Lake Superior

Lake Superior is my favorite Great Lakes to visit and Fall is the best season to visit. Lake Superior is the clearest, the coldest, the largest of the Great Lakes of North America, is also the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, and the third largest freshwater lake by volume.

Soo Locks Visitor Center

312 W Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

You can take a boat tour and actually experience the Soo Locks yourself.  Get a glimpse of maritime history at the Soo Locks, where freighters, barges, tugboats and more traverse the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. You can get on a boat here. Soo Locks Boat Tours & Dinner Cruises – 1157 E Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Fun Facts
90% of the world’s iron ore moves through the Soo Locks
Duluth Minnesota to the Atlantic Ocean (St Lawrence Seaway) is 2342 miles or 7 days
Soo Locks have no pumps they are 100% gravity fed
Poe Lock requires 22 million gallons of water to lift or lower a boat
The Soo Locks close from January 15-March 25 each year for repairs
It would take 584 train cars to move 70,000 tons of cargo or just one 1000 foot freighter
The Paul R. Tregurtha is the largest freighter on the Great Lakes at 1013.5 feet
The bedrock at the Soo locks is 1,000 feet thick and the type of rock is Reddish Sandstone

White Fish Point 

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – 18335 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI 49768 | 46.770939, -84.957220

Historic lakefront complex with a maritime museum, a working lighthouse & a seasonal guesthouse. At 17 miles away, Whitefish Point is the nearest navigation mark to the wreckage of the ore freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975. Every vessel entering or leaving Lake Superior must pass Whitefish Point. Whitefish Point remains one of the most dangerous shipping areas in the Great Lakes, Known as the graveyard of the Great Lakes, more vessels have been lost in the Whitefish Point area than any other part of Lake Superior.

Tahquamenon Falls

24019 Upper Falls Drive Falls Drive, Paradise, MI 49768 | 46.575142,-85.257615

Upper Tahquamenon Falls

34 minutes away from White Fish Point is Tahquamenon Falls. Tahquamenon Falls are two different waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River. The water is notably brown in color from the tannins leached from the cedar swamps which the river drains. The large Upper Tahquamenon Falls has a drop of about 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

8376 Sand Point Rd Munising, MI 49862 | 46.452954, -86.606491

The best way to see the cliffs of Pictured Rocks is to take a boat cruise.  I used Pictured Rocks Cruises located at 100 City Park Dr, Munising, MI 49862.  Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park’s coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four-season outdoor opportunities abound.

I ate at the Dogpatch Restaurant at 325 E Superior St, Munising, MI 49862 which offered simple comfort food and steaks. 

Nearby is a Grand Island Harbor Scenic Overlook that is very pretty at sunrise located at 46.437219, -86.657515.

Marquette Harbor Lighthouse

300 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855 

Landmark brick 1853 lighthouse with a red-&-white tower, offering exhibits & seasonal tours. I took a tour of the lighthouse and the Marquette Maritime Museum. I think it is worth the stop and a pretty view. 

Lower Harbor Ore Dock  

299 S Lakeshore Blvd  Marquette, MI 49855 46.541426, -87.391535 

Lower Harbor Ore Dock Marquette MI

Imposing maritime & mining relic, formerly used for the loading of iron ore onto lake freighters. A unique feature to photograph. 

Lake of the Clouds Overlook

311 Steel St, Ontonagon, MI 49953  | 46.803752, -89.765676

Lake of the Clouds – Porcupine Mountains

Right next to Lake Superior is another lake called Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains that I feel is worth the visit, especially in the Fall. 

The Breakwater and Two Harbors Lighthouse

1 Lighthouse Point, Two Harbors, MN 55616 | 47.013914, -91.665119

Two Harbors Lighthouse

The Two Harbors Light Station is the oldest operating lighthouse in the US state of Minnesota. Overlooking Lake Superior’s Agate Bay, the Light Station is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota. The construction of the Light Station began in 1891 and completed in 1892. The first lighting of the Two Harbors light was on April 14, 1892.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616  | 47.139858, -91.469959

A nice place to walk with scenic waterfalls. 

Split Rock Lighthouse

3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616  | 47.201043, -91.367356

This is a scenic lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior 

Lake Huron

Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes, Huron comprises the easterly portion of Lake Michigan–Huron, having the same surface elevation as its westerly counterpart, to which it is connected by the 5-mile-wide, 120-feet-deep Straits of Mackinac.

Mackinac Island

Hands Down Mackinac Island is a must visit for Lake Huron. This is a very popular island. No cars are allowed on the island and you have to take a Ferry.  I took Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry at 601 N State St, St Ignace, MI 49781 to Mackinac Island.  I would encourage you to rent a bike and ride around the entire island. It is about 8.2 miles and  takes 1-3 hours depending on amount of stops at the various points of interest on the way. 

Fort Mackinac – Founded in 1780, this former military outpost features history exhibits & tours 

Mission Point Resort located at One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 is a pretty place to check out and has a great view of Lake Huron.

Grand Hotel is a really amazing hotel with beautiful views and food. It is located at 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.

I ate at Goodfellows Restaurant located at 1359 Hoban St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 and really enjoyed it. 

Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan. Opened in 1957, The Mackinac Bridge is currently the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. In 1998, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan became the longest with a total suspension of 12,826 feet. The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere.

The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26,372 feet. The length of the suspension bridge (including anchorages) is 8,614 feet. The length from cable bent pier to cable bent pier is 7,400 feet. Length of main span (between towers) is 3,800 feet.

Bridge View Park

925 Boulevard Dr St Ignace, MI 49781 | 45.846795, -84.726260

On the North side of the bridge on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan looking south towards Michigan. 

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

526 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 | 45.787160, -84.729494

Historic 1889 lighthouse offers restored quarters & educational exhibits, plus panoramic lake views. This offers a great view of Mackinac Bridge

Alexander Henry Park

518 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 | 45.787529, -84.731773

Great views of Mackinac Bridge on the south side and you can even walk under the bridge

Wasaga Beach Provincial Parks

11 22nd St N, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2V9, Canada | 44.525469, -80.018356

Wasaga Beach is the world’s longest freshwater beach at 14 km or 8.6992 mile long. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is a small recreational provincial park consisting of the eight beaches with 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) of beach. Beach Areas 1-6 can be accessed off Mosley Street in Wasaga. Allenwood and New Wasaga Beaches are north of the Nottawasaga River and are accessed via River Road East.

The park is available for day use only. Its area totals 1,844 hectares (4,560 acres) of which 6.8 hectares (17 acres) are protected. The park is a habitat for birds, primarily for shorebirds including the endangered piping plover. Hiking trails of over 50 kilometres (31 mi) are available. In winter, they are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The visitor center provides access to the Nancy Island Historic Site with a theatre, a museum and a lighthouse

What You’ll Like :
​1.  Wasaga Beach is not only the longest freshwater beach in the world with 14 km of safe, sandy shore, but the sunsets there are breathtaking.
2. Wasaga Beach is the first provincial park in Canada to be awarded the “Blue Flag” designation for its banks management efforts under the international environmental standards. For more information, visit www.BlueFlag.ca
This natural area of ​​6.8 hectares protects wildlife habitat and nesting shorebirds, including the Piping Plover, which is endangered.
3. The Wasaga Beach visitor center was officially opened in 2012 to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and highlight the natural and cultural riches of the Wasaga Beach area. The visitor center is the gateway to the Nancy Island Historic Site which features a theater, a museum and a replica of a Great Lakes lighthouse.
4. Wasaga Nordic Centre and Trail (summer) – Starting points for hiking trails over 50 km, including the Pine Trail (to do with a trail guide) and sections of the Ganaraska Trail.
5. Wasaga Nordic Centre and Trail (in winter) – Opened in winter for cross-country skiing, ski skating and snowshoeing. Snacks, selected merchandise rental service and lessons are offered.

Pinery Provincial Park

9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0, Canada |  43.275174, -81.821415

Pinery’s natural features are staggering – 2,532 ha (6,330 acres) in size; over 757 plant, 325 bird and 60 butterfly species to name just a few groups; a globally rare Oak Savanna ecosystem; freshwater coastal dunes; habitat for endangered species; and the largest protected forest in southwestern Ontario.

The recreational opportunities in Pinery are equally diverse – 10 km beach; 10 nature trails; a 14 km bike trail; 38 km of ski trails; canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding; fishing; cycling; and one of the largest year-round interpretive programs in Ontario.

What You’ll Like :
1. A breathtakingly beautiful park with 10 km of sand beach on the shores of mighty Lake Huron.
2. Extremely rare and fragile Oak Savanna and Coastal Dune Ecosystems with extraordinary biodiversity – over 800 vascular plants, over 300 bird species.
3. Sunsets here are ranked by National Geographic as among the “Top 10 Best in the World”!
4. Excellent year-round outdoor recreation in 21 square kilometres of rare forests and rolling dunes. Enjoy 10 walking trails, a 14 km bike trail and 38 kms of groomed ski trails.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is the only one located entirely within the United States. The other four Great Lakes are shared by the U.S. and Canada. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third-largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron. An estimated 1,500 ships have met their sunken fates in the waters of Lake Michigan.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304 | 41.661910, -87.063473

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national lakeshore’s 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

St Joseph North Pier Lighthouse

80 Ridgeway St, St Joseph, MI 49085 | 42.115533, -86.487710

2 iconic, historic lighthouses on a breakwater with an elevated catwalk & dramatic sunset views.

Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse

1001 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417 | 43.055888, -86.246499

Built in 1839, this historic boardwalk features 2 red-painted lighthouses to guide ships.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

5121-5395 Glen Haven Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636 | 44.903938, -86.025737

Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.

Torch Lake 

Torch Lake Township Day Park
12201 Pub Dock Rd, Kewadin, MI 49648  |  45.074527, -85.354817

Right next to Lake Michigan, Torch Lake at 19 miles long is Michigan’s longest inland lake.  Torch Lake is often compared to the Caribbean, thanks to its incredibly clear (albeit quite cold) blue-green waters. It is undoubtedly one of the state’s most popular — and most lovely — lakes. Kid Rock’s 2008 summertime anthem “All Summer Long” includes a lyric about “splashing through the sandbar,” which was reportedly a reference to Torch Lake. In recent years the beautiful, shallow sandbars at the south end of the lake have become a party hot spot — most notably the weekend sounding July 4th. 

Lake Erie

I grew up 1.5 hours from Lake Erie and me grandpa took my fishing many times so eating Walleye and Yellow Perch is still my favorite fish to eat. Lake Erie known as the “Walleye capital of the World” is the fourth-largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the eleventh-largest globally if measured in terms of surface area. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. 

Point Pelee National Park

1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON N8H 3V4, Canada | 41.914145, -82.510393

Point Pelee is a small peninsula pointing south into Lake Erie towards Sandusky, Ohio and just a small amount of land falls below the 42nd latitude where most of Canada’s border with America is the 49th latitude. 

At the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland – Point Pelee National Park, experience nature like never before. Each spring, view flocks of migratory birds, joined in autumn by waves of vivid Monarch butterflies. In winter, wander snowy trails past ice-cloaked trees and in summer, bask on sandy beaches.  The word pelée is French for ‘bald’. Point Pelee consists of a peninsula of land, mainly of marsh and woodland habitats, that tapers to a sharp point as it extends into Lake Erie. 

Maumee Bay State Park

1400 State Park Road, Oregon, OH 43616 | 41.685165, -83.377222

Park along Lake Erie with a lodge, cottages & golf course set amid scenic, wildlife-filled meadows.

Thirteen thousand years ago, Lake Erie was much larger than it is today, stretching from western New York to Fort Wayne, Indiana. As the lake receded to its present size, a great flat plain was formed (120 miles long and 30 to 40 miles wide).  This area became known as the Great Black Swamp due to the color of the soil and dark shade beneath the trees.  The Native Americans settled only near the well-drained lands beside the Maumee River and its tributaries.

For many years, the swamp was a tremendous barrier to western settlement.  Most settlers traveled by boat on Lake Erie to reach southern Michigan.  Major cities of the area circled the perimeter of the swamp; none lay within it except Bowling Green.  In 1859, a law was passed providing for a system of public ditches to drain the land.  By 1870, the swamp was still only half cleared. Eventually, after a period of intense lumbering and draining, the swamp had nearly vanished and the area became a major agricultural region.

Although the Great Black Swamp has been compared to the Florida Everglades, today only a thin strip of coastal wetlands remain along Lake Erie from Maumee Bay to Sandusky. The lake bed beneath Maumee Bay was itself once part of this great wetland, but rising lake levels inundated it until it became open water. Storms have occasionally flooded the inland areas around Maumee Bay, especially since the mid-20th century.

The wetlands of the Maumee Bay area offer a vivid array of natural wonders.  Wetlands contain more species of wildlife than any other habitat type, including: fox snake, northern water snake, painted turtle, chorus frog, green frog, spotted salamander, raccoon, muskrat, dragonfly, caddis fly, and water striders.  Over 300 species of birds have been recorded with shorebirds such as snipe, great blue heron, common gallinule and ring-billed gulls residing with waterfowl including Canada geese, pintails, redheads, and ruddy ducks.  Songbirds include the red-winged blackbird, yellow warbler, killdeer and swamp sparrow.  Spring migration brings many others including the colorful warblers.  The plant life is diverse as well.  Cattails, buttonbush, phragmites, bur-reed, cottonwood and black willow are just a few examples of the marsh plants at the park.

