OWEN SOUND—The venerable MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry that provides a link between Manitoulin’s southern shores at South Baymouth and Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula will begin its 2025 sailing season this Friday, May 2, leaving Tobermory at 8:50 am and arriving in South Baymouth at 10:50 am.
Between now and June 19, off-peak fare rates will apply. Peak rates come into effect between June 20 and September 1, before going into off-peak again between September 2 and October 26. Reservations are now open, but you must check in at the ticket booth a minimum of one hour prior to sailing time or you will lose your spot. Cancellations are fully refundable if you call at least 48 hours prior to the reserved departure. You will receive a 50 percent refund if cancelling between 48 and 24 hours prior to reserved departure time and if you don’t call at least 24 hours prior to the reserved departure time you will not be refunded. No shows are not eligible for refunds.
This year, the ferry operator Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) has implemented daily parking fees, seven days a week, at the Tobermory and South Baymouth ferry terminal parking lots during the sailing season. Parking fees will commence on May 2 and are in effect until Sunday, October 26. Ferry parking lots are restricted to ferry users only, and available on a first come, first served basis, as space permits. Note that parking is used at your own risk. Passengers are required to purchase their parking pass from the terminal office upon arrival. Parking passes must be displayed clearly on the vehicle dashboard. Vehicles without valid parking passes will be towed or removed at the sole risk and cost of the owner or operator of the vehicle. Parking fees are $10 per day (tax included) or $70/week (tax included).
Reservations may be booked online at ontarioferries.com or by calling 1-800-265-3163. You can opt in to 613-703-9026 to subscribe to have all the Chi-Cheemaun service updates, cancellations and delays sent to your cell phone.
If you are bringing your pet/s along, be advised they must remain on a leash at all times or be in a TSA approved pet carrier and be always kept with their owner in the pet-designated areas aboard the vessel. Exceptions are made for certified assistance dogs.
Between May 2 and June 19, the ferry will leave Tobermory at 8:50 am and arrive in South Baymouth at 10:50 am, leaving at 11:10 am to arrive in Tobermory at 1:30 pm, departing on Monday to Thursday from Tobermory at 1:30 pm and arriving in South Baymouth at 3:30 pm, departing South Baymouth at 3:50 pm and arriving in Tobermory at 5:50 pm, while the final departure from Tobermory on Fridays takes place at 6:10 pm, arriving in South Baymouth at 7:55 pm and departing at 8:15 pm to arrive in Tobermory at 10 pm.
An additional sailing takes place Monday, May 19 with a 6:10 pm departure from Tobermory, arriving at 7:55 pm in South Baymouth, leaving again at 8:15 and finally arriving in Tobermory at 10 pm.
Between June 20 and September 1, the ferry will leave Tobermory at 8:45 am and arrive in South Baymouth at 10:30 am, leaving at 11 am and arriving back in Tobermory at 12:45 pm. The ferry departs Tobermory at 1:15 pm and arrives in South Baymouth at 3 pm before departing again at 3:30 pm and arriving in Tobermory at 5:15 pm. The final crossing leaves Tobermory at 5:45 pm and arrives at South Baymouth at 7:30 pm, leaving at 7:45 pm to arrive in Tobermory at 9:30 pm.
Between September 2 and October 26, the ferry will leave Tobermory at 8:50 am and arrive in South Baymouth at 10:50 am, leaving for Tobermory at 11:10 am and arriving in Tobermory at 1:10 pm, departing on Monday to Thursday from Tobermory at 1:30 pm and arriving in South Baymouth at 3:30 pm, departing South Baymouth at 3:50 pm and arriving there at 5:50 pm. The final departure from Tobermory (on Fridays only) takes place at 6:10 pm, arriving in South Baymouth at 7:55 pm and departing at 8:15 pm to arrive in Tobermory at 10 pm. There will be no sailing on Friday, October 24 at 6:10 as the season will have ended for 2025.
An additional sailing takes place on Thanksgiving Monday, October 13 with a 6:10 pm departure from Tobermory, arriving at 7:55 pm in South Baymouth, leaving again at 8:15 and finally arriving in Tobermory at 10 pm.
