Howe, Simcoe, and Wolfe Islands are all in Frontenac Islands Township on the St. Lawrence River, part of Frontenac County. The township’s council consists of the mayor, deputy mayor, 1 councillor representing Howe Island, and 2 representing Wolfe Island.
(Looking for info on Amherst Island in Loyalist Township? Check out our About A.I. page)

HOWE ISLAND

Howe Island is 31 km 2 and 13 km long and is the fourth largest of the Thousand Islands. The population in 2011 was 602, expanding in the summer months.  

There are no schools or retail stores on Howe Island, but it is connected by 2 ferries, one on either end. 

FERRIES:

Howe Island’s cable ferries are $8 (return single car visitor fare, only paid when going TO the island): 

• The Howe Islander (County Ferry) on the west end goes to the mainland east of Kingston (15 cars) and runs 24 hours a day. 

• The Township Ferry on the east end of Howe Island (2991 Howe Island Drive) takes 3 cars and goes to the mainland west of Gananoque side. It runs its 3 minute crossing from 6:30 AM to midnight. 30 min break daily at 11:15am and 7:15 pm. Regular maintenance occurs on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

• There is an unofficial website that has queue cams at www.howeferries.ca 

• The official Frontenac Island Ferries info can be found here.

AMENITIES:

• KFPL Library Branch

• Fire and Rescue team

• A portion of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

• St. Philomena’s Catholic Church

• Curbside garbage and recycling pickup

ANNUAL EVENTS:

• A one-day outdoor music festival in July called Rockin’ The Rock.

SIMCOE ISLAND

Simcoe Island is 6 km long and 1.5 km at its widest point. The population in 2017 was 82. It is accessible by on-demand cable ferry (scroll down for details) from Wolfe Island. 

WOLFE ISLAND

Wolfe Island is is 124 km2 and 29 km long, and is the largest of the Thousand Islands. The population is 1400, doubling or tripling in the summer months. 

FERRY:

• Wolfe Island Ferry from downtown Kingston. Schedule and island side dock information may change, so check the MTO website to be sure.

AMENITIES:

• Fire Department

• Post Office open 6 days/week

• A medical clinic, including appointments 2 days a week, walk-ins Thursdays, and Lifelabs pickup

• 2 elementary schools: Marysville P.S. and Sacred Heart C.S.

• KFPL Library Branch

• Community Centre including a skating rink

• 3 churches: Anglican, Catholic, and United

• Fargo’s General Store which carries groceries, LCBO outlet, and a little bit of everything

• Big Sandy Bay beach, wetlands and woodlands

• Riverfront Golf Course

• 4 mapped bicycle routes

• Wolfe Island Boat Club (rent lasers, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes)

• Several places to eat and drink

• Several small businesses and shops

• A seasonal food, art and products market at Wolfe Island Commons

• Old House Museum (open weekends)

• Waste transfer site (including organics) open 2 or 3 days/week, depending on the season

ANNUAL EVENTS:

• A two-day music festival in August called the Wolfe Island Music Festival

• Wolfe Island Classic 5K 10K and kids 1-mile races in July

Frontenac ISLANDS & AMherst Island Properties

When we show properties on Amherst Island, we always get the same five questions—whether it’s a young family looking for a slower pace, a couple dreaming of waterfront views, or retirees seeking community and quiet. We’ve answered them so many times we decided to make a video (you’ll find it below), and if you prefer reading, here's the scoop! If you want ALL of the info and links about Amherst Island, that’s here.

1. “What’s the deal with the ferry?”

The Amherst Island Ferry is more reliable than most people expect—it runs 20 hours a day, 365 days a year. The crossing takes about 15 minutes. It leaves hourly half past the hour from Millhaven (mainland) and on the hour from Stella (island side).

Visitor fare is $10.50 for a return trip (paid after boarding in Millhaven), and islanders can buy 25-ticket books for $105.00. Both docks offer public washrooms and indoor waiting areas.

Learn more from Loyalist Township: Amherst Island Ferry Info

2. “What if there’s an emergency?”

We get it—being on an island raises some concerns. Amherst Island has a trained fire and first response crew available at all times. If an ambulance is needed, the ferry crew is notified and transports the ambulance from the mainland, waits during the call, and brings it back. We also have a helipad.

3. “What are the roads like in winter?”

Here’s a surprise: winter road maintenance is excellent. Amherst Island has its own roads crew, and during snow season there’s even a night watch in place to wake the crew if significant snowfall happens overnight. Locals often say snow removal here is better than on the mainland.

4. “Are there any stores or services?”

Yes! Year-round, the island has:

• The General Store with LCBO outlet, frozen meals, snacks, gifts, and much more

• Post Office

• Topsy Farms’ Wool Shed 

In warmer months, you’ll also find:

• The Back Kitchen (non-profit restaurant)

• The Neilson Store Museum & Cultural Centre

• The Weasel & Easel Arts & Gifts Shop

• A weekly Island Market & Social at the Agricultural Pavilion

5. “What do you do in the winter?”

