i've been to isle royal every year for the past 14 years. a canoe is ok, but a kayak is better. also, easier to control if you go to the outside of the island. if you don't want to have one hauled over by ferry, they have them to rent at both windigo and rock harbor. it is alot safer than a canoe. i would only use a canoe if i was planning to portage in some of the inland lakes…is that what you had in mind?