Step aboard the Voyageur II for a scenic 6-hour ferry ride from Grand Portage to Belle Isle, your gateway to Isle Royale National Park’s wild backcountry and pristine shoreline.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort needed; suitable for most fitness levels as the ferry ride requires no strenuous activity.
Wildlife
History
Isle Royale was designated a National Park in 1940, preserving its unique volcanic origins and isolated ecosystem in Lake Superior.
Conservation
Strict Leave No Trace practices are enforced on Isle Royale to protect its fragile habitats from human impact and invasive species.
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines
Step aboard the Voyageur II for a scenic 6-hour ferry ride from Grand Portage to Belle Isle, your gateway to Isle Royale National Park’s wild backcountry and pristine shoreline.
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.
Routes
23 routes
Flexible island connections
Vessel
Voyageur II — 65'
Aluminum hull for Great Lakes
Destination
Isle Royale National Park
Stops at scenic trailheads
Seating
Comfortable seating
Passenger amenities onboard
Check schedules and choose a route for day trips or point-to-point island transfers — secure a seat on scheduled sailings today.
Book Return Trips Early
Ensure you arrange your return trip or alternate plans before departure, as ferry availability is limited and often sells out.
Arrive Early at the Dock
Plan to be at the dock at least 45 minutes prior to departure for check-in and boarding procedures.
Dress in Layers
Lake Superior’s weather can be unpredictable; bring warm layers and waterproof gear even in summer.
Bring Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing
Keep binoculars handy for spotting eagles, wolves, or moose along the island’s shoreline during the voyage.
Layered Clothing
Adapt to changing weather conditions on Lake Superior with warm, moisture-wicking layers.
Windproof Jacket
Protect yourself from strong lake winds especially in cooler months.
spring
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife and shoreline viewing during the ferry journey.
Camera
Capture striking island vistas and memorable moments from the deck.