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Michigan/Ontario

The Best of Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac Island: A Trans-Border Discovery

Program No. 21920RJ

Embark on an adventure between two countries, discovering timeless traditions, natural wonders, historical landmarks and cultural heritage with friendly locals and experts.

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

8 days

Program Begins

Traverse City, MI

Program Concludes

Traverse City, MI

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

18 ( 7B, 6L, 5D )

Activity Level

Join us for a cross-border learning adventure that takes you from one of the oldest continuous settlements in North America to an island suspended in time. Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario, Canada, has been inhabited for thousands of years. Equally ancient Mackinac Island became popular as a vacation destination in the late 19th century. Accessible only by boat and plane, the island maintains its Victorian ambiance with a focus on simple pleasures and a ban on cars. Learn from experts about history, culture, people and achievements through the ages.

Best of all, you'll...

Recall earlier eras as you explore Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage to study its architecture and history with lunch at the Grand Hotel.
Travel to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to view the dunes above Lake Michigan and learn about the geology and ecology of the dune plateau area.
Learn about the importance of the fur trade during a field trip to Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site.

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Candice Dunnigan

Candi Dunnigan is a longtime resident and equestrian on Mackinac Island. She resides at Easterly Cottage with her family, and an assorted menagerie of horses, dogs, and cats. She has been the weekly equine columnist for The Mackinac Island Town Crier for fifteen years, and served as the first president of the Mackinac Island Horsemen’s Association. A former fox hunter, she enjoys cross country and trail riding more than anything. As an international rider she has ridden in across Europe and in Costa Rica.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Chip Reeves

A Michigander, Chip Reeves is excited to share his local expertise with you in one of the most beautiful parts of the U.S. Chip is a marketing director with 30 years of experience in innovation and international strategy. He is a lifelong student of language and culture that grew from his high school exchange student experience to Japan. He is a guest lecturer and professional facilitator for business and cross-cultural topics. This year, he's celebrating 25 years of marriage with Mamiko and their two boys.

Joanie and Gary McGuffin

Joanie and Gary are experienced Canadian guides, explorers and photographers whose epic canoe journeys have spanned the continent. Conservation and adventure photography is their passion.

Kim Johnson

Kim Johnson is a lifelong Michigander. A graduate of Michigan State University, she spent over 30 years as a commercial banker. When she discovered group leading by happenstance, this allowed her to retire early from her banking career, a change that perfectly coincided with her grown sons venturing out on their own career paths. Today, Kim and her husband Greg are both enjoying life as group leaders with both students and adults. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, cycling, pet-sitting, and researching new places to visit.

Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson is a native Michigander and a lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and spent 30 years working with people in the retail industry. Always an avid traveler, he changed careers and now pursues his passion for a living. Greg and his wife Kim both enjoy life as group leaders for adult and student travel. His hobbies include sports travel, yard work, family, and pets.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles per day, including two nature trail walks. Transportation on Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage, walking.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (9 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.