How long is the ferry ride from Daisy Farm to Chippewa Harbor?

The trip takes approximately 30 minutes one way aboard the Voyageur II.

Do I need to book a return trip as well?

Yes, return trips or alternative transportation should be booked in advance to ensure a reliable schedule.

Is the Voyageur II equipped with indoor seating and restrooms?

Yes, the vessel has booth seating inside and separate men’s and women’s restrooms.

Can I bring my bike or paddling gear onboard?

The ferry stops at trailheads and paddle launch points, but you should check with the operator for equipment policies.

What wildlife might I see during the ferry ride?

Passengers often spot moose, gray wolves near shorelines, and various bird species around the island.

Are there weather restrictions or cancellations for the ferry?

Trips may be rescheduled or canceled due to severe weather or rough lake conditions for passenger safety.

Isle Royale Ferry Ride with Grand Portage Transportation

Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, is one of the most remote wilderness destinations in the continental United States. The only way to get there is by watercraft, and Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines makes that connection seamless with their Voyageur II vessel. The trip from Daisy Farm to Chippewa Harbor aboard the 65-foot aluminum ferry offers a distinctive vantage point on the rugged perimeter of this island park.

The Voyageur II was engineered for the challenging Great Lakes conditions, featuring comfortable indoor booth seating, bathrooms, and outdoor deck spaces perfect for scanning the horizon or spotting wildlife. This roughly 30-minute one-way journey travels clockwise around Isle Royale, stopping at several key trailheads that give hikers and paddlers direct access to the island’s famed backcountry. Participants should plan return trips in advance or arrange alternative transportation, as the Voyageur II primarily serves as a crucial inter-island shuttle.

Isle Royale is renowned for its ancient basalt lava flows, dense spruce-fir forests, and populations of moose and gray wolves. Its status as a federally designated wilderness since 1940 creates a sense of timelessness here—there are no roads, and the ferry is the lifeline for park visitors and staff alike. Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines, based in Minnesota, plays an indispensable role in supporting outdoor recreation on the island while ensuring minimal environmental impact through well-maintained vessels and regulated schedules.

For adventurers seeking to connect with nature via ferry transit and land-based exploration, the Daisy Farm to Chippewa Harbor route offers a uniquely intimate way to experience Isle Royale’s remote beauty and rugged shorelines. This is transportation that’s part adventure, part gateway, and all deeply tied to one of Lake Superior’s crown jewels.