Nov 26, 2025
Nov 19, 2025
The 5 Best Remote Islands on the Great Lakes You Can Reach By Boat
- BoatBlurb Contributor
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
There are an astounding 35,000 islands in the Great Lakes and unbeknownst to many the large majority are wild and uninhabited. Many can also be reached by boat, even if you can't necessarily step ashore.
While some islands are beloved seasonal travel destinations with all the infrastructure and amenities of a large town or small city, many remain untainted and encircled by open water. Some are far from traditional routes and recreational boating pathways, adding to their allure. Several of the Great Lakes' most remote islands offer some of the most unchanged environments in North America with rough shorelines, thick forests, and isolated ecosystems - a testament to the hidden beauty that can lie just beyond our curiosity. They also offer a unique sense of solitude and connection to nature that is increasingly hard to find.
Isle Royale (Lake Superior, Michigan)
Isle Royale National Park is one of the most isolated national parks in North America, although it has its amenities. Despite its location it's among the more accessible parks because it can only be reached by ferry, seaplane, or private boat. The cold, erratic nature of Lake Superior encircles the island for more than 70 kilometres, making it a tough customer when it comes to weather. The terrain is a combination of narrow ridgelines, thick boreal forest, inland lakes, and jagged rock formations that produce dramatic elevation changes and expansive views.
Once ashore, visitors will be in the presence of wildlife with just enough infrastructure to support tourism. The main activities to enjoy are backcountry hiking, paddling, and camping, with routes that can take days to finish and demand meticulous planning. The island is well-known for its extensive research on wolf and moose populations, which is one of the world's most important predator-prey studies. Strict park rules guarantee that the ecosystem is preserved, and that encounters with wildlife are protected.
Slate Islands (Lake Superior, Ontario)
Situated in one of the least populated areas of Ontario, the Slate Islands are a secluded and rugged archipelago that is protected as Slate Islands Provincial Park. The islands, which are only reachable by boat or floatplane, are visited by seasoned boaters, paddlers, and backcountry tourists who can handle open water and shifting conditions. Thanks to the island’s seclusion, the stunning landscape of cobblestone beaches, sheltered bays, steep cliffs, and dense forest has been largely unaffected by human activity.
The geology and fauna of the Slate Islands are what make them unique. The islands are thought to be linked to an ancient meteorite impact, which gives the region a basin-like shape that is different from the typical geology of the Great Lakes. In addition, a population of woodland caribou has been supported by the unique environment and roams the islands without significant predators. Although the lack of infrastructure on the island means that there are no services or designated facilities, visitors are free to go ashore and explore.
Cockburn Island (Lake Huron, Ontario)
Cockburn Island is influenced by both its geography and its history and offers a more subdued and quiet kind of seclusion. The island, which is only reachable by boat and lacks basic amenities like grocery stores, gas stations, and tourist infrastructure, is a far cry from the fast-paced modern world. Old homesteads, open fields, and lengthy, peaceful rural roads are remnants of the area's past, which was once home to small farming communities.
The island is now sparsely populated, and the few visitors typically arrive by private boat to spend the night. Riding a bicycle through a mix of forest, farmland, and shoreline is a popular way for tourists to take in the scenery. Going ashore is typically allowed, unlike more regulated or protected islands, providing a unique chance to explore its history. However, due to the lack of facilities, guests must be completely self-sufficient, packing everything they require and making careful travel and safety arrangements.
Limestone Islands (Lake Huron, Ontario)
Located within Georgian Bay, the Limestone Islands form a small but striking cluster. True to their name, these islands have a lighter appearance due to their pale limestone bedrock, which contrasts with the surrounding landscape of iconic granite typically seen. Particularly, when viewed from the water, the geological contrast makes them stand out sharply against the bay's darker tones.
As a designated Important Bird Area that supports nesting colonies for numerous bird species, the Limestone Islands are not only aesthetically pleasing but also ecologically significant. Access is carefully controlled to preserve these habitats, especially from May 1st to August 1st, when landing is limited to specific locations during nesting season. Most tourists explore the islands from their boats, taking in the wildlife and geological features without upsetting the environment because there are no docks, cottages, or developed facilities.
For those looking for explore something different, the Limestone Islands fit the bill in both appearance and access.
Main Duck Island (Lake Ontario, Ontario)
Main Duck Island is a part of Thousand Islands National Park and is located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. The island, situated south of Prince Edward County, is comparatively remote because of its exposed location within open water, where the weather changes rapidly and drastically. A large portion of the island is undeveloped, which adds to its remote character. The shoreline can appear smooth and approachable in parts but is rocky and uneven, sculpted by wind and waves, with shallow rocks and hazards throughout.
Since the island provides a vital habitat for migratory and nesting species, it is especially prized for its birdlife. To preserve delicate ecosystems, access to land is frequently restricted. The majority of tourists also visit Main Duck Island from offshore, anchoring close by and observing the scenery from a distance. Even in a reasonably populated area, it feels protected and subtly wild due to its restricted access, natural beauty, and ecological significance. For those looking to head far from land and experience Lake Ontario's ocean-like personality, Main Duck Island is calling.
Despite a growing population and the increased boat traffic throughout the Great Lakes region, she still possesses a wild side. From the historical tranquility of Cockburn Island to the protected bird habitats of the Limestone Islands and the scientific significance of Isle Royale, each island offers something different for those looking to explore. They offer more than just scenery, it's an opportunity to disconnect, explore responsibly, and experience areas of the Great Lakes that few people ever see, let alone visit.
