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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At a Glance

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

What You'll Learn

  • 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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 this program.

Profile Image of Sue Shoemaker
Sue Shoemaker View biography
Sue Shoemaker, a native-born Michigander, lives on a farm in the “Thumb.” A gratifying teaching and counseling career in middle school inspired Sue to become a group leader in order to share her passion for learning and travel with others. Sue has led a variety of Road Scholar programs: study cruises on the Great Lakes and the Columbia River, as well as land-based programs in Chicago, Detroit, Albuquerque (Balloon Fiesta), and northern Michigan.
Profile Image of Lynde Vespoli
Lynde Vespoli View biography
Lynde Vespoli has been leading groups since 2006 and has worked for Road Scholar since 2012. She has certificates in travel and tourism, as well as hospitality and tourism management. A native Midwesterner, she has led programs in that region as well as Washington, D.C., New York, Canada, Cuba, and Italy. In her free time, Lynde enjoys traveling with her family and spoiling her granddaughters.
Profile Image of Candice Dunnigan
Candice Dunnigan View biography
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.
Profile Image of Micki Sigmon
Micki Sigmon View biography
Michele “Micki” Sigmon began her career in education, teaching outdoor education and recreation for 12 years. When an opportunity to work as a travel director fell into her lap, she knew she had found her calling. Micki has been working in the travel industry for about 20 years. She has owned her own travel company, worked on domestic river cruises and steamboats, and led groups throughout Chicago and the Great Lakes region. Micki looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of learning.
Profile Image of Chip Reeves
Chip Reeves View biography
Chip Reeves is a Michigander who is excited to share his local expertise. During the pandemic, Chip helped lead a business-focused university as vice president of finance and administration. He was formerly a marketing director with three decades 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 in Japan. He is a guest lecturer and professional facilitator for business and cross-cultural topics.
Profile Image of Kim Johnson
Kim Johnson View biography
Kim Johnson is a lifelong Michigander. A graduate of Michigan State University, she spent over 30 years as a commercial banker. By happenstance, she discovered group leading which allowed her to retire early. This career change 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.
Profile Image of Greg Johnson
Greg Johnson View biography
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.
Profile Image of Joanie and Gary McGuffin
Joanie and Gary McGuffin View biography
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.
Profile Image of James Lenfestey
James Lenfestey View biography
Journalist and poet James P. Lenfestey was born and raised in De Pere, Wisconsin, and educated at Dartmouth College. In 1974, he discovered the work of T’ang poet Han-shan, or Cold Mountain, whose poems offer both thematic and formal inspiration for Lenfestey’s concise, image-driven poetry. For fifteen years he chaired the Literary Witnesses poetry program in Minneapolis and led a summer poetry series on Mackinac Island, Michigan. He lives in Minneapolis and on Mackinac Island with his wife.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Sep 25 - Oct 02
  • May 29 - Jun 05
  • Jun 12 - Jun 19
  • Jun 19 - Jun 26
  • Jun 26 - Jul 03
  • Jul 24 - Jul 31
  • Jul 31 - Aug 07
  • Aug 07 - Aug 14
  • Aug 21 - Aug 28
  • Sep 04 - Sep 11
  • Sep 18 - Sep 25
  • Sep 25 - Oct 02
  • Oct 02 - Oct 09
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Sep 25 - Oct 02
  • May 29 - Jun 05
  • Jun 12 - Jun 19
  • Jun 19 - Jun 26
  • Jun 26 - Jul 03
  • Jul 24 - Jul 31
  • Jul 31 - Aug 07
  • Aug 07 - Aug 14
  • Aug 21 - Aug 28
  • Sep 04 - Sep 11
  • Sep 18 - Sep 25
  • Sep 25 - Oct 02
  • Oct 02 - Oct 09
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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8 days
7 nights
18 meals
7 B 6 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Traverse City, MI
D
Bayshore Resort

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Hotel check-in: Available from 4:00 p.m. Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. Program Orientation: 5:00 p.m. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate; program activities and schedules may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. During scheduled free time, the Group Leader will often be available to accompany informal excursions, activities, or meals that have been excluded from the program cost. You are welcome to join if you like, with any associated costs on your own, or enjoy personal independent exploration.

Dinner: In the hotel, we'll enjoy a buffet meal with salad, choice of entrée, and dessert with coffee, tea and water.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know fellow participants and get a good night’s sleep for the full day ahead.

