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.
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
Amendments to reservations which impact the fare will incur a credit card transaction fee of $3.00 each time such an amendment is made. Ex: no fee is applied when exchanging an SUV for a small car, as the fare does not change, whereas adding or removing a trailer from a booking incurs a fee as the fare does change.
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 Peak seaon and 2 hours during Off-peak seasons
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
Ferry parking lots at Tobermory and South Baymouth terminals are restricted to ferry users only. Please secure a parking pass in the terminal building prior to parking.
Fees are applied in peak season only.
Parking Fees:
Same day – free
Daily – $10
Weekly – $60
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.
Fuel Regulations
Passengers must declare additional fuel containers upon arrival at the dock. Transport Canada regulations prohibit transporting fuels in excess of the following quantities:
Propane – Recreational Vehicles
No more than two propane cylinders up to 25 litres each, safely secured in an upright position with valves closed, and tagged by OSTC staff.
Propane – Built in Propane Tanks
The tank must be original equipment manufactured (OEM), and engineered for the vehicle.
Gasoline – Automobiles
No more than two portable containers of up to 25 litres each.
Gasoline – Motorboats
No more than two portable containers of up to 25 litres each.
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 Program
During the 2021 sailing season, OSTC implemented a new digitized Loyalty Program for our all our valued customers to earn points on each crossing. Points earned would convert into a dollar value and could be used on future reservations to reduce the cost of the crossing.
Since its implementation travelling customers have been successfully accumulating points however, it has been identified there have been the occasional malfunction in the application of the points as a form of payment for a reserved crossing. As a result of this, the Loyalty Program has been temporarily halted while OSTC conducts a review of the program to better serve our customers. We are working expeditiously to resolve this matter and re-instate the Loyalty Program.
While the program is suspended, we have transitioned back to our former “Loyalty Stamp Cards”. Customers may request a card at time of arrival at the dock.
We appreciate your understanding while we address the issue and will keep our valued customers informed of changes in the program.
How it works:
Receive 1 stamp per crossing
After 9 stamps, receive a free crossing
