Update: June 26, 2026
Learn more here:
In recognition of this day, we are offering Indigenous peoples free passage onboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun all day, June 21, 2026.
Please read the poster below for more details.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 16, 2026
MS Chi-Cheemaun returns to three daily sailings for peak travel season beginning June 19, 2026
Owen Sound, ON – The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is pleased to announce the return of three daily sailings aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun for the 2026 peak travel season.
“The M.S. Chi‑Cheemaun is a vital transportation link connecting communities, visitors and businesses across Georgian Bay,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “As another busy tourism season gets underway, we’re ramping up service to ensure thousands of visitors to Manitoulin Island, local residents and businesses have a reliable option to get where they’re going each day.”
Effective June 19, 2026, the ferry will offer three daily departures from both Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, providing added flexibility and convenience for residents and visitors during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The enhanced sailing schedule reflects OSTC’s commitment to meeting seasonal travel demand while supporting tourism and regional connectivity between Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. As summer travel demand remains strong, the additional sailings will enable more passengers to experience Ontario’s natural beauty and enjoy all the region has to offer.
The MS Chi-Cheemaun’s spacious vehicle deck can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, including motor homes, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Walk-on passengers are also welcome.
Sailing schedule details, fare information, and ticket reservations are available on the Chi-Cheemaun website. Travellers are encouraged to reserve early to secure their preferred sailing times. The three daily voyages end on September 7, 2026.
For reservations and information please call, 1 800-265-3163 or visit www.ontarioferries.com.
Daily sailings between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island are available until October 18, 2026.
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About the MS Chi-Cheemaun:
As one of the most recognizable ferries in Canada, the MS Chi-Cheemaun continues to be an integral symbol of Georgian Bay and has carried an estimated 10 million passengers and three million vehicles, completing 24,000 voyages between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island since 1974.
About Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC):
The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC), an agency of the Government of Ontario, plays a vital role in Ontario’s tourism and transportation system, overseeing the operation of four ships, seven terminals and dock facilities and administers contractor-operated seasonal air service. OSTC owns and operates the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which provides seasonal service to community members, commercial clients and a large tourism-based ridership between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula, sailing along the borders of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. 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. Additionally, OSTC operates the MV Pelee Islander and MV Pelee Islander II for ferry service between the mainland, Pelee Island, and Sandusky, Ohio.
The Chi-Cheemaun Festival Weekend is Almost Here! 
Join us for the Chi-Cheemaun Festival Cruise this Saturday, June 13, 2026
Tickets Fares:
Cruise Schedule (Rain or Shine)
Live Music:
Parking:
Service Animals:
There will be no Fall Repositioning Cruise this year, so don’t miss your chance!
This event is hosted in partnership with the Chi-Cheemaun Festival Committee.
What else is happening in Tobermory this weekend? Check out the Ultimate Festival Weekend Guide (By Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula): Your Ultimate Chi-Cheemaun Festival Guide Awaits!Missed out on the Spring Repositioning Cruise? Join us for the Chi-Cheemaun Festival Cruise on Saturday, June 13, 2026—your chance to sail with us and light up the night!
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 8am!
There will be no Fall Repositioning Cruise planned this year due to the Chi-Cheemaun’s five-year dry dock inspection.
Light up the Night – Chi-Cheemaun Festival Cruise Details:
Join us onboard for a gourmet BBQ meal, and a night of oohs and aahs as we cruise the incredible shoreline of Tobermory before watching a spectacular fireworks display.
Tickets are available by phone: 1-800-265-3163 or purchase directly from Tobermory and South Baymouth Ferry Terminals.
Fares:
Adults/Seniors: $75
Children 5-11: $35
Kids 0-4: Free
Itinerary & Boarding Times:
This is a rain or shine cruise.
June 13, 2026
– 18:30 Boarding at Tobermory Terminal, 8 Eliza Street, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
– 19:00 Sailing
– 22:00-22:30 Fireworks (weather permitting)
– 23:00 Return to Tobermory Terminal
All times are approximate.
Parking:
Free parking is available at the Tobermory Terminal for this event on a first come, first served basis.
Musical Guest:
Marty Oblak
This event is hosted in partnership with the Chi-Cheemaun Festival Committee.
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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 28, 2026
Set sail on the MS Chi-Cheemaun!
The 2026 sailing season begins May 1.
Owen Sound, Ont. – The MS Chi-Cheemaun sets sail May 1, marking the start of the 2026 sailing season with daily crossings between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island through one of Ontario’s most scenic waterways.
“For more than 50 years, the MS Chi-Cheemaun has been a vital connection for locals, tourists and businesses travelling between the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “As the 2026 sailing season begins, our government is proud to support safe, reliable ferry service that keeps communities connected, supports local tourism and helps drive economic growth across the region.”
From signature sailings to onboard favourites, here are a few highlights passengers can look forward to this season:
• Spring Repositioning Cruise: The season kicks off with the sold-out Spring Repositioning Cruise, an annual favourite that signals the official start of the MS Chi-Cheemaun sailing season. This amazing voyage departs from Owen Sound Harbour on April 30, 2026, for Tobermory. This year, Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey will be the onboard fundraising partner. With the MS Chi-Cheemaun scheduled for its five-year dry dock inspection at the end of the season in October, a Fall Repositioning Cruise has not been scheduled.
• Sail Through Time exhibit: Explore OSTC’s rich history at the Sail Through Time exhibit, featuring historic photographs and artifacts—free to visit during your sailing.
• Play for Passage program: Enjoy live entertainment on select sailings throughout the season, featuring guest speakers, musicians and artists. Learn more at: https://www.ontarioferries.com/play/.
