Regular ferry service between Tobermory and South Bay-mouth on Manitoulin Island has been in operation since 1930. RThe first ferry, the Kagawong, was a wooden hulled steamship that could carry only eight cars. The cars had to let air out of their tires to fit all of them in – a practice that was not abandoned until the l960s.
The M.S. Normac, a steel vessel that held 15 automobiles per trip, started operating in 1932 and continued until 1962. In 1945, it was assisted by the S. S. Caribou. Throughout the ensuing years, the S.S. Norisle (1946-1974) and the M.S. Norgoma (1963-1974) were in service. The number of automobiles handled between 1947 and 1969 more than doubled, reflecting the rapid growth of tourism on the Peninsula.
The Ontario government took over the ferry service in 1972. By 1974, a new, faster, larger ferry was put into service. The name Chi-Cheemaun, which means “big canoe” in the Ojibwa language, was selected from among 200 names entered in a contest. For a brief time in the late 1980s, a smaller ship, the M.S. Nindawayma (meaning “little sister” in Ojibwa) also ran the Tobermory-South Baymouth route.
Today’s visitors to Tobermory welcome the impressive sight of the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun pulling into Little Tub Harbour. It can carry 638 passengers and 143 auto-mobiles. Navigation is aided by radar and a satellite positioning system. On board, pas- senger comfort and service has become a priority. Refurbished lounges and cafeteria, a new gift “Boatique” and the option of an evening dinner cruise have brought new meaning to the concept of ferry service. An onboard Information Counter is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable volunteers, a service co-ordinated jointly by the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce and The Manitoulin Chamber of Commerce.
At Tobermory dockside, a modern ter-minal building offers rest facilities and an Information Counter, again staffed by vol-unteers through the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce. While waiting for ferry loading, visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk-ing tour of the picturesque harbour village and historical shops, reminiscent of an era gone by.