The MS Chi-Cheemaun Sets Sail for Its 50th Season
Come celebrate with special events planned throughout sailing season
OWEN SOUND, Ont. – The MS Chi-Cheemaun’s 50th anniversary sailing season officially kicks off May 3. To commemorate this milestone, the Owen Sound Transportation Company is hosting celebration activities onboard the vessel, including exhibits, guest speakers and live entertainment.
The MS Chi-Cheemaun is one of the most recognizable ferries in Canada and an integral symbol of Georgian Bay. It has completed 24,000 voyages between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island since 1974, carrying 10 million passengers and three million vehicles.
This sailing season, the Sail Through Time Exhibit will commemorate 50 years of the MS Chi-Cheemaun and her predecessors with authentic artifacts, posters, photographs and reproductions on loan from the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre in Owen Sound, the Collingwood Museum and the Grey Roots Museum & Archives. The exhibit is free to all passengers.
Each voyage aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun promises the excitement of the open water and spectacular views from the outdoor deck, as well as a licensed dining area and upper lounge featuring local craft beer and wine. The MS Chi-Cheemaun can accommodate a variety of vehicles – from cars to RVs to bicycles – safely and securely. Walk-on passengers are also welcome.
With daily round trips between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island from May 3 to October 20, there is no better time to celebrate than the MS Chi-Cheemaun’s Golden Anniversary. Take a cruise on the MS Chi-Cheemaun this season and discover the beauty of sailing.
For reservations and information:
1 800-265-3163 | www.ontarioferries.com
Pictured below: The MS Chi-Cheemaun displaying the new 50 Years of Service decal. Taken on April 16, 2024, in the Owen Sound harbour.
About Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC):
OSTC, an agency of the Government of Ontario, is an integral part of Ontario’s tourism and transportation system responsible for managing the operation of four ships, seven terminal and dock facilities and administering a contractor operated seasonal air service. OSTC owns and operates the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which provides seasonal service between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula, sailing along the borders of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron to transport tourists, community members and commercial clients. 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. OSTC also operates the MV Pelee Islander and the MV Pelee Islander II, which provide ferry service between the mainland, Pelee Island and Sandusky Ohio on Lake Erie. When Lake Erie ferries are not running from late December through the end of March, OSTC contracts a licensed air operator to provide winter air service between Pelee Island and Windsor.
Contact:
Nahleena Tye, Planning & Communications Specialist
nahleena.tye@ontarioferries.com
519-376-8740 ext. 227