the canyon, or follow the river trail to Black Beaver and Bridal Veil Falls to see landscapes that, a century ago, inspired The Group of Seven artists.

Become a Pilot and hang out in the hangar!

Well, not really but you will have the opportunity to climb aboard vintage airplanes or ride the flight simulator at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Enjoy a guided tour and learn about the history of aviation and forest fire protection. As a special experience, dinner will be served in the hanger, with the unique ambiance provided by the planes!

Meet a Voyageur

Yes, with the “scenic drive” option, we’ll meet one of those fur traders and with his “Canoe Talk”, we’ll hear about the life and times and adventures of the Voyageurs.  Inspired by the book by Canadian author, Peter C. Newman, “The Company of Adventurers”, the O’Connor family opened The Voyageur’s Lodge, and provides a deliciously memorable stop along the north shore of Lake Superior.

Stand in the spots that inspired the Group of Seven!

Stand on the shore of Lake Superior and breath in the same vistas experienced by famous Canadian artists. Perhaps you’ll share the sentiment of J.E.H. Macdonald, "The most impressive sight on this trip was a view of Lake Superior. There was a sharpness in the air which merged the horizon with the sky and that smooth shimmering infinity of waters …”

It Features a Canadian Signature Experience

Designated a Canadian Signature Experience, a ride on the Agawa Canyon Train is considered one of Canada’s once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Visit an American Classic, The Grand Hotel

Feel like you are “Somewhere in Time”, in a bygone era of horse-drawn carriages, and old-world charm. Experience the extraordinary hospitality of this National Historic Landmark that has been a special summer retreat since 1887.

Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park

Accessible only by rail, the park is largely untouched.  Enjoy a picnic by the river, climb the lookout tower for a panoramic view of the canyon, or follow the river trail to Black Beaver and Bridal Veil Falls to see landscapes that, a century ago, inspired The Group of Seven artists.

Options!

Bring your friends and enjoy the fall colours together. If one person would prefer not to take the train ride, on that day, in the comfort of the coach, they can enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Ontario, enriched with some interesting stops!

• Private coach transportation
• Our unique Connections Program
• 4 nights accommodation
• 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
• All entry fees and passes for included highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

Included Highlights

• Frankenmuth
• Bronner’s Christmas Store
• Mackinac Island
• Mackinaw Carriage Tour
• Arrive by carriage to the Grand Hotel for lunch
• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre with Dinner

Included Options:

1. Agawa Canyon Train Excursion  OR

2. Guided Lake Superior Coast Drive with

• Voyageur's Lodge & Canoe Talk
• Lake Superior Provincial Park

Day 1: Travel to Frankenmuth, Bronner’s Christmas Store

Travel through southwestern Ontario, and greet new friends while heading to the border at Sarnia. From there, travel northwest through the rich farmland of Michigan to arrive in Frankenmuth. Those interested can do a wee bit of shopping at Bronner’s Christmas Store before checking into the hotel. This evening, savour a famous Frankenmuth chicken dinner and enjoy a lovely evening drive before returning to the hotel.

Stay: Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI (1 night)

Meals: D

Day 2: Mackinac Island & Carriage Tour

After breakfast, travel northward arriving in Mackinaw City in time for lunch, then take the ferry to Mackinac Island. From the moment one steps off the ferry, it can be seen that this is a unique place, with car-free streets. Enjoy a special “city tour” by carriage before checking into the hotel. With our main street location, we will walk to our restaurant for dinner.

Stay: Bicycle Inn, Mackinac Island, MI (1 night)

Meals: B, D

Day 3: The Grand Hotel, Canadian Bushplane Museum

This morning will be more leisurely. Walk to a nearby restaurant for breakfast, followed by time to browse the downtown shops. Then, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage taxi to the Grand Hotel for a legendary, one-of-a-kind Grand Luncheon Experience. Return to town by taxi carriage and catch the ferry back to Mackinaw City, where the journey continues to the border and Sault Ste. Marie. After checking in at the hotel, depart for the Canadian Bushplane Museum for a guided tour and a special dinner in the hangar amongst the planes!

Stay: Delta Waterfront Hotel, Sault Ste Marie (2 nights)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Agawa Canyon Train OR Guided Lake Superior Scenic Drive

With both options, enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your adventure. 

OPTION 1: The Train!  “All aboard!” and travel to the Agawa Canyon, with the vibrant colours of autumn out in full display. You will have an hour and a half to stroll the base of the canyon and enjoy your boxed lunch while taking in the breathtaking vista and landscapes. 

OPTION 2: The Guided Scenic Drive! Board the coach, along with your local guide, with the first stop at the Voyageur’s Lodge to meet a Voyageur. Hear his stories travelling and living on these Lake Superior shores, and enjoy the lodge’s famous fritters! In Lake Superior Provincial Park, learn about the “Power of Lake Superior” and the park’s cultural history. Enjoy the stunning scenery with insights from the local guide and see some of the specific spots that inspired the Group of Seven.

Following both options, return to your hotel for a free evening to explore and soak up sweeping views of St. Mary’s River.

Meals: B, L

Day 5: Travel Home

Our journey home goes through Sudbury, where you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch with your fellow travellers.  Then sit back and enjoy the autumn leaves go by as you travel home.

Meals: B, L

Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, Michigan (1 night)

Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Cass River, the uniquely European-themed Bavarian Inn Lodge is a world-class getaway for all.

Bicycle Inn, Mackinac Island, Michigan (1 night)

The Bicycle Inn is ideally located in the quaint downtown of Mackinac Island, steps away from fantastic shopping and sites. Striving for comfort and convenience, this accommodation features spacious rooms with king or two queens, a microwave, fridge and coffeemaker.

Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (2 nights)

As the city's only waterfront full-service hotel, Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront invites you to explore the downtown while enjoying views of St. Mary's River.

This tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows Route A, picking up in the following locations:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton
• Milton
• Cambridge
• Woodstock
• London
• Sarnia

Although for most people medication is not required, for the ferry ride, there may be some who will want to bring along a remedy for motion sickness.  You don’t want to let a little thing like that spoil these amazing experiences.

Did you know?

The landscapes painted by The Group of Seven, are an important part of the heritage of Canada, and it may enrich the experiences on this trip to be re-acquainted with their story and their work. The Agawa Canyon Train and the Scenic Coastal Drive include sites that inspired these artists. When the train stops in the Agawa Canyon Park, be sure to walk towards Bridal Veil Falls where you’ll see specific landscapes that inspired some of the sketches by Lawren Harris and J.E.H. MacDonald. With the Scenic Drive option, when in Lake Superior Provincial Park, be sure to walk down to the beach.