GRAND PORTAGE FERRY FIELD GUIDE
Perimeter Passage: Malone Bay to Grand Portage Aboard the Voyageur II
A one-way, 5-hour Voyageur II ferry from Malone Bay to Grand Portage that travels the island’s perimeter, stopping at trailheads and paddling embarkation points — this guide distills the vessel details, logistics, and what to expect onboard.
Perimeter Passage: Malone Bay to Grand Portage Aboard the Voyageur II.
Set out from Malone Bay on the Voyageur II for a five-hour, one-way transit around Isle Royale that showcases the island’s shoreline and access points. Purpose-built for Great Lakes service, the 65' aluminum Voyageur II combines U.S. Mail and passenger service, travels clockwise around the park with an overnight at Rock Harbor, and allows passenger drops at multiple trailheads and paddling embarkation points while offering booth seating, outdoor bow and stern decks, restrooms and crew accommodations.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Voyageur II — Built for the Lakes
The Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel powered by twin Detroit diesels and built for service on the Great Lakes. It carries mail and passengers, seats up to 46 people in cabin booths with outdoor bow and stern seating, and includes men's and women's restrooms and private crew quarters.
Clockwise Perimeter Passage
The Voyageur II travels clockwise around Isle Royale, offering passengers the chance to see the island’s full perimeter and to disembark at several trailheads and paddling embarkation points; the vessel stays overnight at Rock Harbor as part of its circuit.
One-Way for Multi-Day Trips
This service is a one-way journey from Malone Bay to Grand Portage geared to campers and multi-day itineraries — passengers must purchase a return trip or have an alternate return plan when booking.
What the day feels like
How the Passage Feels
Board at Malone Bay and settle into booth or outdoor seating as the Voyageur II follows a clockwise circuit around Isle Royale. Over roughly five hours the vessel hugs the shoreline, pauses to set out passengers at trailheads and paddling launch points, and includes an overnight stop at Rock Harbor on its perimeter route — a steady, service-minded transit that combines practical transport with sustained shoreline viewing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ferry suits — and where it can complicate plans.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The scheduled transit runs approximately five hours; arrive at the Malone Bay dock early — all passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure.
This is a one-way trip; you must purchase a return trip or have an alternate return plan when booking. Online outbound bookings close at midnight the day of travel; online inbound bookings close 24 hours in advance. For same-day emergencies, call the operator.
The Voyageur II provides booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on the bow and stern decks, and men's and women's restrooms.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip from Malone Bay to Grand Portage?
The one-way voyage takes approximately five hours.
Where do I meet the vessel?
Passengers meet at the Malone Bay Boat Dock and should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure.
Is this a round-trip service?
No — this listing is a one-way trip from Malone Bay to Grand Portage; you must purchase your return trip or have an alternate return plan when purchasing a trip to Isle Royale.
Can I book online the day of travel?
Online bookings for outbound trips close at midnight on the day of travel. For inbound trips, online bookings close 24 hours in advance; in case of emergency, call for same-day bookings.
How many passengers does the Voyageur II carry?
The vessel has a capacity of 46 passengers.
What sort of seating and facilities are available on board?
The Voyageur II offers booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on the bow and stern decks, and men's and women's restrooms.