Ms Chi-Cheemaun FAQ
Often, we have hundreds of passengers and vehicles waiting to board the ferry. Our staff requires a minimum of one hour to ensure everyone boards safely and that the ferry departs on time.
We start to load the ferry approximately 30 minutes before we depart.
Passengers travelling with vehicles are considered late if they arrive less than one hour before their scheduled sailing time. Please note, if you arrive 57 minutes before your sail, you are considered late, you will no longer have a reserved space and you will be placed in standby if space is available. Our staff needs to prepare and process hundreds of passengers and vehicles during that one hour timeframe to ensure the ferry departs on time.
We ask all walk-on passengers, including those with reservations as well as those purchasing a ticket in person, to arrive at the terminal building one hour before their sailing time to check-in and retrieve their boarding passes.
We are seeing an increase in walk-ons and require a full hour to process all passengers to ensure they board safely and in a timely manner.
When booking a reservation online or by phone, please have the following information ready:
total vehicle length, width, and height
number of passengers, including ages
method of payment
If you are booking for a bus, transport truck, or oversized vehicle, please call the reservation line directly at 1-800-265-3163.
For Chi-Cheemaun Reservations Only:
A full refund will be issued if a reservation is cancelled prior to 48 hours of sailing.
Cancellations within 24 to 48 hours of the sailing time will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made within 24 hours of the sailing time.
Cancellation requests sent by email will be processed as of date/time received.
For Cancellations for Pelee Island Ferries please visit:
https://www.ontarioferries.com/pelee-island-ferries/terms-conditions/
Our terminals and ship are always busiest on holiday weekends. Peak traffic volumes occur on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Weekends are usually busy. When travelling during these periods, please allow extra time to reach your destination.
Chi-Cheemaun Ferry Terminal Parking Fees
Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) charges daily parking fees at the Tobermory and South Baymouth ferry terminal parking lots during the sailing season. Fees are in effect seven days a week, from the start of the sailing season through to the end of the season.
Ferry terminal parking lots are reserved for ferry users only and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as space permits. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.
Passengers must purchase a parking pass from the terminal office upon arrival and display it clearly on the vehicle dashboard. Vehicles without a valid parking pass may be towed or removed at the sole risk and expense of the vehicle owner or operator.
Parking Fees
$10 per day
Overnight camping of any kind is not permitted on OSTC premises or in terminal parking lots. Please use designated campgrounds only.
Passenger fares may be purchased online or by phone using Visa, MasterCard or American Express. These payment methods are also accepted at terminals, along with cash and debit.
Onboard the Chi-Cheemaun, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, debit cards and cash are accepted. There is no ATM onboard.
Reservation charges will appear on your credit card statement as Owen Sound Transportation.
There are no ATM’s at the ferry terminals or on the Chi-Cheemaun. Please plan ahead.
There are no public telephones, internet, or Wifi available on the ferry or at the terminals. Personal cell phones may be used. Please note reception can be limited at times on the ferry. The Chi-Cheemaun is equipped with a radio phone for emergency use by crew only.
Dangerous Goods – Gasoline, Propane & Other Restricted Items
Dangerous goods are regulated under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations.
For safety reasons, restrictions apply to common products such as gasoline, propane, and other hazardous materials on OSTC vessels.
Important Information for Travellers
Certain everyday items are classified as dangerous goods and are subject to limits and conditions.
-All dangerous goods must be properly stored, secured, and clearly identified.
-Undeclared or unsafe items may be refused for transport.
-Vehicles and cargo may be checked for leaks or unsafe conditions at the terminal.
Shipping Documents
Some dangerous goods require a shipping document.
Passengers must bring completed documentation to the terminal at the time of travel.
Before You Travel
Please review the attached list of common dangerous goods and their restrictions before travelling.
If you are unsure whether an item is restricted or requires documentation, contact OSTC in advance of travel to avoid delays.
Learn more here: Carriage of Dangerous Goods – Chi-Cheemaun
Form to fill out: Dangerous Goods Shipping Document
Cyclists should proceed to the vehicle ticket booth to purchase their ticket. The ticket agent will direct you onto the loading dock. Reservations are not required.
Pets are permitted onboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun. They must be leashed or in a carrier, accompanied by their owner, and remain on the outside Cafeteria Deck or in designated pet areas. Pets may stay in vehicles; however, because access to the Car Deck is restricted while the ship is underway, they will be unattended for nearly two hours. Exceptions apply for guide dogs and certified service animals.
We do allow vehicles transporting livestock onboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun. Reservations recommended. Please call 1.800.265.3163.
There are no forms of public transportation including buses and taxi/ride share that connects with the Tobermory Terminal or South Baymouth.
Yes, buses and motorcoaches must make advanced reservations and may book on any sailings. A valid credit card number, Visa, MasterCard or American Express, must be provided to guarantee reservations. Buses must arrive at least 1 hour in advance of their sailing time. Please contact reservations at 1-800-265-3163 to be connected with a Commercial Booking Agent.