• Chi-Cheemaun Festival Cruise: On Saturday, June 13, 2026, join us for a special evening sailing along Tobermory’s shoreline, complete with a BBQ meal and spectacular fireworks display (weather permitting), hosted in partnership with Tobermory’s Chi-Cheemaun Festival Committee. Additional details—including when tickets will go on sale—will be announced soon on our website, www.ontarioferries.com.
• Boatique Gift Store: Browse a thoughtfully curated selection of new and classic items at the ship’s gift store.
• Vehicle deck: The MS Chi-Cheemaun continues to offer a spacious vehicle deck that can safely accommodate everything from large motorhomes and commercial vehicles to bicycles.
• Access for walk-on passengers: All are warmly welcomed aboard to enjoy the journey.
Please note that all events and dates are subject to change.
For reservations and additional information, call 1-800-265-3163 or visit www.ontarioferries.com.
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About the MS Chi-Cheemaun:
As one of the most recognizable ferries in Canada, the MS Chi-Cheemaun continues to be an integral symbol of Georgian Bay and has carried an estimated 10 million passengers and 3 million vehicles, completing 24,000 voyages between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island since 1974.
About Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC):
The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC), an agency of the Government of Ontario, plays a vital role in Ontario’s tourism and transportation system, overseeing the operation of four ships, seven terminals and dock facilities and administers contractor-operated seasonal air service. OSTC owns and operates the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which provides seasonal service to community members, commercial clients and a large tourism-based ridership between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula, sailing along the borders of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. 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. Additionally, OSTC operates the MV Pelee Islander and MV Pelee Islander II for ferry service between the mainland, Pelee Island, and Sandusky, Ohio.
Contact:
Nahleena Tye, Manager of Marketing and Communications
nahleena.tye@ontarioferries.com
519.376.8740 ext. 227
We are excited to share that all tickets for our 2026 Spring Repositioning Cruise aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun have been sold out. This annual event marks the official start of our sailing season, with the cruise departing from Owen Sound Harbour on April 30 and heading to Tobermory.
If you were unable to secure a spot for this special voyage, we invite you to join us on another date. The Chi-Cheemaun sails daily between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island from May 1 through October 18, 2026.
View our schedule: https://www.ontarioferries.com/ms-chi-cheemaun/schedule-overview/
Please join us in congratulating Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey as the non-profit organization that will be fundraising onboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun for our 2026 Spring Repositioning Cruise!
Learn more about Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey: https://www.whsbg.on.ca/
***
REMINDER: SPRING REPOSITIONING TICKETS GO ON SALE APRIL 1 @ 8am EST!
Kick off the sailing season on the Chi-Cheemaun with our annual Spring Repositioning Cruise, departing April 30 from the Owen Sound Harbour and sailing up to Tobermory!
This popular four-and-a-half-hour voyage is a passenger-only venue. Ticket price includes a lunch buffet featuring our traditional roast beef option. Tickets go on sale April 1 and are available by phone only: 1-800-265-3163
Please note: At this time, only a Spring Repositioning Cruise is planned for 2026. The Chi-Cheemaun is scheduled for its five-year dry dock inspection at the end of the sailing season in October, and a Fall Repositioning Cruise has not been scheduled.
Fares:
$85 Adult/senior
$45 Children 5-11
Free under 5
Itinerary & Boarding Times:
April 30, 2026
11:00 Boarding at Owen Sound Harbour off of 1st Ave. West
12:00 Sailing | Cafeteria opens upon departure and lunch buffet commences
16:30 Arriving at Tobermory
17:00 *Bus arrival at Tobermory Terminal
18:30 Estimated time for buses returning to Owen Sound Harbour
All times are approximate.
Parking:
Free parking is available at 1155 1st Ave. West, Owen Sound at a first come-first served basis.
Additional parking is located across from the Legion on the east side of 2nd Ave. West.
Service Animals:
Please note pets are not permitted on this cruise; however, service animals are welcomed.
Musical Guest:
Moondance
Reservations by phone only:
1-800-265-3163
*Bus:
Yellow school buses are provided to continue to help keep ticket costs down.
For Immediate Release
March 17, 2026
MS Chi-Cheemaun Reservations Are Officially Open!
Owen Sound, Ont. – Reservations are now open for the MS Chi-Cheemaun. The Owen Sound Transportation Company looks forward to welcoming travellers back for the 2026 sailing season.
As one of Canada’s most recognizable ferries, the Chi-Cheemaun will offer daily sailings between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island from May 1 to Oct. 18, 2026. The scenic crossing takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes during peak season and two hours during off-peak periods.
The Chi-Cheemaun features a spacious vehicle deck that can accommodating everything from large motor homes and commercial vehicles to bicycles, with walk-on passengers welcome.
View the Chi-Cheemaun sailing schedule at: https://www.ontarioferries.com/ms-chi-cheemaun/schedule-overview/.
Travel in Good Spirits and reserve your crossing by calling 1-800-265-3163 or booking online at: https://www.ontarioferries.com/reservations/login.php.
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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):
The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC), an agency of the Government of Ontario, plays a vital role in Ontario’s tourism and transportation system, overseeing the operation of four ships, seven terminals and dock facilities, and administers contractor-operated seasonal air service. OSTC owns and operates the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which provides seasonal service to community members, commercial clients and a large tourism-based ridership between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula, sailing along the borders of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. 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. Additionally, OSTC operates the MV Pelee Islander and MV Pelee Islander II for ferry service between the mainland, Pelee Island, and Sandusky, Ohio.
Contact:
Nahleena Tye, Manager of Marketing and Communications
nahleena.tye @ontarioferries.com
519.376.8740 ext. 227