Terms and Conditions
Reservations
Reservations are recommended for both vehicles and walk on passengers. The ferry has limited vehicle space and reservations fill the capacity. Full fare is charged at the time of reservation. All other travelers will go to standby. A confirmation email will be sent after your reservation is complete. Please ensure the details of your reservation are accurate to avoid further penalties. All terms and conditions are considered accepted 24 hours after making your reservation. If the reservation is made within 120 hours (5 days) of a sailing, all terms and conditions are considered accepted 1 hour after completion of a reservation. Non cancellation of the reservation constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions. Reservation changes or cancellations can be made by calling our reservation office at 1-800-661-2220, or emailing us at info@ontarioferries.com.
Standby
We offer limited standby travel on a “first come, first-served” basis. No guarantee of travel is made. Standby vehicles are kept in the order in which they arrive, however, depending on space availability some sizes of vehicles may be boarded and taken ahead of other vehicles. We will take vehicles and passengers on standby until sailing time or until the vessel is full.
Cancellations
Customer
A full refund is applied to every reservation that is cancelled a minimum of 120 hours (5 Days) prior to sailing.
Ferry Cancellations
Pelee Island Transportation Service (PITS) will cancel sailings if the safety of our passengers and the vessel are at risk negatively due to weather, mechanical concerns, or public emergency. Customers should expect the following: If the ferry is cancelled, all paid customers will be eligible for refund of their unused travel fare for this reservation. Refunds are for passage only and do not extend to other travel arrangements, personal plans or missed connections. PITS advises customers as far in advance as possible if there is a cancellation. Having a valid e-mail and mobile number on file will ensure communications regarding impacted sailings will be received. Cancellation notifications are posted to Twitter and Facebook.
Booking Amendments
Vehicles are charged as booked. Please review reservation for accuracy. If vehicle arrives and is larger or different than declared at the time of booking, the reservation is void and passage is not guaranteed. A 100% cancellation penalty is applied to incorrectly declared vehicles. An amendment fee may be applied at the terminal in certain situations where the reservation is under declared.
Arrivals and Check-In:
Vehicle reservations
Vehicle reservations must arrive and be in the processing lineup at least one hour prior to sailing. Your vehicle dimensions and passenger count must accurately reflect your reservation or additional fees will apply. If your vehicle dimensions are under-reported, your reservation is void and you may be placed in standby.
Late arrivals
Late arrivals forfeit their reservation and may be placed in standby. No refunds will be issued if you are late and do not get on the ferry. If you are late and do not get on the ferry, you can request standby for the next sailing, as availability permits, for the same day or the next available sailing. No reservations can be transferred to a different date, all cancellation policies apply.
Walk-on reservations
We recommend that you arrive at least 1 hour prior to departure. Walk-on passengers must check in and retrieve their boarding passes from the terminal building prior to going to the ship. Onsite parking is available at both terminal locations, as space permits. Parking fees apply and are paid at the terminal upon check-in. You can board the vessel approximately 30 mins prior to departure.
Parking
Onsite parking is available at our terminal locations, as space permits. Parking fees may apply and are paid at the terminal upon check-in. Parking lots are used at your own risk.
Method of Payment
You can make a reservation over the phone or through our website using, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Visa/Mastercard Debit. At the terminals and on-board the ship, you can use the above-mentioned methods of payments as well as cash or debit.
Pets and Service Animals:
Pets may remain inside the vehicle during transit or within designated areas of the outside decks provided they are leashed and under the control of their owner. The Pelee Islander II has a designated area for pets located on the top deck. If you choose to leave your pet in your vehicle, be advised that no one is allowed on the vehicle deck when the ship is sailing, and your pet will be unattended for almost 2 hours. Pets are permitted in the indoor lounges, not the cafeteria, if they remain in a TSA-approved carrier or crate for the entire duration of the sailing.
Terminals
Pets are not permitted in the terminal buildings.
Exceptions: Guide dogs for people who are visually impaired, and certified service dogs for those with other disabilities are permitted in all areas of the ship and terminal. Those customers who require service animals may be asked to provide official documentation if the animal is not clearly identified with their vest. Support animals are considered pets for the purpose of designated areas.
Buses and Motorcoaches
Buses and motorcoaches must book in advance. Please call 1-800-661-2220 or email info@ontarioferries.com to reserve. Reservations must be paid at time of booking or reserved on an approved company account. Groups of 10 or more people, in one vehicle, receive a 10% discount off the reservation. Buses must arrive at least 1 hour prior to sailing.