Winter is a different kind of beautiful on Amherst Island. Locals enjoy a slower pace and either happily hole up quietly with books, music and knitting or gather for:

• Potluck dinners, bridge, mahjong, book clubs, movies, games, music

• Beach walks (yes—even in winter!) - during a pandemic winter, a few islanders took it upon themselves to walk every public road on the island! 

• The Amherst Island Recreation Association has weekly sports 3-4 nights/week and occasional social gatherings

• Occasional Friday evening Back Room Talks and Saturday morning Winter Markets at the Museum (brought to you by the Museum and Women's Institute, respectively)

• Birdwatching

• And of course, a quick trip to Kingston gets you to top-tier restaurants, live music, art galleries, and theatre performances.

Island life doesn’t stop when the snow flies—it just shifts into a cozier gear.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're planning to move full-time or looking for a weekend getaway, Amherst Island might just surprise you with how connected, welcoming, and well-serviced it really is. If you’re curious about life on the island—or ready to come take a look—reach out. We live here, and we’d love to show you around.

Let’s chat about your dream island lifestyle.

Amherst Island Real Estate

Waterfront living is something people dream about for years, and in Kingston and area we’re lucky to have an incredible mix of options—big open water on Lake Ontario, quiet bays around Loyalist Township, island shorelines, cottage-country lakes in Frontenac, and the winding Napanee River system.

After helping countless clients move to the water—full-time or seasonally—we’ve seen firsthand what makes it such a powerful lifestyle shift. If you're thinking about buying a waterfront home in Kingston, here’s what really matters.

The Lifestyle Slows Down (In the Best Way)

There’s something about the sound of waves, wide-open lake views, and evening sunsets that naturally changes your pace of life. Whether it’s a shoreline cottage in South Frontenac or a year-round home on Amherst Island, people slow down within weeks.

Morning coffees on the dock, watching the ice form and melt on the lake, or simply stepping outside to birdsong—it adds a sense of calm you can’t replicate in town.

Your Backyard Turns Into Your Playground

In Kingston and area, you’re never far from something to do on the water:

• Paddling along the shoreline in Bath or Amherstview

• Swimming off a private dock at Verona Lake or Sharbot Lake

• Sailing out of Kingston Yacht Club or Collins Bay

• Fishing along the Bay of Quinte or Hay Bay

• Skating on smaller lakes in the winter

You don’t need a “big lake” to enjoy waterfront living. Some of the most peaceful spots are tucked-away bays where the water is calm and protected—perfect for paddleboards, kayaks, and lazy afternoons.

Limited Inventory Means Long-Term Value

True waterfront in southeastern Ontario is limited, and it’s consistently in demand. Whether you’re looking at Lake Ontario frontage, a cottage on Howe Island, or a waterfront acreage in Greater Napanee, the supply-and-demand balance tends to favour long-term value.

We’re not mortgage experts (your broker is the right person for that part), but we can say that well-chosen waterfront homes have historically performed very well in Kingston and surrounding townships.

Living Close to Nature Adds Something Special

One thing buyers often don’t expect is how much they’ll enjoy the wildlife. Around here, you’ll see:

• Osprey diving for fish

• Swans gliding by at sunset

• Foxes trotting along shoreline paths

• Deer in the yard in early morning

• Ice formations that change daily in winter

Every season brings something different, and that connection to nature becomes part of your routine.

The Views Really Do Improve Your Day

We’re not talking Pinterest-pretty. We mean the way light hits the water as the sun comes up over Lake Ontario, or the silver-grey moodiness of a storm rolling in from Wolfe Island.

For people working from home, glancing up from a laptop and seeing water—even for a second—makes a noticeable difference in how the day feels.

Practical Things Waterfront Buyers Should Know

(This is where our local expertise really matters.)

Waterfront homes come with unique considerations, and they vary across Kingston, Loyalist Township, Frontenac County, and L&A:

Shoreline Regulations

Conservation authorities and townships each have their own rules about docks, breakwalls, tree removal, and shoreline protection.

Wells, Septic, and Water Treatment

Most rural waterfront homes rely on these systems. Understanding their age, location, and expected lifespan is essential.

Exposure & Swimability

South-facing vs. east-facing makes a huge difference in sun, wind, and ice. Not all shorelines are equally good for swimming—some are rocky, shallow, or weedy.

Island Living

If you’re considering Amherst Island, Wolfe Island, or Howe Island, ferries create a rhythm to your day. Most people love it; some don’t. It’s important to know where you fit.

These aren’t negatives—they’re simply part of finding the right waterfront fit.

Thinking About Waterfront Living?

Whether you’re dreaming of a cottage-style retreat on Sharbot Lake, a modern home along Amherst Island’s south shore, or a peaceful bayfront lot near Napanee, we can help you sort through your options.

Waterfront is not one-size-fits-all, and choosing the right spot takes local insight and a clear understanding of your lifestyle.

Reach out anytime—we’re always happy to talk waterfront.