Manitoulin & Beyond

From mid-May to mid-October, the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun connects Tobermory on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula with South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. The two-hour crossing is not just a link to the world’s largest freshwater island, but a short cut to and from northern Ontario – alleviating a long drive around Georgian Bay. The 50-km-long (30-mile-long) trip is also intriguing in its own right, and can be enjoyed on a Sunset Dinner Cruise, featured on the last sailing the day.

Crossing the Main Channel between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, this smoke-free ferry leaves Tobermory with a view of the Niagara Escarpment. It plies between the islands of Fathom Five National Marine Park, and passes the Imperial Tower of the Cove Island Lighthouse.

Big, Comfortable Canoe

Chi-Cheemaun means “The Big Canoe” in Ojibway. It is the largest passenger and car vessel on the Great Lakes. The “Cheech” carries more than 600 passengers and close to 150 vehicles on up to four departures daily. You can come by car, van, bus, motorcycle, bicycle and foot. Light meals, snacks and refreshments are available from the cafeteria; magazines and souvenirs can be purchased from the Boatique Gift Shop.

Benches are on the deck outside, table and chairs next to a wall of windows welcome travelers inside. For kids, there’s playground equipment, toys and video games.

Scenic, Gourmet Excursion

The Sunset Dinner Cruise is a gourmet experience with meals served on white linen covered tables. The four-hour round trip is a romantic affair on the sundown side of the boat. Of course, before and after the meal, the deck is the place to be, sitting on benches or leaning against the rail, while the sun does what it does, in a grand way, on a great lake. Reservations are required. 800-265-3165, www.ontarioferries.com

Address:

8 Eliza St.  Tobermory, ON  N0H 2T0
Phone: 1-800-265-3163
Email: reserve@bmts.com
Website: click here

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