The MS Chi-Cheemaun has dropped anchor in the Owen Sound harbour for the winter season.
A large number of people lined the harbour as the ship came in Monday afternoon, waving to the passengers of the Chi-Cheemaun’s end of season voyage to the background of the Owen Sound City Band.
The popular vessel rests in Owen Sound at the end of its season each year in October to make needed repairs and upgrades after it ferries individuals and vehicles from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island.
Manager of Marketing and Communications Nahleena Tye says the vessel saw a 4.52 per cent increase in vehicle crossings in 2025, as well as a 0.97 per cent increase in passengers, and a 1.37 per cent increase in the number of sailings between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island.
“July and August are consistently our busiest months, with both the highest total passenger numbers and the greatest average count per sailing,” says Tye in a statement. “2025 has been an exceptionally strong year for the MS Chi-Cheemaun, with consistently high passenger traffic and outstanding crew engagement. Unlike previous seasons, which typically experienced brief slowdowns in late August and during the fall, travel demand remained steady throughout.”
Details about next year’s schedule will be made available on the Ontario Transportation Company’s website here.