Ferry Across Lake Erie: What Actually Runs
One scheduled boat crosses Lake Erie from Ohio to Canada: the summer Pelee Island ferry from Sandusky. Every other Lake Erie ferry shuttles between the Ohio shore and the U.S. islands.
Sandusky to Pelee Island
Owen Sound Transportation Company (Ontario Ferries) runs the only scheduled crossing from Ohio. The MV Pelee Islander sails from Sandusky to Pelee Island, Ontario, in about 1 hour 45 minutes and carries cars as well as walk-on passengers. From Pelee, a second boat runs to Leamington or Kingsville on the Ontario mainland in about 1 hour 30 minutes. On the 2026 summer timetable, a Friday boat left Sandusky at 4:30 pm, reached Pelee at 6:15 pm, and went on to the mainland at 7 pm, arriving 8:30 pm.
Sandusky sailings are summer-only. Pelee Island's visitor page puts them at May to the end of September, and the fall 2026 timetables list no Sandusky departures. The Ontario side keeps sailing daily until December 7, 2026. Every passenger needs a reservation, walking on or driving, and everyone checks in at least an hour before sailing. Fares sit on the Ontario Ferries Pelee fares page.
Passports and the border
Non-Canadians need a passport to enter Canada through Pelee Island, and non-Americans need one coming back through Sandusky. None of the Ohio island boats cross the border, so you leave the passport at home for Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island and Middle Bass. Pelee itself, with its wineries, birding and quiet roads, sits in our Lake Erie islands compared guide.
Every Lake Erie ferry route from Ohio
| Route | Operator | Crossing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandusky, OH → Pelee Island, ON | Pelee Island ferry (Ontario Ferries) | About 1 hr 45 min | Summer only; reservation and passport required |
| Pelee Island → Leamington or Kingsville, ON | Pelee Island ferry (Ontario Ferries) | About 1 hr 30 min | Ontario side sails through December 7, 2026 |
| Catawba Point → Put-in-Bay & Middle Bass | Miller Ferry | About 18 min | Cars and golf carts; published 2026 schedule runs to November 25 |
| Port Clinton → Put-in-Bay (downtown) | Jet Express | About 25 min | Passengers only; 2026 season ends October 25 |
| Sandusky → Kelleys Island, Put-in-Bay & Cedar Point | Jet Express | Varies by stop | Summer only; ended September 7 in 2026 |
| Marblehead → Kelleys Island | Kelleys Island Ferry | About 20 min | Cars; runs year-round as ice allows |
| Put-in-Bay → Middle Bass | Sonny S | About 10 min | Passengers only |
Get fares and schedules for each Ohio boat: the Miller Ferry, the Jet Express and the Kelleys Island Ferry. Our Put-in-Bay ferry guide compares them side by side, and in winter the island air taxi takes over.
Ferry across Lake Erie FAQ
Is there a ferry across Lake Erie?
Yes, in summer. The Pelee Island ferry, run by Ontario Ferries (Owen Sound Transportation Company), sails from Sandusky, Ohio, to Pelee Island, Ontario, in about 1 hour 45 minutes. From Pelee, a second boat continues to Leamington or Kingsville on the Ontario mainland in about 1 hour 30 minutes. It is the only scheduled crossing from Ohio to Canada.
Can you take a car ferry from Ohio to Canada?
Yes. The Pelee Islander carries cars as well as walk-on passengers on the summer Sandusky run. Every passenger needs a reservation, driving or walking on (1-800-661-2220).
Do I need a passport for the Lake Erie ferry to Canada?
Yes. Non-Canadians need a passport to enter Canada through Pelee Island, and non-Americans need one coming back through Sandusky. The Ohio island boats (Miller, Jet Express, the Kelleys Island Ferry) never cross the border, so no passport for Put-in-Bay, Kelleys or Middle Bass.
When does the Sandusky to Pelee Island ferry run?
Summer only. Pelee Island’s visitor page puts the Sandusky sailings at May to the end of September, and the fall 2026 timetables list no Sandusky departures. The Ontario side keeps sailing daily until December 7, 2026.
Is there a ferry from Cleveland to Canada?
No. The summer Sandusky to Pelee Island boat is the only scheduled ferry from Ohio to Canada. From Cleveland, drive about an hour west to the Sandusky dock.
Sources
Ontario Ferries 2026 Pelee schedule overview, Pelee Island ferries general information, Pelee Island: getting here, Jet Express 2026 schedules, Miller Boat Line and Kelleys Island Ferry schedule, checked October 2026.