Commercial Vehicles
Reservations are highly recommended for all commercial vehicles. Vehicles requiring overweight highway permits cannot be accepted for passage. Wide-load vehicles are charged additional footage based on measurements. Pricing is set out in our pricing policy. Please call 1-800-661-2220 or email info@ontarioferries.com to reserve.
Motorcycles
We have a small supply of tie-downs to secure motorcycles to the automobile deck. Suppling personal tiedowns is encouraged.
Group Rates
Groups of 10+ paying passengers in a single vehicle or groups of 10+ travelling as walk on passengers in a single reservation are eligible for a 10% discount.
Accessibility
Elevator and wheelchair access to the ship is available via the drive-on ramp of the Pelee Islander II. Passengers with accessibility needs are asked to self-identify with an agent upon booking if there are specific supports required. Please remind the ticket agent upon arrival if elevator service is required. Manual wheelchairs are available at all terminals and aboard all vessels. Please ask staff for assistance. The Pelee Islander has limited accessibility. For further information, please call 1-800-661-2220.
People with Disabilities
On all our watercraft, adults or children with accessibility needs who require the assistance of an attendant will be charged the full fare, however, their attendant fare is free. PITS provides a variety of services for persons with disabilities to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for our passengers. Wheelchair and elevator service are available; please advise ticket agent on arrival if such services are required. Please visit our accessibility page for complete information on PITS’s accessibility policies and procedures. Please note: Some motorized wheelchairs may not fit, and a transfer wheelchair may be necessary. Please call ahead if bringing a motorized wheelchair or if we can assist with any accessibility requirements. Due to the nature of the Winter Air Service, attendants will be charged full fare.
Security
All passengers must vacate the vehicle deck during passage. Vehicles are loaded and unloaded at the owner’s risk. PITS assumes no responsibility for the contents of any vehicle, or for the security of, or damage caused to or by vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles while aboard the ship. All instructions regarding safety communicated by the crew are to be given full attention and adherence.
Luggage
There are limited luggage carts available at boarding for carry-on luggage. Be advised carts are stored on the vehicle deck during crossing and no one is allowed on the vehicle deck when the ship is sailing. Customers requiring assistance with luggage should advise the Ticket Agent at check in. PITS do not accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, baggage or contents under any circumstances. Luggage containing firearms or other dangerous goods must be safely stored and may have specific requirements. Some items may not be permitted. Please review our dangerous goods policy to ensure we allow your specific item. If you have further questions, please reach out to 1-800-661-2220.
Smoking
PITS properties, vessels and terminals are smoke and vape free.
Dangerous Goods and Fuel Regulations
Customers must declare additional fuel and hazardous goods containers upon arrival at the dock. Please review our dangerous goods policy to ensure we allow your specific item. Transport Canada safety regulations prohibit transporting fuels more than the following quantities:
Propane – Recreational Vehicles – Not more than 2 propane cylinders up to 25 litres each, safely secured in an upright position with valves closed, and tagged (provided by PITS staff).
Propane – Built-in Propane Tanks – The tank must be original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and engineered for the vehicle.
Gasoline – Automobiles – Not more than 2 portable containers of up to 25 litres each.
Gasoline – Motorboats – Not more than 2 portable containers of up to 25 litres each.
Perishable Items
Freight Update: Perishable items will only be accepted as freight if they are properly stored and under the care and handling of the owner.
Perishable items include fresh meat, foods purchased from chill cabinets and freshly cooked food stored to be used later. Perishable also covers any items that are not considered ‘dry goods’. This means anything requiring cooling, which we cannot guarantee under the safe food handling legislation of the province of Ontario. Our staff are not legally permitted to handle such goods.
Starting September 5, 2023, no freight will be shipped without prior payment. Individuals looking to ship freight must ensure that the freight charges are settled beforehand, as unpaid freight charges will lead to refusal of shipment.
Frequent Sailor Discount
The Frequent Sailor Discount is available to residence and property owners of Pelee Island. This discount is intended for the sole use of the named applicant and immediate dependent family (same household). Forms are available upon request at terminals as well as on our website at www.ontarioferries.com. Forms must be returned by email, mail, or in person. Once the form is submitted and approved by PITS management a discount code will be applied to the customer/agent account and a 15% discount will be applied to all reservations on the account. This discount is not retroactive and will only be applied to bookings made after the date of approval of the application.
Drones
Drones are not allowed on PITS property and cannot be used onboard the vessels. Permission must be granted by PITS office in advance by contacting info@ontarioferries.com.
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