ms chi-cheemaun

We have been using this extension of Hwy. 6 since 1969. The Norgoma and the Norisle were the first used by us back then and now the Chi-Cheemaun. We often travel to Northern Ontario and on the Chi-Cheemaun nearly every trip. We stay on the Bruce for the night then board the boat to have a break from driving for a couple of hours.Meals are good and the gift shop is always interesting to visit. Beautiful fresh air on deck is a welcome relief from Southern Ontario. The staff onboard is very accommodating and friendly. If you ever have a chance please take this trip as it is one of Ontario's little gems.

Whether you're traveling across Ontario or just want to view the sites from the observation deck this is the best way to enjoy a fun day in Tobermory. Vehicle loading is fast and it really is a relaxing way to avoid extra driving. There is breakfast onboard, and a gift shop. Also lots of history to read.

This was my first trip on the Chi-Cheemaun for fun. It's always been a way to get from A to B without driving around Georgian Bay. This was the first time my car was racked in the elevated parking area. It was a bit freaky parking the car and being lifted into the air, but the crew has everything under control, so getting on & off the ship is smooth and quick. We had fun on the cruise. It was too chilly to spend much time outside, but the lake was flat, so the crossing was pleasant. We roamed around the store, checked out all the nooks & crannies we could and eventually settled in the cafeteria / bar area to chat. Parks Canada had a presentation on the 'flora & fauna' of the area. The presenter was knowledgeable and entertaining. Great idea to amuse passengers.

Well worth the trip across instead of driving all the way around if your going west or even just for a day trip. The scenery is great and usually smooth traveling. Its even a good place to go for the camping and a boat ride each way

The ride was smooth, the view was amazing. The meals are delicious and surprisingly affordable. This was truly the best part of our stay in Tobermory.

This is certainly less stressful and more pleasant way to get from Manitoulin Island to the mainland of Tobermory.It would otherwise have been a long drive. It was quite a windy day but the boat was stable and I did not feel ill (I get sea sick easily). We arrived about an hour before departure bought ticket and parked up so we could have breakfast locally in South Baymouth. In high season I imagine you might need to book.

The perfect way to travel and relax, rather than driving miles. Clean and on time this ferry travels through fabulous scenery.

The Chi-Cheemaun is expensive, but so very worth it. We spent 5 days on the Bruce Peninsula and made a day trip from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island. We took the 11:20am sailing from Tobermory, and returned on the 5:50pm sailing from South Baymouth. That left us a little more than 3 hours to explore Manitioulin Island. We drove up to Kagawong to see the Bridal Veil Falls and then spent some time in South Baymouth, looking at the range lights and using the playground. We could easily have spent longer on Manitioulin Island and plan to do that the next time, or else to board the Chi-Cheemaun as a foot passenger and just stay on the ship for the round trip. For us, a family of three with a 6 year old boy, the sailing itself was the big attraction of the Chi-Cheemaun. We sat up on the high deck in comfy chairs, enjoying the scenery immensely. Bring a jacket - the wind is cool even on a hot July day. Be sure to check out the Cove Island lightstation (close to Tobermory). It is one of only 6 Imperial lighthouses built by John Brown in the mid 1800s and is a stunning structure.

Nothing beats a ride on the Chi-Cheemaun! This is a great ship that has been in service for 40 years but does not show signs of letting up anytime soon.

Extremely well organized and efficient.Strongly recommend that you make reservations during peak season...it's a long wait between sailings. Food service on board is surprisingly good with a broad variety of hot and cold options. If you miss a meal on land, don't worry; the food is just as good on board.

Had a very bad crossing from Tobermory to Manitoulin. Bad weather and swells made the trip unpleasant enough ... and that's no one's fault. But the surly staff only added to the queasy feeling Shortly after launch a line began to form in the cafeteria for coffee and breakfast. And no one was being served. After a ten minute wait ..with the kine now more than 20 deep, a potential customer asked if there was a problem. We were all told we would have to wait. The crew's breakfast came first! Time for Customer Service 101! Similar unpleasant and unhelpful attitudes were experienced in encounters with ticket booth staff. We were glad to disembark in South Baymouth for many reasons.

We did a day trip to Manitoulin Island with the car. It was a pleasantly warm, sunny day. In the off season, you don't need reservations. You pay your fee, line up your car in the line that they assign you and wait for vehicle loading. On this trip, we had to drive our car up a steep ramp to the 2nd level but this was not a problem. Passengers are not allowed on the car decks during the voyage. The ship has a boutique where we bought a couple of items. There is a cafeteria and lots of seating inside the ship. Outside, you have your choice of several viewing decks. Some of the seating is comfortable, some isn't. There are a series of islands on one side of the ship or the other. Bring your camera. The trip takes 1:45 hours each way. The ship is clean. The crew is not that attentive. South Baymouth doesn't have a lot to offer if you decide to stay over for 4 hours. It can be awfully boring. We always look forward to the ride on Chi-Cheemaun. You won't get gourmet food. If the weather is nice, you will have a pleasant cruise.

booked this ferry about a week or so before we embarked on our trip....good thing ...the ferry was pretty well filled.... I would advise making a reservation ahead of time to be on the safe side.... we were fortunate...the ride across from manitoulin to tobermory was smooth..no wave action at all...nice sunny day...they have a very good restaurant on board, and a snack bar....also, a regular bar if you so choose...we chose the bar.....if you are staying at one of the island hotels, etc, ask if they have a discount code for the ferry...we saved more than 10%...its just under 2 hours to cross....beautiful scenery as you get closer to mainland...lots of islands...and a nice lighthouse photo-op as you approach tobermory....

We was late all was booked only sun set cruise was available we took it in the evening was chilly and windy but we still had enjoyed.on the way back little boring nice crew members i went to on board coffee shop i didn't had cash i asked the guy if I can use the credit card he said we don't have but what you need i request for a cup of coffee he said take it and don't worry i feel very good that was very nice of him i will recommend.

Went to manitoulin with family and took our CRV on this ferry. Huge ship with a great history. Cafeteria, children's area, large decks for viewing, gift shop, lots of seating, etc, etc. Our children aged 8 and 6 ran around the ship on the deck. The whole experience was unique. The view all the way to Manitoulin was worth the travel in itself.