THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard the Voyageur II for a one-hour ferry ride around Isle Royale National Park. Discover remote trailheads and paddling spots while enjoying stunning lake views on this essential Great Lakes adventure.
Step aboard the Voyageur II for a one-hour ferry ride around Isle Royale National Park. Discover remote trailheads and paddling spots while enjoying stunning lake views on this essential Great Lakes adventure.
Book with Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines · Grand Portage, Minnesota
Journey across the rugged waters of Lake Superior aboard the Voyageur II, a 65-foot aluminum vessel purpose-built to navigate the vast expanse surrounding Isle Royale National Park. Operated by Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines, the Chippewa Harbor to Malone Bay route offers an unparalleled ferry experience that combines seamless travel with the chance to witness one of America’s most remote wilderness islands from the water.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan’s portion of Lake Superior, is a unique destination characterized by its dense boreal forests, rocky shorelines, and diverse wildlife, including moose and the elusive gray wolf. Established as a national park in 1940, Isle Royale remains one of the least visited but most pristine wilderness areas in the contiguous United States. The Voyageur II’s route circles the island clockwise, making stops at scenic trailheads and paddling spots, letting adventurers off and on to immerse themselves in hiking or kayaking journeys. This trip isn’t just transportation—it’s an introduction to Isle Royale’s wild edges.
Comfort meets adventure onboard, with booth seating inside the cabin and open-air decks on the bow and stern where views of rugged cliffs and tranquil bays unfurl. The vessel’s twin Detroit diesel engines smoothly cut through the lake’s surface, offering a steady ride even as weather shifts. The Chippewa Harbor to Malone Bay leg takes roughly an hour and requires passengers to arrive 45 minutes before departure for a smooth boarding.
This service sits at the heart of Isle Royale’s outdoor scene, making remote parts of the park accessible while preserving the island’s untouched character. Travelers should plan return trips ahead—online bookings close well in advance—ensuring this essential link between lake and land opens a gateway to adventure. Whether arriving for a day hike, paddling the island’s jagged coastline, or setting off on a multi-day backcountry trek, the Voyageur II is a reliable companion for rugged exploration in one of the Great Lakes’ most spectacular corners.
easy.
1 hour.
No special fitness level required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
The vessel includes indoor cabin seating and outdoor decks; please contact Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Space for large gear like bikes or kayaks is limited; check with the operator ahead of time to arrange transport options.
Contact the company as soon as possible, but note that trips are subject to strict boarding times and advance booking.
Yes, the vessel has men’s and women’s restrooms for passenger convenience.
Tickets are strongly recommended to be purchased in advance, as online booking closes 24 hours prior for inbound trips, and midnight the day of for outbound trips.
There is no onboard food service, so bring your own snacks and water for the journey.
Isle Royale was designated a National Park in 1940 and is known for its ecological research, especially wolf-moose population studies.
The park maintains strict limits on visitor numbers and transportation to minimize human impact and protect fragile island ecosystems.
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines provides scheduled boat transportation and island shuttle service to Isle Royale National Park aboard the Voyageur II. The company operates a 65' aluminum vessel designed for the Great Lakes and offers a range of one-way and round-trip routes connecting key island access points, including Grand Portage, Rock Harbor, Windigo, Daisy Farm, Malone Bay, McCargoe Cove, Chippewa Harbor, and Belle Isle. Trips vary from full perimeter runs to shorter day trips, with stops at scenic trailheads and paddling spots to support hikers, paddlers, and island visitors. The Voyageur II features comfortable seating and onboard amenities intended to support passenger comfort during island transfers and sightseeing cruises. Routes are scheduled to provide direct connections between mainland departure points and island landings, making it possible to arrange point-to-point travel across Isle Royale National Park without backtracking. All published trip summaries emphasize the vessel’s design for the Great Lakes, the scenic nature of perimeter cruising, and stops at established trailheads. The business lists named itineraries and day trip options that serve both recreational visitors and those accessing backcountry trail systems. For visitors planning travel to Isle Royale, Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines offers a practical transportation alternative that focuses on connecting widely used island destinations with direct boat service aboard an appropriately sized Great Lakes vessel.
Book with Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines