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 Parking Lot Fees
Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) has implemented daily parking fees, seven days a week, at the Tobermory and South Baymouth ferry terminal parking lots during the sailing season. Ferry parking lots are restricted to ferry users only, and available on a first come, first served basis, as space permits. Parking is used at your own risk.
Passengers are required to purchase their parking pass from the terminal office upon arrival. Parking passes must be displayed clearly on the vehicle dashboard. Vehicles without valid parking passes will be towed or removed at the sole risk and cost of the owner or operator of the vehicle.
Parking Fees:
$10/day
$70/week
Accessibility
Elevator and wheelchair access to the ship is available via the passenger ramp in Tobermory and South Baymouth. Passengers with accessibility needs are asked to advise the ticket agent upon arrival.
Pets
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.
Dangerous Goods
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
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 must book in advance.
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.
