HOUGHTON TOWNSHIP TRANSPORTATION FIELD GUIDE
Water Taxi — North Shore Island Docks to Rock Harbor: Fast, Small-Group Drop‑Offs for Paddlers and Backpackers
One-way water taxi service between North Shore island docks and Rock Harbor that accepts up to two canoes per trip and carries small groups; reservations are recommended.
Water Taxi — North Shore Island Docks to Rock Harbor: Fast, Small-Group Drop‑Offs for Paddlers and Backpackers.
Zip across the lake on a Water Taxi operated by Rock Harbor Lodge & Marina, a nimble service that drops off and picks up guests at many island docks. It’s built for people who want to access backcountry shores quickly—bring a kayak or canoe (the service carries up to two per trip) and cut straight to paddling or hiking without a long approach.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Direct connection: North Shore island docks → Rock Harbor
The Water Taxi links the North Shore island docks with Rock Harbor, offering both drop-off and pick-up options at many island docks to shorten travel time to trailheads and campsites.
Bring your canoe or kayak
Guests may bring canoes or kayaks aboard; the service accepts up to two canoes per trip and treats canoe transport at the same rate as a one-guest fare.
Small-group, flexible service
Trips run as small-group services: a maximum of six guests without boats, or four guests when two canoes are included—reservations are recommended to secure space.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
The trip trims hours from an approach: a quick water crossing that deposits paddlers and backpackers at island docks or Rock Harbor so they can begin exploring the backcountry almost immediately. The service is designed for flexibility—drop-offs and pick-ups at many island docks and space to carry small boats make it a practical link between lodge services and remote shorelines.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this service suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You can bring a canoe or kayak aboard; the service accepts boats and accommodates up to two canoes per trip. Pack for variable conditions on the water and for the shore destination you’ll be accessing.
Transportation of canoes is permitted and is charged at the same rate as a one-guest fare; there is a hard limit of two canoes per trip.
Trips carry a maximum of six guests with backpacks only, or four guests when two canoes are loaded—plan group splits accordingly.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I bring a kayak or canoe on the Water Taxi?
Yes—guests may bring canoes or kayaks; the service accepts up to two canoes per trip, and canoe transport is charged at the same rate as a one-guest fare.
How many people fit on a single trip?
A trip can include a maximum of six guests with backpacks only, or four guests when two canoes are carried.
Do the Water Taxis do both drop-offs and pick-ups at island docks?
Yes—the Water Taxi offers both drop-off and pick-up services to guests at many of the island docks.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are recommended to secure space on the Water Taxi.
Can trips be canceled or changed due to conditions?
All Water Taxis are subject to weather and lake conditions, which can affect whether a trip runs as planned.
Who operates the Water Taxi service?
The Water Taxi service is operated by Rock Harbor Lodge & Marina.