Champion's Auto Ferry

08/20/2026

Update: nc is back up and running!


Expect delays at the ferry-leave extra time.
Mc down for scheduled maintenance.
Nc has emergency repairs.
Thank you for your patience.

06/13/2026

Champion’s Auto Ferry is currently recruiting 100-ton Captains; please visit HIFerry.com to apply.

Welcome to Champion's Auto Ferry Service from Algonac to Harsens Island, MI Employment Application Champion's Auto Ferry is seeking one, full time captain. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the employment application above. We provide ferry service alerts through the St. Clair Count...

06/13/2026

Champion's is currently recruiting 100-ton captains; please visit HIFerry.com to submit your application.

Welcome to Champion's Auto Ferry Service from Algonac to Harsens Island, MI Employment Application Champion's Auto Ferry is seeking one, full time captain. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the employment application above. We provide ferry service alerts through the St. Clair Count...

03/05/2026

While we’re updating…
There is a lot of ice flowing down from Lake Huron. We do have quite a bit of room below us to absorb ice flowing down the North Channel, but keep those ice jam party plans updated!

03/05/2026

**Ferry Traffic Update** 3/5/26
As many of you already know, there is ongoing construction on the Clay Township water main occurring near the mainland ferry docks. Starting today, the traffic lane from the south has been dug up. Beginning Monday, 3/9/26, their plan is to work across the ferry driveway.
As we navigate this critical infrastructure work, we ask that everyone have patience with the road crew, expect delays, and leave yourselves extra time to accommodate these delays.
CAF will run a second boat as needed to alleviate congestion from commercial trucks.
CAF and the road crew thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Please share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors.

02/18/2026

Ice Update
2/18/26

Jake took the boat downstream this morning and broke up as much ice as he could. This made some room to absorb upriver ice, down to the head of Dickinson Island, which should buy us approximately half an hour if the ice upriver lets loose.
The warmer temps and rain have helped melt out some of the ice, but there is still some pretty thick stuff upriver. At the head of Russell Island, it’s approximately “one house story” high, certainly thicker than we can break through.
Please keep your emergency plan updated and your supplies on hand in case we do have to suspend service.

02/09/2026

From Jake:

As spring is right around the corner, I wanted to remind everyone that with the increased
temperatures comes an increased risk of ice jams. As the river and lake ice begins to melt and break up,
the ice can suddenly shift and force the ferry to shut down with little to no warning. Historically, the
longest and most severe ferry shutdowns have been in the spring time due to the ice thickness, as well as
the fact that we cannot establish and/or maintain a path through the ice if the temperatures are above
freezing.
With the warming temperatures that are predicted in the coming weeks, please ensure that you are
prepared in the event that ice forces the ferry to suspend service. This should include having at least 2
weeks of food, diapers, medication, pet supplies, and other necessities on hand. It is also recommended
that you keep your vehicle(s) topped off with fuel, as well as make arrangements for an alternate place to
stay if you and/or your family get stuck on the wrong side of the river.
The ferry will continue to provide updates via the WINS system and the ferry phone number,
however if/when the ice upstream of the ferry lets loose, the amount of warning you receive will likely be
measured in minutes, not hours. As such, please take any precautions that you deem necessary until the
river and Lake Huron ice has melted and/or flowed through into Lake St. Clair.
Please share this notice with your neighbors and friends to ensure that everyone is prepared.

Thank you,
Jake Bryson

01/19/2026

**update 1/19 10:45am**
The ferry has resumed service.

The ferry has had to suspend operations for the night. They will begin cutting a path at daybreak.

01/18/2026

Well that was fast!
Jake predicts a high likelyhood of an ice jam and subsequent interruption of ferry service in the next 24-48 hours.
The North channel is plugged, the middle is moving for now, which give us some room to work. However, cold temps the next few days may put a halt to that.
We will continue to monitor and update as the situation evolves.
Thank you!

01/18/2026

Here is a better list from Justin Westmiller:

Winter on Harsens Island – Plan Ahead for Ice Delays

North Channel ice can slow or pause the ferry without much notice. If you’re living on or visiting the island, assume you may need to stay a bit longer than planned during cold snaps. Being prepared helps everyone:

• Bring or store extra medication and medical supplies
• Keep food, water, and pet supplies on hand
• Keep vehicles fueled and ready
• Plan for flexible work or school schedules during freeze periods
• Plan ahead for guests and contractors who may need to stay longer
• Fire/EMS continue to operate on the island – dial 911 for emergencies
• Watch official updates for ferry status changes