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waves crashing

Our Story

Travelling by ferry is more than just a trip, it’s a tradition—one we’ve been proud to keep going for more than a hundred years.

Owen Sound Transportation Company

One of Ontario’s largest ferry operators, the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is an agency of the Government of Ontario. We offer passenger and vehicle ferry service across three distinct regions, traversing Georgian Bay, Lake Erie, and the Moose River.

A woman's silhouette, leaning on a ship's railing, gazes out at a vibrant sunset over the ocean, with the sun just above the horizon. A peninsula extends into sun-drenched water, revealing forested land, segmented fields, and distant islands. The sun reflects brightly across the water's surface from a hazy horizon. Car heading to Niska Rows of bright blue benches sit empty on the open deck of a white passenger ship, looking out toward distant green hills and calm blue water under a clear sky A large white passenger ferry cruises forward, leaving a foamy wake on the vast, deep blue ocean, viewed from an aerial perspective. A tranquil lake reflects the vibrant blue sky and white clouds, bordered by lush green grass and a dense forest of evergreen trees.

Our History

The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) became an independent provincial agency in 2002. Today, we manage and operate major ferry routes on the Great Lakes and in northern Ontario, providing a vital link that facilitates connection, invites exploration, and drives economic prosperity.

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A seagull perches on a rocky cliff overlooking a vast, clear blue-green lake with distant islands and a forested shore under a partly cloudy sky.

Northeastern Ontario

Founded in 1921 to support a local furniture manufacturer, the OSTC evolved from a regional cargo and excursion carrier into a vital marine transportation link. Decades of expansion saw the launch of the MS Chi-Cheemaun in 1974, connecting Tobermory to Manitoulin Island, along with the MV Niska 1 in 2010, providing transport from Moosonee to Moose Factory Island.

Sunset

Southwestern Ontario

Ferry service to Pelee Island began in the 19th century as a patchwork of private trade vessels. By 1960, increasingly stringent safety regulations led the federal government to construct the MV Pelee Islander, with the OSTC becoming its central operator in 1992. In 2019, the MV Pelee Islander II joined the fleet, bringing with it increased capacity and a host of modern conveniences.

Passengers on a boat deck look out at a river flowing between shores with autumn trees and buildings, under a clear, sunny sky with a plane contrail.

Committed to Our Community

We’re proud to support the communities where we work and live, continuing a long tradition of service through local partnerships, sponsorships, and charitable initiatives.

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