Weather cancels Chi-Cheemaun sailings as ferry heads into final weekend
Friday afternoon and evening Chi-Cheemaun sailings were cancelled because of weather. The ferry's season ends Sunday, Oct. 18, and then the ship heads to dry dock in Hamilton.
By David Ellis · · Updated · 2 min read
Weather has cancelled four MS Chi-Cheemaun sailings on Friday, Oct. 16, as the ferry heads into the last weekend of its season.
The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) said in a public notice that "due to weather conditions," Friday afternoon's 1:30 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. departures and the evening's 6:10 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. departures "from Tobermory and South Baymouth have been cancelled." Travellers can check for further changes on OSTC's public notice page at ontarioferries.com or by calling 1-800-265-3163.
Last sailings Sunday
The 2026 season ends Sunday, Oct. 18, OSTC said in a press release Friday. "This is the final weekend to join us aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun this season, with service between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island available until October 18," the release says.
There will be no public fall repositioning cruise this year, OSTC said.
Owen Sound stop, then Hamilton
After the last sailing, the ship will sail overnight to Owen Sound and arrive in the harbour early Monday morning, Oct. 19, according to OSTC. It leaves later that day for dry dock in Hamilton.
OSTC said the dry dock period "supports mandatory inspections and maintenance to help ensure the vessel remains safe and reliable for future sailing seasons."
While the ship is in Owen Sound, the public is invited to watch a safety drill at Owen Sound Harbour at 9 a.m. on Oct. 19. OSTC said the crew will deploy the ferry's port-side Marine Evacuation System, with OSTC staff and Georgian College marine students taking part as passengers while a Zodiac boat tows the life raft to shore. "Everyone is welcome to watch!" the release says.
OSTC said information on the 2027 sailing schedule will be posted at ontarioferries.com early next year.
The Chi-Cheemaun has carried an estimated 10 million passengers and three million vehicles on 24,000 voyages between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island since 1974, according to OSTC, an agency of the Ontario government.
Your turn: Did you ride the Chi-Cheemaun this year, or will you be at the harbour Monday morning? Email news@chatsworthbanner.ca or use the tip form on our site.
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