Amherst Island is 66 km squared and 20 km long, and is located between Kingston and Prince Edward County. It is located in Loyalist Township, part of Lennox and Addington County. It is one of the largest islands in Lake Ontario, about 3km offshore from mainland Loyalist Township. The population is 450, but doubles or triples in the summer. Amherst Island is known for fishing, cycling, sailing, birding, and for having the largest concentration of Irish dry stone walls in Canada.
Amherst Island is serviced hourly by ferry running from Millhaven (mainland side) to Stella (island side) from 6:00 AM (Stella) with the last ferry leaving Millhaven at 1:30 AM. Visitor return fare is $11, payable by cash, credit, or debit.
AMENITIES:
- Fire Department and Emergency Services
- Amherst Island Public School (JK-8)
- 2 churches with regular services: St. Paul’s Presbyterian and St. Alban’s Anglican
- High speed internet: SpaceX’s StarLink, KOS & Xplornet
- Public Parks: Sand Beach Wetlands Conservation Area (beach, walking path and deck overseeing the wetlands), Centennial Park (playground), Lane’s End Park (picnic area), and Stella Bay Public Dock.
Year-round:
- Amherst Island General Store – groceries, frozen meals, gifts, LCBO outlet
- Canada Post Outlet
- Topsy Farms sheep farm, walking trail, workshops, community events, and retail shop
Seasonal:
- Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre which houses the Weasel & Easel Art and Gifts (Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving)
- The Back Kitchen Restaurant (Mid-May to Labour Day)
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
- Amherst Island Women's Institute - 4th oldest branch of Federated Women's Institutes in the world
- Amherst Island Recreation Association - weekly rec programs, creative workshops, & community events
- Amherst Island Community Medical Clinic - health & wellness services, programs, and info
- Amherst Island Agricultural Society - community events, local initiatives that highlight farming & support rural living including the Saturday Social & Market
ANNUAL EVENTS
- Waterside Summer Series - Annual series of high quality classical music concerts at St. Paul's Church.
- Wooly Bully Races - 5K/10K and 1K children's races, brought to you by KRRA every August
- Winter Festival - Community and church groups host a variety events one day in February
For more Amherst Island info, see our FAQs below, and visit www.amherstislandca.com.