HOUGHTON TOWNSHIP TRANSPORTATION FIELD GUIDE
Islands on Demand: Water Taxi — Rock Harbor to South Shore Island Docks
A one-way water taxi service that ferries guests and their canoes or kayaks between Rock Harbor and island docks—handy for backpackers, paddlers, and lodge guests; reservations are recommended.
Islands on Demand: Water Taxi — Rock Harbor to South Shore Island Docks.
Zip across the lake on a Water Taxi to accelerate a backcountry day or to reach island trailheads and campsites. The service carries guests and small craft to a range of island docks, offering quick drop-offs and pickups for compact groups and lightweight gear.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fast, flexible island access
One-way water taxi service connects Rock Harbor with South Shore island docks and other island landings, making short, purposeful crossings that put you at the water’s edge where trails and camps begin.
Bring your canoe or kayak
Guests may bring canoes or kayaks aboard the Water Taxi—an obvious advantage for paddlers who want to combine a shuttled crossing with on-water exploration.
Small-group transport
Trips are scaled for small parties, offering quick drop-off and pick-up service that suits backpackers, paddlers, and lodge guests seeking flexible, low-footprint travel to island docks.
What the day feels like
What the ride delivers
The Water Taxi shortens transit time to the islands, moving small teams and their light gear or boats in a single crossing so you arrive ready to launch into backcountry plans with minimal fuss.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who fares best on these crossings and who should plan alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests may bring kayaks or canoes and should plan to travel with backpacks or small, manageable personal gear.
The service accepts canoes and kayaks aboard the Water Taxi so you can combine a ferry crossing with paddling plans.
Travel light for easiest loading and quick transfers between vessel and shore; bring only what you can handle carrying to and from docks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I bring a canoe or kayak on the Water Taxi?
Yes. Guests may bring canoes or kayaks on the Water Taxi service.
How many canoes can be transported per trip?
There is a maximum of two canoes per trip.
How many guests can ride at once?
Each trip can include a maximum of six guests with backpacks only, or four guests when two canoes are aboard.
Is the Water Taxi service affected by weather?
Yes. All Water Taxis are subject to weather and lake conditions, and service may be changed or canceled accordingly.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended.
Is there an extra charge to transport a canoe?
Transportation of canoes is charged at the same rate as the one-guest rate.