Last-minute preparations are being made as the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun gets ready for two cruises and the ferry's first crossing from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island.
The ferry's return to Lake Huron was delayed by five days due to the slower melting of the ice on Georgian Bay, which was expected to remain on the water until the end of April.
The first sailing will be the Owen Sound-based Scenic City Order of Good Cheer Dinner Cruise on May 2nd, followed by the Chi-Cheemaun Annual Spring Cruise from Owen Sound to Tobermory on Monday, May 4th.
Both cruises are sold out but waitings lists are in place.
The first ferry service from the Bruce Peninsula to Manitoulin Island will be on Tuesday, May 5th.
The ferry is sporting some fancy new paint this year, but the cost of a trip will remain the same as in 2014.
The operator of the ferry is also hoping to re-brand itself, as not just a ferry, but also a tourist destination.
Susan Schrempf of the Owen Sound Transportation Company says, "The clientele has changed, they want a vacation experience because they have options...we're trying to ensure that a lot people in southwestern Ontario and in the GTA area, are even aware that the ferry's here. We know that that is a problem to begin with, and once they're aware that it's here, we need to give them a reason to want to get on board."
Part of the motivation is that there are no longer enough riders using the ferry to get to and from Manitoulin Island.
Schrempf adds, "If you look at all of Ontario, this is a very unique experience, you can't find this anywere else."