In addition to marsh and swamp wetlands, several prairies add more diversity to the landscape.  Ring-necked pheasants densely populate the meadow areas of the park.

Marblehead Lighthouse

110 Lighthouse Dr Marblehead, OH 43440 | 41.536687, -82.713238

Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, United States, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. It has guided sailors safely along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822, and is an active aid to navigation.

Marblehead Lighthouse is one of Lake Erie’s best known and most-photographed landmarks. Marblehead Lighthouse rests on the Marblehead Peninsula, a rocky headland of Columbus Limestone that juts into Lake Erie. (“Marblehead” means “marble headland,” because limestone is sometimes incorrectly called marble.) The grounds surrounding the lighthouse offer excellent picnicking and views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island.

Kelleys Island

I take the Miller Ferry to Kelleys Island which is located in the western basin of Lake Erie about four miles north of Marblehead and twelve miles from Sandusky on the Ohio mainland. The entire island measures more than four square miles and is the largest fresh water American island in Lake Erie. A short drive from major cities makes Kelleys seem right next door, yet the Canadian Border lies only a few miles north of the island.

The Glacial Grooves State Memorial at 739 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438 is the largest and most spectacular example of glacial grooves left in the entire world. Walk the perimeter of this international study site to view a 400 foot by 35 foot wide gash of prehistoric glacial grooves scoured into native limestone bedrock by the advancement of the Wisconsin glacier 30,000 years ago.

Signs of the island’s era as an Indian hunting ground remain on Inscription Rock State Memorial located at E Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island, OH 43438  41.592764, -82.706715 . This flat-topped limestone boulder on the south shore of Kelleys Island has faint pictographs of men, birds and animals carved by the Erie Indians 300-400 years ago.

Kelleys Island Inscription Rock State Memorial

Enjoy Kelleys Island’s natural beauty. Abundant waterfowl (heron, egrets, ducks, geese, sea gulls, and an occasional osprey or eagle) add to the island bird population (blue birds, hummingbirds, and migratory species in both spring and fall). Monarch butterflies feast in milk weed each September as they migrate to Mexico for the winter. White-tailed deer with fawns are seen grazing at dusk and dawn. Catch glimpses of rare species like the Lake Erie water snake or Kelleys Island salamander tucked among the rocks.

In the 800 acre Ohio State Park system on Kelleys Island, miles of self-guided nature and hiking trails can be explored. The North Shore Loop begins behind Glacial Grooves and follows the wild flower studded woods along the north shoreline. Discover fossils along the inactive east stone quarry, wetlands, and horseshoe lake while hiking the East Quarry Trail.

Put-in-Bay, OH on South Bass Island 

I take the Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay which is an Ohio village on South Bass Island that is very popular with the party crowd.  Some say go to Put-in-Bay to party and Kelley’s Island for nature. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a huge column commemorating the 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Exhibits at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum explore area winemaking and ships. 

I highly recommend checking out Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial located at 93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456. They open during the summer months and you can travel to the top and see great views of Lake Erie Islands. The memorial commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie that took place near Ohio’s South Bass Island, in which Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led a fleet to victory in one of the most significant naval battles to occur in the War of 1812. The Memorial, the world’s most massive Doric column, rising 352 feet over Lake Erie is situated 5 miles from the longest undefended border in the world. The Doric Column is the only international peace memorial in the United States National Park System and stands 47 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The upper deck platform is 12 feet higher than the statue of Liberty’s torch. 

Sunrise at Put-in-Bay

I enjoy eating at The Boathouse Bar and Grill 218 Hartford Ave. Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456

Beer Barrel Saloon has the world’s longest bar at 405 foot, 10 inch long bar, 160 bar stools, 56 beer taps and a seating capacity of 1,200 and is located at 324 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456

Put-in-Bay Resort & Conference Center located at 439 Loraine Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456 where I have stayed before has the world’s largest Jacuzzi and a swim up bar. 

Presque Isle State Park

301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505 | 42.155120, -80.073447

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,112-acre Pennsylvania State Park on an arching, sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, 4 miles west of the city of Erie, Pennsylvania. 

A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state’s endangered, threatened, and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania.

Whether you come to enjoy the sandy beaches, study ecological diversity, or learn about the historical significance of the peninsula, there is something for everyone at Presque Isle State Park.

