General Information
Reservations
Reservations are required for all passengers, whether walking on or in a vehicle at least 4 hours prior to desired departure time. Full fare is charged at the time of booking and may be paid using Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Visa debit.
Reservations charges will appear as Owen Sound Transportation on your Credit Card.
Check-In
Reservation holders must check in at the ticket booth a minimum of one hour prior to sail time or reservation is void.
Booking Amendments
Your vehicle dimensions and passenger count must accurately reflect your reservation. If changes are required within 4 hours of your departure time, a $3.00 amendment fee may be applied at the point of check-in. To make any changes to your reservation prior to 4 hours please call Reservations at 1-800-265-3163.
Cancellations
Cancel or reschedule 48 or more hours prior to departure to receive a full refund of your fare.
Cancellations or rebookings 48-24 hours prior to departure receive 1/2 fare refund.
Cancellations or rebookings with under 24 hours notice receive no refund.
Call 1-800-265-3163 during operating hours or email info@ontarioferries.com 24 hours a day to cancel or reschedule a booking.
Crossing Time
Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes during on-peak season and 2 hours during off-peak season.
Security
All passengers must vacate the vehicle deck during passage. Vehicles are loaded and unloaded at the owner’s risk. Owen Sound Transportation Company 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.
Parking
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.
Accessibility
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/
Pets
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.
Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods – Gasoline, Propane & Other Restricted Items
For safety reasons, there are restrictions on the transportation of dangerous goods aboard our vessels in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Cargo, Fumigation and Tackle Regulations. Customers are required by law to declare any dangerous goods, such as gasoline and propane, they intend to bring with them when travelling.
Depending on the dangerous goods customers are travelling with, they may be required to fill out a Dangerous Goods Shipping Document. Regulations prohibit the carriage of dangerous goods that exceed the limits outlined in the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Policy.
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
Commercial Trucks
Trucks which require overweight highway permits cannot board the Chi-Cheemaun. Trucks with wide load permits are subject to restrictions and additional fees.
Buses
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.
Loyalty Stamp Card
OSTC offers a Loyalty Stamp Card for passengers who frequently sail onboard the Chi-Cheemaun. The card itself is free; please ask for one at the terminal. Passengers earn one (1) stamp for each vehicle crossing. After nine (9) crossings, the tenth is free for one (1) vehicle and one (1) passenger. Please note; bookings must be under the same customer number/account number and different accounts cannot be combined.
Loyalty Stamp Cards and accumulated stamps are valid for one season only and cannot be carried forward from year to year. Lost cards with accumulated stamps cannot be replaced.
Card stamps must be requested at check-in and are the responsibility of the traveller. No retroactive stamps shall be provided.