Some restrictions and additional fees apply to commercial vehicles. Please contact reservations at 1-800-265-3163 to be connected with a Commercial Booking Agent.
Please note that trucks requiring overweight highway permits cannot be accepted for passage.
We supply tie-downs to secure motorcycles to the automobile deck. Reservations are recommended. (1.800.265.3163)
There is highway signage that provides directions to our ferry terminals. Our addresses and contact numbers are:
Tobermory Terminal
8 Eliza Street, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
519-596-2510
South Baymouth Terminal
41 Water Street, South Baymouth, ON P0P 1Z0
705-859-3161
Discount rates are available for groups of 10 or more travelling in one vehicle. They will receive an overall discount of 10% if done as a single payment.
Yes. There are special passenger fares for seniors using our ferry. You must be 65 years of age or older.
Yes. Adults or children with specific accessibility needs who require the assistance of an attendant will be charged the full fare, however, their attendant fare is free.
OSTC provides a variety of services to support passengers with disabilities and help ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Wheelchair and elevator service are available, please advise during reservations booking and remind the ticket agent upon arrival.
Please note:
We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your needs; however, available accommodations may vary depending on requirements.
Some motorized wheelchairs may not fit in all areas. In some cases, a transfer wheelchair may be required. Please call ahead if you plan to travel with a motorized wheelchair.
For full details on OSTC’s accessibility policies and procedures, please visit our Accessibility page: https://www.ontarioferries.com/accessibility/
There are no lockers available on the M.S. Chi Cheemaun however there is room for carry on luggage in the mid ship walk on passenger area. Customers requiring assistance with luggage should advise Ticket Agent when purchasing ticket. The Owen Sound Transportation Company does not accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, baggage or contents under any circumstances. Luggage containing dangerous goods is not permitted.
All OSTC vessels and terminals are smoke-free and vape-free.
Although we strive to ensure that our customers are loaded in sequence according to the time of their arrival at the terminal, staff are primarily concerned with dispersing vehicles in an appropriate fashion on the deck. Vehicle loading always requires careful attention to balancing the load and using all available space in an efficient, orderly and safe manner. Loading takes place under the supervision of experienced crew members who are directed by the Chief Officer or Mate of the vessel. The Chief Officer is required to work with whatever mix of vehicles is waiting to board or disembark from the ship, in the sequence he or she judges will best accomplish these goals. Since the mix of vehicles varies greatly from sailing to sailing, procedures that work well in one situation might not apply in another. Vehicles that are first to board the ferry might not necessarily be the first to disembark.
In the event that a ferry crossing or multiple crossings are cancelled due to unsafe weather, or a mechanical issue with the ferry, we do our very best to re-book passengers with vehicle reservations onto the next available ferry crossing that has space available. If on next crossing is limited, stand-by will be offered as an option. We also add ferry crossings to the extent that legal and safe working hours of work allow, and are usually successful in moving all affected passengers within 24-36 hours of the cancellation event. We do not “bump” reserved passengers.
MV Pelee Island Ferries FAQ
Dangerous Goods – Gasoline, Propane & Other Restricted Items
Dangerous goods are regulated under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations.
For safety reasons, restrictions apply to common products such as gasoline, propane, and other hazardous materials on OSTC vessels.
Important Information for Travellers
Certain everyday items are classified as dangerous goods and are subject to limits and conditions.
-All dangerous goods must be properly stored, secured, and clearly identified.
-Undeclared or unsafe items may be refused for transport.
-Vehicles and cargo may be checked for leaks or unsafe conditions at the terminal.
Shipping Documents
Some dangerous goods require a shipping document.
Passengers must bring completed documentation to the terminal at the time of travel.
Before You Travel
Please review the attached list of common dangerous goods and their restrictions before travelling.
If you are unsure whether an item is restricted or requires documentation, contact OSTC in advance of travel to avoid delays.
Learn more here: Carriage of Dangerous Goods
Form to fill out: Dangerous Goods Shipping Document
Yes, reservations and advance payment are required. Part of our policy while operating under COVID-19 requires that we have contact information for all passengers, which is collected at the time of booking. Our passenger capacity is also reduced, and reservations allow us to manage this reduced capacity.
Customer Cancellations – A full refund is applied to every reservation that is cancelled prior to a minimum of 120 hours (5 days) prior to sailing. Reservations made less than 5 days from sailing have until the end of the day to cancel on the day that the reservation was made.
Trucks requiring overweight highway permits cannot be accepted for passage. Wide-load highway permits are charged for half fare extra above normal rates. Some restrictions and additional fees apply. Reservations are required. Please call for details. (1-800-661-2220)
Yes, buses must make advanced reservations and can book on all sailings. Buses must call in their request to (1-800-661-2220). A valid credit card number, Visa, MasterCard or American Express, must guarantee all reservations. Groups of 10 or more persons receive an overall discount of 10%. Buses must arrive at least 1 hour in advance of their sailing time.
