The 2024 sailing season for the Chi-Cheemaun officially closed on October 20. A crowd warmly welcomed the ferry back to the Owen Sound harbour on October 21 where she will remain stationed for the winter.
The Chi-Cheemaun had an incredible 2024 sailing year which saw a 2.35 per cent increase in the number of vehicles carried and a 2.86 per cent increase in passengers for a total of 68,087 vehicles and 186,866 passengers. The season was packed with musicians, guest speakers, and fun-filled events celebrating and saluting her 50th anniversary. Only one sailing was cancelled due to weather.
The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) applauds the exemplary crew and staff for their dedication, commitment, and care for passengers, safety and the operation of the Chi-Cheemaun.
For the 2025 sailing season, OSTC will continue to bring back beloved cruises such as the spring and fall repositioning cruises, Play for Passage program, and much more.
Reservations will reopen in March 2025. Daily sailings will start May 2 and continue until October 2025.
The Chi-Cheemaun sailing into the Owen Sound harbour for her winter berth on October 21, 2024.
Courtesy of Owen Sound Transportation Company.
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About the Chi-Cheemaun:
As one of the most recognizable ferries in Canada, the Chi-Cheemaun continues to be an integral symbol of Georgian Bay, and has carried an estimated 10 million passengers, three million vehicles, and has completed 24,000 voyages between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island since 1974.
About Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC):
OSTC, an agency of the Government of Ontario, is an integral part of Ontario’s tourism and transportation system responsible for managing the operation of four ships, seven terminals and dock facilities and administering a contractor operated seasonal air service. OSTC owns and operates the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which provides seasonal service between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula, sailing along the borders of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron to transport tourists, community members and commercial clients. The MV Niska I, a landing craft ferry, provides vehicle, freight and passenger transportation services between Moosonee and Moose Factory Island on the Moose River at the mouth of James Bay. OSTC also operates the MV Pelee Islander and the MV Pelee Islander II, which provide ferry service between the mainland, Pelee Island, and Sandusky, Ohio on Lake Erie. When Lake Erie ferries are not running from late December through the end of March, OSTC contracts a licensed air operator to provide winter air service between Pelee Island and Windsor, Ontario.
Contact:
Nahleena Tye, Planning & Communications Specialist
nahleena.tye@ontarioferries.com