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