GRAND PORTAGE FERRY FIELD GUIDE
Clockwise Along the Edge: The 30‑Minute Voyageur II Hop from McCargoe to Belle Isle
A one-way, 30-minute inter-island crossing on the purpose-built Voyageur II from McCargoe Boat Dock to Belle Isle; this guide covers boarding, onboard amenities, and the booking essentials you must know.
Clockwise Along the Edge: The 30‑Minute Voyageur II Hop from McCargoe to Belle Isle.
Board the Voyageur II at McCargoe and spend 30 minutes skirting the perimeter of Isle Royale aboard a vessel built for the Great Lakes. The boat combines U.S. Mail and passenger service and travels clockwise around the park, offering perimeter views and passenger drops at several trailheads and paddling embarkation points while providing comfortable cabin seating, outdoor decks and onboard restrooms.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Purpose-built Voyageur II
The Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel with twin Detroit diesels, built specifically for service on the Great Lakes. It carries up to 46 passengers, with booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on the bow and stern decks, men's and women's restrooms and private crew quarters.
Clockwise Perimeter Passage
The Voyageur II travels clockwise around Isle Royale, giving passengers an opportunity to see the island’s perimeter and allowing drops at several trailheads and paddling embarkation points; the route includes overnight service at Rock Harbor as part of the vessel’s schedule.
Short, One-way Hop with Planning Needs
This is a one-way trip from McCargoe to Belle Isle that takes approximately 30 minutes; passengers must purchase a return trip or have an alternate return plan and should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
You board at McCargoe Boat Dock and choose cabin booth seating or outdoor bow and stern deck seats for a short, purposeful crossing. Over roughly 30 minutes the vessel moves clockwise around Isle Royale, offering perimeter views and the option to disembark at trailheads or paddling embarkation points as the schedule allows, arriving at Belle Isle as a one-way connection.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this crossing suits—and what you should plan for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Voyageur II provides booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on the bow and stern decks, men's and women's restrooms and private crew quarters.
All passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before published departure times to complete boarding.
The scheduled crossing time for this one-way inter-island trip is approximately 30 minutes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The one-way crossing from McCargoe to Belle Isle takes approximately 30 minutes.
Where do I board the Voyageur II?
Board at the McCargoe Boat Dock; all passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure.
Is this a round-trip service?
No—this listing is for a one-way trip from McCargoe to Belle Isle. You must purchase a return trip or have an alternate return plan when buying passage.
When do online bookings close?
Online bookings for outbound trips close at midnight the day of travel; online bookings for inbound trips close 24 hours in advance.
Can I book same-day?
If you have an emergency and need a same-day booking, call the operator to arrange same-day passage.
What amenities are available onboard?
The Voyageur II offers cabin booth seating, outdoor bow and stern seating and men's and women's restrooms; it is a purpose-built 65' aluminum passenger vessel rated for 46 passengers.