DAY
2
Sleeping Bear Dunes,Village Commons,Mission Point Lighthouse
Traverse City, MI
B,L
Bayshore Resort

Activity note: Driving for 100 miles, approximately 2 hours total. Walking approximately 3 miles total for the day. Walking and standing up for up to 1 mile (approximately 1.5 hour) at Village Commons.

Breakfast: At the hotel, enjoy a breakfast buffet including cereal/oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, toast, baked goods, juices, coffee, tea, and water.

Morning: This morning we will venture by motor coach to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, considered one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Known for its clear blue water, sandy beaches, and bluffs that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, this National Lakeshore is home to lush forests, unique flora and picturesque farmsteads. It is an area rich in maritime, agricultural and recreational history.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will continue on to The Village campus, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital grounds. During our walking exploration, we will learn about this former asylum and its impact on the city. We will also view the architecture and learn about the former uses of the structures on the property. We will then drive to Mission Point Lighthouse, during which you will experience one of the most highly rated coastal drives in North America. The lighthouse is situated- surrounded by lush forest on three sides with thickly wooded trails. Mission Point light house was first lit in 1870. Mission Point attracts visitors during all seasons- from cross country skiers to sea kayakers.

Dinner: Dinner will be on your own in Traverse City. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There will be time to dine and explore the local area.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Mushroom Houses, Fish Hatchery, Ermatinger Clearge Home
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
B,L,D
Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie

Activity note: Crossing Border: Pack your passport in your carry-on. Getting on/ off motor coach. Driving for 175 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking and standing up for up to 1 mile (approximately 1 hour) at the Mushroom Houses. Total walking throughout the day will be approximately 3 miles.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll check out of the hotel, take our luggage to the motorcoach for loading, and hop on board for our journey to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Our first stop this morning will be to view the Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix, Michigan on a walking exploration of the neighborhood. These homes were designed by architect Earl Young. In his career he completed 26 residential and 4 commercial properties. Each home of his creation is unique and was designed to blend in with its surrounding landscape. Young's style was special because of his use of indigenous materials, like stones from the shores of Lake Michigan, and the application of stone masonry. We will then continue on to the Oden State Fish Hatchery, the original fish hatchery that began operation in 1921. This is a site where finfish and shellfish are raised and bred. We will learn about the significance that the fishing industry has on Michigan’s economy, as well as what is involved in operating and managing a fishery in Michigan.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: We'll re-board the motorcoach, cross the border into Canada (U.S. passport required), and check into the hotel. We will have some time to rest before departing for dinner. Tonight's dinner will be at the Ermatinger Clearge National Historic Site with homes that depict domestic and professional life of prominent residents between 1808 and 1870.

Dinner: This will be a theatrical dinner which we will learn more about the history, customs, and lifestyles of early settlers. In the dining room at the Ermatinger Old Stone House, we will have a heritage dinner which includes dishes typical of the era served near the hearth of a historic home with coffee, tea, and water.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Bushplane Museum, Metis Interpretive Guided Canoe Experience
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
B,L,D
Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie

Activity note: Walking approximately 2 miles throughout the day. Canoe trip with optional paddling.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motor coach for a short drive to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center. We will discover the heritage of bush plane firefighting in Ontario, from its history to a collection of the actual aircraft that made this practice possible. Observe and even interact with the planes on display.

Lunch: At a local restaurant

Afternoon: Members of the Sault Ste Marie Métis Community will share their culture and traditions during his visit which takes place both on the land and water. There are two components. Part of it involves 1.5-miles of leisurely walking with a variety of stops at historic points of interest between the Métis Cultural Centre and the Sault Canal National Historic Site. The other part involves paddling the Big Canoe on the St Marys River. Participants will experience the Sault Locks, a close-up view of the famous Whitefish Rapids, Fort Creek and the Métis Riverlots. The 36-foot canoe is stable and comfortable, and participants may paddle as much, or as little, as they wish. No prior experience is necessary. Before boarding the Big Canoe, all participants are provided with a well-fitting PFD, a paddle and a short instruction. During the river time, participants enjoy a locally curated snack of cedar tea, Bannock and smoked whitefish.

