Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines

Everything is in serious need of renovation from the dock to the boat to the one bathroom on shore. They seem to have a monopoly on the water transport to Isle Royale, so we’re all kind of stuck with it. The actual trip was on time and we got where we needed safely, so ultimately that’s what’s most important. Be prepared for a very cold ride no matter what the air temp is on land. The Voyageur crew was a bit surly with us at Windigo as we tried to access packs to refill water bottles at the last potable station before continuing on to McCargoe Cove.

I stood the entire time, 1.5 hours each way, because there were not enough seats for everyone. It was a rocky ride. I looked for a lifesaver ring in case anybody went overboard, but I didn't see one. Most of the seating was outside in the rain and people were wet, some were soaked, and one was shivering so much her teeth were chattering. People looked miserable. Even on the inside, people were frowning. The middle seats were just a bench where people's backs were so close they were touching each other. When we got back, there was a parking fee of $5 per car. Why not build this in to the already-high prices? It's just extortion. Hopefully they use that money to pave their grass and dirt into a proper parking lot. The crew was friendly and helpful. None of this was their fault.

We returned from our trip to Isle Royale on Thursday June 16th on the Voyager II from Windigo, the lake was very angry that day and I just wanted to say hats off to the crew, they did a great job getting us back to land safely Thanks guys!!

Voyager II was a solid and smooth ride to the island. Crew was friendly and helpful.

We had a great experience with Ben and Kevin taking care of everyone on the Voyaguer II. They do a LOT of work to unload and load everyone and all their STUFF backpacks, bags, kayaks, canoes in a short amount of time at every single stop - fascinating to watch how smooth the loading and unloading worked. Getting to and from every single dock was handled smoothly and flawlessly! The boat will also leave early if everyone has arrived and is accounted for was nice to get over to Windigo and out hiking early. Itinerary: We took the boat from Grand Portage to Windigo - then a couple of days later, around to Rock Harbor, and then all the way back to Grand Portage a lot of water time. The trip all the way around gave us ideas for places to go/stay next time where the boat will stop if you have advanced reservations. On the day from Windigo to Rock Harbor, the WIND was so strong that we went from Windigo out of the bay on our way to Rock Harbor and immediately went right back in to the marina for a couple of hours - so glad to be safe and accounted for. The ride was still a little rolly when we finally made our way, but thankfully, no one got sick! We were also glad that everyone INSIDE was required to wear a mask and staff demonstrated that when inside as well. For the most part 99 % everyone even wore their masks correctly. Tips: Don't go to the marina near the casino - the correct marina at Hat Point is all the way around the bay from Grand Portage RV Park and Marina. Be prepared for the dock at Grand Portage to feel a little sketchy storm damage. Be prepared to pay cash for parking when you return $5/day as of 2021-09-09. Remember that the boat is on Central time but Isle Royale is on Eastern time.

The boat ride was great but they hit us with a surprise parking fee at the very end. This was very bad business practice and not at all appreciated.

Decent enough unless you suffer from motion sickness

Had a great experience on the Voyager II over to Isle Royale. We can't wait to come aboard again soon! Thank you!

Crew was great, safe trip both ways!

If someone opened up a competing business they would be rich and quickly put these people out of business.