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Map of Ferries to Manitoulin Island

Getting to Manitoulin Island from the Bruce Peninsula requires a two-hour ride on the MS Chi-Cheemaun. Operated by the Owen Sound Transportation Company, the largest ferry provider in this part of Canada, the boat departs from Tobermory and docks at South Baymouth. This seasonal route lets you bypass the long drive around Georgian Bay. It is a very popular shortcut for road-trippers who might also be heading to Pelee Island later in their journey. The ferry map above shows exactly how this crossing links the mainland to the island.

From Ontario to Manitoulin Island

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Tobermory ↔ Manitoulin Island

Owen Sound · 1h

🚗 ✓🚐 ✓From EC$ 80

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Georgian Bay transit: Manitoulin Island ferry data

Accessing Manitoulin Island from Southern Ontario involves a 1 hour and 45 minute crossing of Lake Huron. The MS Chi-Cheemaun (meaning “Big Canoe” in Ojibwe) connects the Bruce Peninsula to the island, saving travelers a 350-kilometer (217 mile) drive around the top of Georgian Bay. This seasonal service is an integral part of Highway 6 and is a major cultural icon of the Great Lakes region.

Route Terminal	Operating Season	Logistics Score
Tobermory ↔ South Baymouth	May 1 to Oct 18, 2026	The Great Lakes Link: A 40 kilometer (25 mile) transit. Operates 2 to 3 times daily. One-way vehicle fares for the 2026 on-peak season are approximately $49.10 for a standard car plus passenger fees.

⚠️ Expert Alert: The “No-Idle” & Fuel Policy
While on the vehicle deck of the Chi-Cheemaun, all engines must be turned off and passengers are required to vacate the deck for the duration of the crossing. If you are transporting gasoline in portable containers (for boats or ATVs), you are limited to 25 liters (approx. 6.6 gallons) per vehicle, and containers must be stored in a leak-proof manner outside the passenger cabin.

Arrival & Capacity Logistics

Reservation Policy: Reservations for the 2026 season opened on March 16. During July and August, the ship often reaches its 143-vehicle capacity weeks in advance. If you do not have a reservation, show up at least 3 hours before departure for a “standby” chance, though this is not guaranteed.
Terminal Parking: Both the Tobermory and South Baymouth terminals now implement a mandatory $10/day parking fee for those leaving vehicles at the wharf. Passes must be purchased at the terminal office and displayed on the dashboard to avoid towing.
Loading Order: The ferry uses a drive-on, drive-off visored bow system. Loading is determined by vehicle size and weight distribution rather than arrival time. Don’t be alarmed if smaller cars are directed into side lanes while larger RVs are loaded first in the center.

“Don’t spend the whole trip inside the cafeteria. Head to the front observation deck as the ship leaves Tobermory to see the ‘Big Tub’ lighthouse and the shipwrecks in the crystal-clear water of Fathom Five National Marine Park. It’s some of the best scenery on the Great Lakes and you’ll miss it if you’re just waiting in the coffee line.”

Using this terminal data ensures you align your arrival with the mandatory 1-hour check-in deadline: missing this window results in your reservation being voided and your spot being sold to the standby queue. Check our specialized maps to locate the South Baymouth landing relative to the Highway 6 corridor.