Dinner: At a local restaurant

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Sault Ste Marie Canal, St Mary's Rapids, Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, MI
B,L,D
Island House Hotel

Activity note: Crossing Border: Pack your passport in your carry-on. At St. Mary's Rapids, 45 minutes - 1 hour hike over uneven beach terrain; some exposed roots and rocks, gravel; no restroom facilities on trail. Travel by ferry boat for approximately 3 miles or 20 minutes.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will head to our last stop in Canada, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site. This was the final link in the Canadian navigation system stretching from the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior, completed in 1895. It was then the world's longest lock and the first powered by electricity. We will also walk out to see the St. Mary’s River Rapids, a short stretch of the river famed for annual salmon runs. Then, crossing the border, we visit the Soo Locks, operated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The first navigation lock, built by the Northwest Fur Company in 1797, was destroyed in the War of 1812. It was not until 1855 that a new lock system opened to facilitate shipping between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, on into the other Great Lakes and their communities.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: We'll continue to St. Ignace and board the ferry for a 20-minute ride to Mackinac Island. The arrival dock is close to the hotel but since there are no automobiles on the island, we will travel by horse-drawn carriage to the front door. Luggage will be taken up for us.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, make menu selections including soup or salad, entrée, dessert, as well as coffee, tea and water.

Evening: At leisure. Relax and settle in to the island lifestyle.

DAY
6
Horse-drawn Carriage, Grand Hotel Lunch, Free Time
Mackinac Island, MI
B,L
Island House Hotel

Activity note: Travel on a horse-drawn carriage for 1.5 hours. Will need to be able to climb up three steps onto carriage. Travel on island is only by horse drawn carriage, bike, or walking. Walking exploration will be for 1 hour and will include 1 mile of walking.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, choose from a buffet with cold and hot cereal, eggs, baked goods, fruit, juices, milk, coffee, tea.

Morning: This morning we will board horse-drawn carriages to see some of the island’s most interesting sights. Our guided exploration will include views of the state park, island overlooks, and a drive by the governor's mansion. Our private exploration will conclude at the Grand Hotel.

Lunch: At the Grand Hotel, enjoy the renowned Grand Luncheon Buffet with garden-fresh salads, savory cheeses, slow-roasted meats, seafood, and many varieties of fresh-baked pastries.

Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Grand Hotel grounds that include different gardens, a meditation labyrinth, and an art gallery. Feel free to relax on the porch or call a horse drawn taxi and explore independently. We will make our way back to the hotel to meet a life-long resident and prominent figure of Mackinac Island. We will hear stories about life on the island as well as the role their family played in local history and the renovation of the Island House Hotel. We will have free time for the rest of the evening. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what's most interesting to you. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Morning Lecture, Fort Mackinac
Mackinac Island, MI
B,L,D
Island House Hotel

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles on gravel paths. Travel by horse-drawn carriage for up to 10 minutes. Will need to be able to climb 3 steps onto carriage.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel.

Morning: We'll gather in a meeting room at the hotel with a local expert to learn about one of Mackinac Island’s most important resources: horses. Gain an understanding and appreciation of their role and importance to island life. Afterwards, we'll take the horse-drawn taxi to Fort Mackinac, built by the British during the Revolutionary War. The stone Officers Quarters is the oldest building in Michigan. Ownership transferred to the U.S. after the Revolution but the British took it back during the War of 1812. Then we got it back again! Today there are 14 original buildings at the Fort with interactive displays, exhibits tracing history, period furnishings, and costumed interpretive staff.

Lunch: In the Fort Mackinac Tea Room, have soup, sandwich, and choice of beverage from iced tea, lemonade or water.

Afternoon: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what's most interesting to you. The Stuart House City Museum is a free time activity available for participants at no additional cost. The Stuart House was built in 1817 as part of the American Fur Company that made the original John Jacob Astor the first millionaire in America.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a farewell dinner in our private room with selections from the restaurant menu — an opportunity to share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At your leisure.

DAY
8
Ferry & Transfer to Traverse City Airport, Program Concludes
Traverse City, MI
B

Activity note: Travel by ferry boat for 3 miles or 20 minutes back to mainland & ride aboard motorcoach, approximately 1.5 hours or 175 miles. Arrival at Traverse City airport is expected to be approximately at 12:00 p.m. depending on local conditions. We advise making no onward travel arrangements before 2:00 p.m.

Breakfast: Early at the hotel. Before breakfast, place your luggage outside your room to be picked up and carted to the ferry.

Morning: We'll depart early and take the ferry back to the mainland then board a motorcoach for the ride to Traverse City Airport. After airport drop-off, the bus will continue to the Bayshore Resort for anyone who drove and needs to pick up a car. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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