News Release

Voyageurs National Park Reservations for 2025 Boat Tours and North Canoe Programs Open April 15

News Release Date: April 7, 2025

Contact: Kate Severson, [phone]

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — Voyageurs National Park staff announce that reservations for ranger-led boat tours and North Canoe Voyage programs open at 9:00 am CST on April 15 for the 2025 season. Park staff encourage visitors to make reservations as soon as they know their plans, as tours do tend to fill up. Visitors can view upcoming boat tour descriptions and schedules, and reserve tickets starting April 15, by going to rec.gov’s Voyageurs National Park Tours page, while North Canoe Voyage program tickets can be reserved on the Special Interpretive Programs page. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting the National Call Center at [phone]. Walk-ins are allowed only if non-reserved space is available. Check rec.gov and the ticket page for the most up-to-date information.

Tours departing from Rainy Lake Visitor Center

• Grand Tour (daytime and evening options)
• Life on the Lake
• Kettle Falls Cruise
• Anderson Bay Overlook Tour

Tours departing from Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

• Ellsworth Rock Gardens

Tours departing from Ash River Visitor Center

• Kettle Falls Cruise (daytime and evening options)
• Life on the Lake

Special Interpretive Programs

• Rainy Lake North Canoe Voyage departing from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center
• Ash River North Canoe Voyage departing from the Ash River Visitor Center

Voyageurs National Park’s alternative transportation program is crucial for providing meaningful visitor experiences in this unique water-based park where much of its rich natural and cultural resources can only be accessed beyond the point where roads end. For visitors without a vessel, boat tours offer the opportunity to experience the scenic and expansive waterways, abundant wildlife, ancient geologic formations, and remote visitor destination sites that are dedicated to sharing the park’s history and significance.Fee revenue brought in from the transportation program allows these tours to be self-sustaining, covering costs for fuel, maintenance, and approximately 85% of the seasonal staff that conducts tours. This includes boat captains and deckhands who ensure safe transport, as well as knowledgeable interpretive rangers who deliver engaging tour programs. Similarly, revenue from the Special Interpretive Programs helps cover costs involved with offering these unique visitor services.