One-Way on the Voyageur II: Chippewa Harbor → Malone Bay around Isle Royale

GRAND PORTAGE FERRY FIELD GUIDE

One-Way on the Voyageur II: Chippewa Harbor → Malone Bay around Isle Royale

A one-hour, one-way ferry aboard the 65' Voyageur II from Chippewa Harbor to Malone Bay that outlines the vessel, route stops and key booking and boarding details.

One-Way on the Voyageur II: Chippewa Harbor → Malone Bay around Isle Royale.

Duration
1 Hour
Location
Grand Portage
Operator
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines
Category
Ferry
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Voyageur II, a 65-foot aluminum passenger vessel purpose-built for service on the Great Lakes. The route offers passengers the chance to experience the stunning beauty of Isle Royale National Park as the boat travels clockwise around the island, with stops at scenic trailheads and paddling embarkation points and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating for the crossing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VESSEL

Voyageur II — built for the Great Lakes

The Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel powered by twin Detroit diesels and purpose built for service on the Great Lakes. The boat combines U.S. Mail and passenger service, offers booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on the bow and stern decks, men's and women's restrooms, and private crew quarters; it carries up to 46 passengers.

THE ROUTE

Perimeter passage with trailhead and paddling drops

The Voyageur II travels clockwise around Isle Royale, giving visitors the opportunity to see the island's perimeter and allowing passenger drops at several trailheads and paddling embarkation points; the vessel also stays overnight at Rock Harbor on its circuit.

THE PRACTICALS

One-way service to Malone Bay

This listing is a one-way trip from Chippewa Harbor to Malone Bay; passengers must purchase a return trip or have an alternate return plan when booking a trip to Isle Royale. Online booking windows and same-day booking instructions apply.

What the day feels like

What the crossing feels like

A short coastal crossing aboard a comfortable, purpose-built aluminum vessel: passengers settle into booth seating or onto outdoor bow and stern decks, watch the island pass as the Voyageur II makes its clockwise circuit, and prepare to disembark at scenic trailheads or at Malone Bay after the one-hour run.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this service suits and key constraints to consider.

1
Independent hikers and paddlersGood for visitors connecting to trailheads and paddling put-ins around Isle Royale, but note the Voyageur II is a one-way service and you must arrange a return trip or alternative transport.
2
Short-trip sightseersAppropriate for travelers looking for a brief coastal passage and island perimeter views; vessel capacity is limited and bookings close on specific schedules, so plan accordingly.
3
FamiliesThe boat offers indoor booth seating and outdoor deck seating plus restrooms, making short crossings practical for families, but remember the service described is one-way and return logistics must be handled separately.
4
Those requiring clear logisticsTravelers who need clear return transport should take care: the trip is sold one-way to Malone Bay and requires a separately purchased return or alternate plan; booking windows and capacity limits apply.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Expect Onboard

The Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel with booth seating in the cabin and outdoor seating on the bow and stern deck; men's and women's restrooms are available onboard.

Boarding & Arrival

All passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure times; the trip departs from Chippewa Harbor Boat Dock.

Vessel Capacity & Use

The vessel carries up to 46 passengers and was purpose built for service on the Great Lakes, combining U.S. Mail and passenger service on its circuit.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip from Chippewa Harbor to Malone Bay?

The one-way crossing on the Voyageur II lasts 1 hour.

Where do I meet for departure?

Departures board at the Chippewa Harbor Boat Dock; all passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure times.

Is this a round-trip service?

No. This listing is a one-way trip from Chippewa Harbor to Malone Bay; you must purchase your return trip or have an alternate return plan when purchasing a trip to Isle Royale.

How many passengers can the Voyageur II carry?

The Voyageur II has a 46-passenger capacity.

When do online bookings close?

Online bookings for outbound trips close at midnight the day of; online bookings for inbound trips close 24 hours in advance. In case of emergency, call for same-day bookings.

What facilities are available onboard?

The Voyageur II provides booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on the bow and stern decks, and men's and women's restrooms.