History of Ferry Service - 1920's to Today - Tobermory, Ontario Canada
Posted by: 
Bon Echo
N 45° 15.475 W 081° 39.832
17T E 447912 N 5011816
A timeline of ferry service between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island
Waymark Code: WMRWQG
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 08/14/2016
Views: 4
This timeline display provides the names and service dates for the various ferry boats / ships that have been put in service moving automobiles between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. It is located along the waterfront in Tobermory, adjecent to the dock for the current ferry, M.S. Chi-Cheemaun.
The text on the plaque reads:
A trail of black smoke disappearing through the islands has long been a familiar sight to the village of Tobermory. The first vessel fitted specially for the Tobermory to Manitoulin run was the "Normac". The "Normac" was 125' long and held 15 automobiles per trip. They were side loaded. Some cars had to have air let out of their tires to fit them all in.
A number of ferries have plied the same route through the years. Their names have the familiar ring of old friends to long time residents of the tiny village. The vessels have included:
|
| S. S. Hibou | 1920's | S. S. Manitou | 1937-1944 |
| S. S. Kagawong | 1929-1931 | S. S. Caribou | 1945-1946 |
| M.S. Normac | 1932-1946, | S. S. Norisle | 1946-1974 |
| 1958-1963 | M.S. Norgoma | 1964-1974 |
| S. S. Islet Prince | 1935 | M.S. Chi-Cheemaun | 1974- |
| M.S. Hibou | 1936 | M.S. Nindawayma | 1989 |
|
Currently only the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun makes the nearly 2-hour trip between the Tobermory and Manitoulin Island. The following photo shows the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun as it approached the dock at Tobermory (incidentally, the photo was also taken a few meters from the timeline display).
You can see the plaque any time of year. The ferry service, however, only runs between May and October and is weather-dependent. You can read more about the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun by viewing waymark WME26 or by visiting ontarioferries.com/en/ms-chi-cheemaun-en/
NOTE: While this is not technically a historic timeline, it was approved due to the unique nature of the information. Outspoken1)
Visit Instructions:At least one good photo you have personally obtained and a brief story of your visit. Any additions or corrections to the information about the Waymark (for instance, have the hours open to the public changed) will be greatly appreciated.