We supply tie-downs to secure motorcycles to the automobile deck. Reservations are required. (1-800-661-2220)
Cyclists should proceed to the vehicle ticket booth to purchase their ticket. The ticket agent will direct you on to the loading dock. Reservations are required.
Yes. Pets are allowed onboard the ship. Pets must be on leashes or in cages and accompanied by their owner and will be allowed on the outside promenade deck only. You may leave your pet in your vehicle if you wish, but because no one is allowed on the automobile deck when the ship is sailing, your pet will be unattended for almost 2 hours. The only exceptions are guide dogs for people who are visually impaired, and certified assistance dogs for those with other disabilities.
There are no lockers or room to store luggage on the ship. The Owen Sound Transportation Company does not accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, baggage or contents under any circumstances. Luggage containing dangerous goods is not permitted.
You must have proper identification including birthdates for all members in your party or they may refused passage. (ie Passports, Birth Certificates, Visa Waviers.) Customs offices are located on Pelee Island and in Sandusky when you disembark the ship. For more information on visiting the United States check out the Canada Border Services Agency website here.
Leamington Terminal
500 Erie Street, Leamington, Ontario, N8H 3E5
519.326.2154
Kingsville Terminal
25 Dock Road, Kingsville, Ontario, N9Y 2E7
519.733.4474
Sandusky Dock
109 W Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, OH, 44870
Yes. There is a Pay Parking lot situated at the Kingsville and Leamington Terminals.
Yes. Full fare is required at the time of booking. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Visa debit can be used online, over the phone, and on site.
There are no ATM’s on the ship or at the terminals.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted aboard our ferries.
There is no car rental on the island. There is a cab service.
There is a medical clinic on the island.
Discount rates are available for groups of 10 or more travelling in one vehicle. They will receive an overall discount of 10% if done as a single payment.
Yes. There are special passenger fares for seniors using our ferry. You must be 65 years of age or older.
Individuals with disabilities will be charged full fare, though if they travel with an attendant the attendant is not charged a fare.
Wheelchair and elevator service are available on the Pelee Islander II; please advise ticket agent on arrival if such services are required. Note: Some motorized wheelchairs may not fit and a transfer wheelchair may be necessary. Please call ahead if bringing a motorized wheelchair.
No, we do not have telephones/internet on our ferries. Personal cell phones can generally be used, but reception is intermittent. The ship does have a radio phone for emergencies.
Although we strive to ensure that our customers are loaded in sequence according to the time of their arrival at the terminal, staff are primarily concerned with dispersing vehicles in an appropriate fashion on the deck. Vehicle loading always requires careful attention to balancing the load and using all available space in an efficient, orderly and safe manner. Loading takes place under the supervision of experienced crew members who are directed by the Chief Officer or Mate of the vessel. The Chief Officer is required to work with whatever mix of vehicles is waiting to board or disembark from the ship, in the sequence he or she judges will best accomplish these goals. Since the mix of vehicles varies greatly from sailing to sailing, procedures that work well in one situation might not apply in another. Vehicles that are first to board the ferry might not necessarily be the first to disembark.
Weather conditions on Lake Erie can change very quickly from calm to dangerous. High winds on a shallow lake create difficult docking conditions for the ferries, and sometimes force the cancellation of ferry crossings. In the event that a ferry crossing or multiple crossings are cancelled due to unsafe weather, or a mechanical issue with the ferry, we do our very best to re-book passengers with vehicle reservations onto the next available ferry crossing that has space available. We also add ferry crossings to the extent that legal and safe working hours of work allow, and are usually successful in moving all affected passengers within 24-36 hours of the cancellation event. We do not “bump” reserved passengers, but Island residents will often voluntarily post-pone their travel knowing that they are making a space available on the ferry for tourists or guests who have vacations planned around a visit to beautiful Pelee Island.
MV Niska 1 FAQ
A: Please note we are a cashless environment. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Debit at the Complex and on the ferry.
A: Yes, it is an open deck vessel, and pets are allowed on the ferry.
A: Yes, Walk-ons are allowed, however no other vehicle(s) or walk-on passengers are allowed on the vessel with propane/ fuel or gas delivery trucks.
A: If you are travelling with a large group we recommend you call ahead of travelling. We also recommend you call beforehand in case there is a fuel/gas truck booked.
A: Passengers are not allowed on dangerous goods crossing, except for the certified operator of the Dangerous Goods vehicle. Passengers are only allowed on regular crossings.
A: A vehicle is allowed to cross without a driver, however someone will have to driver on and off the vessel.
A: Niska 1 is able to be chartered upon availability.
A: Regular sailing schedule is daily Monday – Friday
A: Up to one (1) trip per day will be designated as a “Dangerous Goods Run”. To be scheduled at the discretion of the Contractor. NO PASSENGERS may be carried on DANGEROUS GOODS RUNS, except for the certified operator of the Dangerous Goods vehicle.
A: There’s no smoking or vaping permitted on the entire ship.