By Tammy Raycraft,
Bruce Peninsula Press
The MS Chi-Cheemaun will kick off the 2026 sailing season on April 30 with its annual Spring Repositioning Cruise.
Boarding will start at 11:00 a.m. at the Owen Sound harbour and will depart at noon for the four-and-a-half-hour cruise, arriving in Tobermory at 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $85 for adults and seniors, and $45 for children 5-11. Children under 5 are free. A lunch buffet is included in the ticket price.
Buses will arrive at the Tobermory terminal at 5:00 p.m. and will return to the Owen Sound harbour at an estimated time of 6:30 p.m.
For the 2026 season, the Chi-Cheemaun will provide two sailings a day, between Tobermory and South Baymouth, every day of the week from May 1 – June 18. There will be an additional sailing on Fridays only, as well as Monday, May 18, for Victoria Day.
Peak season the ferry will provide three sailings a day from June 19 to September 7. On-peak rates will apply. From September 8 to October 18 there will be 2 sailings a day with an additional sailing on Fridays as well as Monday, October 12 for Thanksgiving.
The Manitoulin Municipal Association (MMA) had requested that the Chi-Cheemaun increase sailings to four a day during peak summer sailing season, however, a spokesperson from the Owen Sound Transportation Company confirmed the sailing schedule will remain consistent with the prior year, with no changes to passenger or vehicle fares.
Bryan Barker, chair of the MMA, said the request was made because there is a need for additional sailings to help local residents get off the island for appointments. The current peak sailing schedule of three trips a day has made it difficult for residents to secure a ticket if not booked early.
Dale Scott, a member of Central Manitoulin Council, told the MMA that passenger traffic on the ferry increased 4.7 per cent in 2025. There was also a 1.7 increase in vehicle traffic, which, according to Scott, has the ferry running full most of the time.
Parking fees will be in effect from the first day in the sailing season until the last day of the sailing season. Parking lots are reserved for ferry users only and are available on a first come first serve basis. Parking rates are $10 per day or $70 per week.
Tickets can be booked at ontarioferries.com or by calling 1-800-265-3163.