Presque Isle Lighthouse located at 301 Peninsula Dr #2a, Erie, PA 16505. The construction of the Presque Isle Lighthouse began in September of 1872 and was completed in July of 1873 at the cost of $15,000. Originally designed to be built entirely of cut stone blocks, this proved too costly and so, from the ground up, the lighthouse was built five bricks thick.

A channel marker light is located at 42.1555615,-80.0731768 and parking to the monument to Perry located at 42.154778, -80.091753. 

Old Fort Erie

350 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2A 1B1, Canada

Old Fort Erie

Fort museum charting the War of 1812 that is reportedly haunted.  Old Fort Erie is Canada’s bloodiest field of battle with over 3,000 troops killed and wounded during the Siege of Fort Erie between August 3 and September 21, 1814.

Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario, smallest and most easterly of the Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north by Ontario (Can.) and on the south by New York (U.S.). The last in the Great Lakes chain, Lake Ontario serves as the outlet to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River. It is the only Great Lake not to border the state of Michigan.  It is the 14th largest lake in the world. 

Niagara Falls

Technically between Lake Erie & Lake Ontario on the Niagara River is a world famous towering waterfalls at the boundary of Canada & the United States, with tours & boat rides. The Niagara river drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. I highly recommend bringing a passport and crossing in Canada. You can see the waterfalls much better from the Canadian side. Horseshoe Falls aka Canadian falls is the best falls to see in terms of size and volume. The combined falls form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America that has a vertical drop of more than 50 metres (160 ft). During peak daytime tourist hours, more than six million cubic feet of water goes over the crest of the falls every minute. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by flow rate.

Skylon Tower is a great place to see the falls located at 5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A3, Canada. Also near 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada is a path where you can get good photos. 

Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York. They form the southern end of the Niagara Gorge.

From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls lies on the border of the United States and Canada with the American Falls entirely on the United States’ side, separated by Goat Island. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also on the United States’ side, separated from the American Falls by Luna Island.

Take the Whirlpool Aero Car across the river and have a great view of the Niagara whirlpool. You can get tickets and take the ride across at 3850 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada. 

Toronto Islands

CN Tower and Rogers Centre

Take a Ferry out to Toronto Islands and you get a great place to walk around as well as great views of the Toronto skyline and the CN Tower which is a good place to visit when in the area.

The CN Tower held the record for the world’s tallest free-standing structure for 32 years until 2007 and was the world’s tallest tower until 2009 being overtaken by Burj Khalifa and Canton Tower, respectively. It is now the ninth tallest free-standing structure in the world and remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. In 1995, the CN Tower was declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse

33435 County Rd 6, Cape Vincent, NY 13618  | 44.101051, -76.369714

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse marks the point where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River in Northern New York State. Built in 1827, the Lighthouse features the only original working Fresnel lens in Lake Ontario. Visitors will enjoy using the provided telescope to survey the Lake and River. Tibbetts Point Lighthouse also features a Hostel for those staying over in town.

Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair is a freshwater lake that lies between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of Michigan. It was named after Clare of Assisi, on whose feast day it was navigated and christened by French Catholic explorers in 1679.  Lake St. Clair is part of the Great Lakes system, but is 17 times smaller in area than Lake Ontario. It is rarely included in the list of “Great Lakes” but is sometimes referred to as “the sixth Great Lake.”

Mariner Park  at 14702 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215 is where Lake St. Clair drains into the Detroit river which goes to Lake Erie.  Windmill Point Lighthouse is located at this park. 

Lake St. Clair view from Mariner Park

Saint Lawrence River

The Saint Lawrence River is a large river in the middle latitudes of North America. The Saint Lawrence River flows in a roughly north-easterly direction, connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean and forming the primary drainage outflow of the Great Lakes Basin. The Saint Lawrence River runs 3,058 kilometres (1,900 mi) from the farthest headwater to the mouth and 1,197 km (743.8 mi) from the outflow of Lake Ontario. These numbers include the estuary; without the estuary the length from Lake Ontario is ca. 500 km (ca. 300 mi). The farthest headwater is the North River in the Mesabi Range at Hibbing, Minnesota.

Parc Jean-Drapeau

1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC H3C 1A9, Canada  | 45.513580, -73.538471

One of my favorite places to go in Montreal. It has a great view of old downtown Montreal. Park made up of 2 islands on the Saint Lawrence River that are home to multiple attractions, venues & museums. The Biosphere Environmental Museum is an interesting place too. 

View of Quebec City 

Located here at 6075 Rue Saint-Laurent, Lévis, QC G6V 3P5, Canada | 46.814923, -71.184994 You can see old Quebec and a good view of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.