Chi Cheemaun Ferry - Tobermory Terminal

The best way to get to Manitoulin Island from Tobermory. You'll see beautiful sights during the trip. The ferry is big. There's a nice restaurant on the ferry, and some great seats at the back. It's a convenient and relaxing journey that's worth the money.

I LOVE the Chi Cheemaun. I have been aboard a total of 12 times now (pre and post pandemic) as I frequently travel North! She is big, she is beautiful and she is allows us to see so much!

Why am I giving three stars? Allow me to explain…

The staff upon arrival and docking are always kind and efficient. The boat, seating areas and bathrooms are clean. The hallways are wide and the stair cases are safely secured. Remember to bring your coat with you as it can get chilly on deck! I really enjoy the seating options outside as you can take a nap, or enjoy all the views around you as you travel along the lake, ESPECIALLY at sunset time - this is my favourite time to take the ferry. The boat glides smoothly and I have never experienced any issues around these topics. The staff taking care of the boat, who are seen around, are super nice!

Sadly, the food and cafeteria staff are slacking and I feel good food is such a big part of experiences. For example, I heard a random man refer to the food as “jail food” when receiving him and his wives meal and while I’m unsure what that means, it cannot be good.

The food is bland and almost as if there is no thought put into the meals. They put it on your plate as if you are without tastebuds or a care of what you’re eating. I’m sure it is great for children but for adults joining a lunch, dinner or sunset cruise, it is disappointing. If you take the evening ferry, the cafe closes at 8:30 and you are on the ferry until near 10:00pm. Those serving food (no matter the time of day) appear unmotivated or unhappy with their role which again, I can understand but really want to enjoy my time too. For two people and a vehicle it is around $90.00 and if you’re travelling far distances, that meal onboard may be your main meal while taking the time to rest along your travels. I’d assume only the best fish and chips while crossing the lake that offers some of the yummiest but sadly, I’d give the fish and chips 3/10. I finally had a close friend take the ferry to save her some time and to relax when passing through and the first message I received, was about the fish and chips being terrible! Made me sad for sure! Also, if you bring your pup, you cannot enter the cafeteria, just so you can plan accordingly.

Fingers crossed for better food and better options in the future! This does not take away from all the amazing parts, I’ll just be bringing my own snacks next time!

Thanks!

Just love taking the Chi Cheemaun over to Manitoulin Island.
You'll need to park and your town before you head to the loading staffing area, if you are more than 2 hours early for your sailing, or try to get on an earlier one.
Great friendly staff. Good food, too.

The ferry it self was the only way to go back and forth to Manitoulin Islands in about 1hr45mins each way.

Arrive an hour before departure if you have reservations. Otherwise you will be waiting in the standby line with the others with no guarantee that you will get onto the ferry. There is parking for plenty of cars but in the summer there are plenty of visitors. The on-boarding and off boarding was efficient. The cost per person was $60.

There were two outdoor decks with plenty of seating available. It could get windy up there though.

The cafeteria featured an extensive preprepared meals from Mac&cheese , burgers, pizza, sandwiches, soup & fish and chips. The food was responsibly priced but tasted average. The cafeteria closes at 7:45. There was plenty of seating available. There are two bars on deck as well.

The journey itself was smooth, the staff was welcoming.

The best way to go back n forth to Manitoulin Islands from mainland Ontario. Magnificent sights through out the route and a very cool ferry with a huge parking lot for around 150 cars. There is a nice floating restaurant on the cruise and some really good seating spots on the rear side of the boat. The reservations are almost a must as if gets totally full on almost all weekends. Total of 3 trips per day from both sides are planned well to cater to all your plans and definitely worth the experience. Definitely recommend this route instead of going all the way up North through the road bridge in Little Currents. Not too much of time difference but a lot more convenient and relaxing journey worth every penny.