PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2025
All Aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun!
The Sailing Season Begins May 2, 2025
Owen Sound, Ont. – Experience the thrill of the open water and breathtaking views of Georgian Bay aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun! The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is excited to announce that the MS Chi-Cheemaun will extend its sailing season by one week this fall. The season will begin on May 2 and end on October 26, 2025.
Get ready for an exciting sailing season with these upcoming activities:
- The sold-out Spring Repositioning Cruise, a passenger-only experience, is set to embark on May 1, 2025, departing from Owen Sound Harbour and cruising up to Tobermory. This cherished annual tradition marks the exciting start of the MS Chi-Cheemaun’s sailing season. This year, the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation – Health Centre has been chosen as the non-profit organization to fundraise onboard during this special voyage.
- Our Sail Through Time Exhibit, installed during the last sailing season, remains onboard with historic photographs and artifacts from OSTC’s archives.
- Through our Play for Passage program, we will host guest speakers, musicians, and artists throughout the season. Learn more here: https://www.ontarioferries.com/play/
- Get ready to Light up the Night with the Chi-Cheemaun Festival Cruise on June 14, 2025. Enjoy a BBQ meal and a night of “oohs and aahs” as the ferry cruises along the stunning shoreline of Tobermory followed by a spectacular fireworks display (weather permitting). This event is hosted in partnership with Tobermory’s Chi-Cheemaun Festival Committee. Additional details will be provided on OSTC’s website soon: www.ontarioferries.com
- On October 27, 2025, the Fall Repositioning Cruise will mark the end of the sailing season for the MS Chi-Cheemaun, as she journeys from Tobermory to Owen Sound Harbour for her winter berth. Tickets will be available in the fall, with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Grey Bruce chosen as the non-profit organization to lead fundraising activities during this passenger-exclusive voyage.
- While onboard, explore the Boatique Gift Store, generously stocked with a selection of new and cherished items.
- As always, the MS Chi-Cheemaun features a spacious vehicle deck that can safely and securely accommodate everything from the largest motorhomes and commercial vehicles to bicycles.
- Walk-on passengers are warmly welcomed.
Please note that events and dates are subject to change.
For reservations and information, please 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, 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, operating four ships, seven terminal 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, and contracts winter air service between Pelee Island and Windsor, Ontario when ferries are not running.
Contact:
Nahleena Tye, Planning & Communications Specialist
nahleena.tye @ontarioferries.com
519.376.8740 ext. 227