The M.S. Chi-Cheemaun returns to Manitoulin Island
It was a welcome sight on Manitoulin Island Tuesday morning as the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun made its return to the wharf in South Baymouth.
Cars were lined up for a long time in advance of the first sailing of the year. Locals and tourists have been waiting weeks for the chance to board the ferry, which had been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"We kind of anticipated there would be some delays but when we wait for direction from the province, that's where a lot it was coming from," said Owen South Transportation Company spokesperson Kaleena Sanford.
Matt Hollingshead and his young family were some of the first in line to board and head south to Tobermory.
"It's really fun -- I think driving into it is one of the best parts and driving out of it. It goes on the water, too, and being on the water is a lot of fun and also we just don't have to drive with a toddler in the car for quite as long," said Hollingshead.
The boat is currently running at reduced capacity because of the pandemic, but this year, operators worked to get the gift shop open and running.
It didn't take them long to see a spike in interest.
"Once we opened up the booking last week on June 3 - both our online and telephone reservations - we did see a high quantity of reservations being completed both online and by telephone," said Sanford.
John Walker was on his way back from a fishing trip to Pickle Lake and decided to take the ferry back, cutting some time off his trip.
"I left Sault Ste. Marie at 5 this morning just to make the ferry," he said. "It breaks up the trip."
The Chi-Cheemaun herself also tends to draw a crowd of Islanders who will make the trek to South Baymouth to see her return. Adeline and Sandra Sampson drove from the west end of Manitoulin to take in the sight.
"I come every year -- I think I missed on sailing so I come every year just to see it come in for the first time," said Sampson.
"I came down to see the first boat come in - finally things are starting to open up," said South Baymouth resident Lorrie Davies.
"I'm surprised there's this many people catching the boat today but I guess people have been waiting to travel."
Gerry Cooper made the Island his permanent home in the last year. Cooper had visiting family members boarding the Chi-Cheemaun. He said it'll save them time returning to Windsor.
"It's a wonderful experience just to be on there, it's so calming and it's good for the economy, obviously," said Cooper.
The ferry service will now continue every day from now until mid-October.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.