The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) has announced the MS Chi-Cheemaun will kick off its 2021 season on May 7.
Running seasonally in Lake Huron between South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island and Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula, the ferry is a popular method of transport for visitors to Manitoulin Island, where tourism is the primary industry.
The OSTC said all COVID-19 mitigation measures will remain in place.
Although the ferry's certified capacity is 639 passengers and is permitted to carry 300 passenger under current COVID-19 restrictions, numbers will be capped at 200 people in order to maintain physical distancing between passengers.
All passengers must make a reservation – no walk-on traffic is being accepted at this time – and passengers must complete a COVID-19 screening before boarding to ensure they are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
Passengers must wear a face covering for the duration of the sailing and maintain a distance of two metres from other passengers.
No food or drinks will be served on board, and passengers are not permitted to bring food with them, although a bottle of water is permitted.
Staff will clean passenger areas frequently.
Reservations for the Chi-Cheemaun will be accepted by phone starting on March 17.
Editor's note: The original article indicated that the MS Chi-Cheemaun's capacity was 300 passengers.