North America's Great Lakes are a
wonderland of diverse natural
environments, iconic wildlife and some
of the most fascinating cities in North
America. Over 1,200 kms across, with
over 16,000 kms of coastline, the Great
Lakes are the largest freshwater
ecosystem on earth. Boasting stunning
national parks best explored via
tranquil kayaking and hiking, this area
is also rich in culture, with world-class
museums, vibrant cities and areas
steeped in First Nations traditions.
The Great Lakes are an ideal animal
habitat with vast swaths of protected
shoreline and an array of national parks
and wilderness areas. Here, a diverse
ecosystem exists surrounded by spruce,
fir, pine and maple forests, with steep
granite cliffs and flat coastal wetlands.
Unsurprisingly, abundant freshwater
ecosystems flourish here, and more
than 3,500 types of plants and animals
and 250 species of fish call the Great
Lakes home.
Visit world-famous Niagara Falls, a
group of three falls, and hear the
majestic roar that has been
immortalised in countless poems and
literature. Or explore Sleeping Giant
Provincial Park, a tranquil park
featuring a variety of forest trails for
hiking, as well as boating, biking,
bird-watching and wildlife viewing. At
the same time, city sophistication is
never too far away. Toronto, Canada's
largest and most diverse city, is
renowned for its multicultural dining
experiences, theatre, art galleries and
museums, while Chicago, one of
America's great cities, is a melting pot
of arts and culture, great restaurants
and an unforgettable skyline.
V I K I N G O C TA N T I S , G R E AT L A K ES , S I LV E R I S L E T
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