Chi-Cheemaun Wraps 2025 Season With Sold-Out Final Cruise and Strong Ridership
The MS Chi-Cheemaun ended its 2025 season with a sold-out final cruise and a warm welcome in Owen Sound. Ridership rose this year, with over 880 crossings completed.
The MS Chi-Cheemaun has officially concluded its 2025 sailing season, docking at Owen Sound Harbour for the final time this year on Monday, October 27, following its annual Fall Repositioning Cruise from Tobermory.
The final voyage, which sold out in advance, featured live entertainment from musician Al Crawford and onboard fundraising led by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce.
A crowd gathered along the Owen Sound waterfront to welcome the ferry home, with music from The Owen Sound Band marking the occasion.
The ferry’s last regular crossing of the season was on Sunday, October 26. According to figures provided by Owen Sound Transportation Company, this year saw a 1.2% increase in passenger numbers and a 4.7% rise in vehicle traffic compared to 2024.
In total, the Chi-Cheemaun completed 887 crossings between Tobermory and South Baymouth. Eight sailings were cancelled over two days due to weather-related issues.
As one of Canada’s most recognized ferries, the Chi-Cheemaun—which means “big canoe” in Ojibwe—has operated between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island since 1974. In that time, it has carried an estimated 10 million passengers and three million vehicles, logging approximately 24,000 voyages.
Looking ahead, the 2026 sailing season is expected to begin May 1 and continue through October 18, though those dates are subject to confirmation. The Spring Repositioning Cruise and the “Play for Passage” program are slated to return. Reservations will open in March 2026 via ontarioferries.com.
The Chi-Cheemaun will remain at its winter berth in Owen Sound until next spring.