Canoeing & Kayaking

Duration:

3 minutes, 27 seconds

Help Isle Royale stay wild by following these best practices during your canoe or kayak trip.

 

 

Paddling a canoe or kayak offers a unique adventure.

Carl TerHaar

Overview

With numerous lakes, bays, and islands, miles of waterways await for the experienced canoeist and kayaker.

• Route Considerations: Lake Superior is well-known for its cold waters, fog, and sudden, wave-generating squalls. Small, open vessels are encouraged to use interior lake waterways instead.
• Safety Requirements: Every paddler must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device. Wear it; your life may depend on it.
• Weather: Consult the marine forecast at visitor centers before embarking. Be prepared to adjust your schedule. A portable marine radio is recommended for overnight trips.
• Invasive Species: Vessel owners are legally responsible for invasive species decontamination prior to entering park waters. Before moving from Lake Superior to interior waters, wipe down your boat and gear.
• Equipment: Canoes should be at least 15' long to navigate open water. Sea kayaks should be at least 15'8" to 19" for open water. Recreational kayaks are not recommended.
• Check current conditions before your visit for the most up to date information.

Permits

A backcountry permit is required to overnight at a campground or dock. Camping outside of campgrounds is allowed in designated locations, and requires an additional cross-country camping permit. Groups (7 or more people) must acquire a group camping permit, and camp at designated group campsites.

 

Fees

For parties six or fewer, there is no permit fee to camp overnight in the park. The payment of park entrances fees is required, and separate from camping. For groups (7 or more people), there is a $25 fee per permit.

 

Transportation & Boat Rental

Ferry transportation services are able to transport canoes and kayaks for a fee. Boat rentals are available at Windigo and Rock Harbor. Contact Isle Royale Resorts for more information.

 

Portages

Interior lake canoe routes and portages are on the northeast half of the island. Portages are marked with a letter "P" on a post. Portaging devices are not allowed in wilderness.

 

Motors

Canoes with motors are permitted in Lake Superior waters; they must have valid state registration. The use or transportation of motors through inland lakes and streams is not allowed, even when not in use.

 

Campgrounds

Campgrounds: Inland Lake Paddling
Campgrounds: Lake Superior Accessible

• Lake Superior Accessible Campgrounds Table

Campgrounds with Group Sites

• Campgrounds with Group Sites Table

 

Trip Planning Resources

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  Paddling Safety

  Review important paddling safety tips and requirements prior to your trip.

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  Paddle and Portage Interior Lakes

  Plan a paddling trip to experience the island's interior lakes.

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  Overnight Camping & Boater Permits

  Learn what type of permit you may need based on the trip activities you have planned.

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  Current Conditions

  Important park alerts, updates, and weather information for your upcoming visit.

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  Aquatic Invasive Species

  Do your part to prevent invasive species in park waters.

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  Weather

  Check current weather conditions in the park.

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  Fuels & Stoves

  Isle Royale requires certain fuels for boating and cooking in the wilderness.

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  Fishing

  Enjoy fishing the waters of Lake Superior and the island's numerous inland lakes and streams.

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  Drinking Water

  Thirsty in the backcountry? Know your drinking water options before island arrival.