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Frontenac Islands Life

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:

ANNUAL EVENTS:

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:

AMENITIES:

ANNUAL EVENTS:

Frontenac ISLANDS & AMherst Island Properties

Wolfe Islander III

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Welcome to Stone Mills, Ontario: Affordable Rural Living Near Kingston

Living in Stone Mills provides a peaceful escape to simpler times, characterized by picturesque landscapes, rolling fields, and strong, friendly neighbourly bonds in small, tight-knit communities. Highlights of the lifestyle include:

  • The township is a haven for nature lovers. Residents enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the Salmon and Napanee Rivers. Land activities include hiking, cycling, and snowmobiling along the Cataraqui Trail.

  • Home to the L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area just north of Erinsville, which is the most southerly point in Ontario offering an unobstructed, pristine night sky experience.

  • Real estate in Stone Mills is characterized by expansive, affordable rural properties. The township offers the tranquility of the countryside while being within a convenient 30-minute commuting distance to urban centres like Kingston, Belleville, and Greater Napanee.

  • The area boasts local artisans, community events, studio tours, and historic architecture.

Stone Mills Township is almost 700 km² and has a population of about 8,000 people. Township Council is made up of 7 members, comprised of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and five Council members, all elected at large. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor also sit on the County Council for Lennox & Addington. The Township is comprised of 11 hamlets: Camden East, Centreville, Colebrook, Croydon, Enterprise, Erinsville, Moscow, Newburgh, Strathcona, Tamworth, and Yarker. Among the most prominent are:

  • Tamworth: The largest community offers the services of a larger town combined with the charm of a village.

  • Newburgh: An “old Ontario village” feel, known for its historic mill.

  • Centreville: The Township’s administrative hub, home to the municipal offices and the Centreville Fair.

  • Yarker & Camden East: Yarker is known for its beautiful waterfalls and the Cataraqui Trail, while Camden East offers a welcoming rural setting on the Napanee River.

Schools & Services

Parks and Recreation

Essentials, Shops, Cafes & Restaurants

Curious what life in Stone Mills could look like for you? Reach out—we’d be glad to walk you through current listings and what to expect in the area.

Stone Mills Real Estate

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Living in Amherstview, Ontario: Lakeside Life with City Convenience

If you are looking for a family-friendly community that balances the tranquility of Lake Ontario with a 5-20 minute commute to Kingston, Amherstview offers an established feel that appeals to growing families and retirees alike, providing neighbourly feel with easy access to regional amenities, the 401, and CFB Kingston.

It is the most populous community (>9,000) in Ward 3 of Loyalist Township, a part of Lennox & Addington County. Loyalist township's council consists of the mayor, deputy mayor, and 5 councillors, 3 of whom represent Ward 3.

Schools & Services

Recreation & Community Hub

Amherstview is the heart of Loyalist Township recreation, and the community is anchored by the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, a bustling hub for all ages, which houses:

WJ Henderson Recreation Centre, Amherstview, ON

But that’s not the only Township location for recreation in Amherstview, there’s also 2 baseball diamonds, 3 soccer fields, and the fitness classes at the Leisure & Activity Centre, plus more options at:


Why We Love Amherstview

What makes Amherstview stand out (other than its strong sense of community) is its accessibility & amenities. Located on the scenic Loyalist Parkway (Hwy 33/Bath Road), you are perfectly positioned between the urban energy of Kingston and the historic lakeside charm of Bath. But you don't have to leave the neighbourhood to check off your "to-do" list.

Amherstview is packed with essential services that make life easy: 

  • Foodland Amherstview - a local food bank and firefighter fundraiser, open every day 7am-10pm.

  • There are 4 pharmacies in Amherstview, a 24 hour gas station, several convenience stores, a dollar store, and an LCBO

  • Hungry? There’s 3 pizzerias, 2 bakeries (Giddy Goat & Wheat Kings), donuts, burritos, fish and chips, subs, a bar & grill, and our seasonal favourite: Soup Chef Food Truck in Fairfield Park (making soups for Lakeside Bar & Grill in winter!)

  • Lynn loves Changes Hair Salon

  • You can bank at the local Comtech Fire Credit Union

  • There are a few options for retirement residence and assisted living.

  • Amherstview hugs the north shore of Lake Ontario, providing stunning sunrise views that are well worth waking up for. Enjoy the shoreline at Fairfield Park, home to the historic 1793 Fairfield House (not to be confused with the Fairfield-Gutzeit house in Bath) or Island View Park.

  • There are 14 parks in Amherstview for you to explore, including Loyalist Park, which hosts Tunes Days in the Township, a summer outdoor concert series. 

  • Health & wellness services include family doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, psychotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and even 2 veterinarians for your pet.

  • For your vehicle, we highly recommend Williams Auto and Amherstview Auto—two great local garages.

  • Getting around is a breeze as Kingston Transit provides regular public transportation between Amherstview and Kingston, ensuring easy and reliable connectivity for both residents and visitors. If you prefer driving, it’s a 5-20 minute ride to Kingston, depending on where you are headed. For the active crowd, cycling along Bath Road/Hwy 33 is a great way to take in the views, part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.


Real Estate in Amherstview

Whether you are looking for a bungalow or a modern property in a newer pocket, Amherstview has a diverse range of options. We’ve helped many clients navigate this market—from those moving into the area for work to those looking for a supportive community for their kids.

Thinking about buying a home in the area? We’d be happy to walk you through the market, the specific neighbourhoods, and the next steps to get you started. 

Amherstview Homes for Sale

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The Village of Bath, Ontario

A beautiful place to live, work and play

We’ll just start this post by saying we love Bath! Bath is a historic lakeside village on the north shore of Lake Ontario, located along the scenic Loyalist Parkway (Hwy 33). Just 20–25 minutes west of Kingston and a short drive to Napanee and Prince Edward County, Bath offers small-town charm with convenient access to nearby cities, CFB Kingston, and regional amenities.

The shoreline and Centennial Park provide direct access to Lake Ontario for swimming, paddling, picnics, and stunning sunset views. The Loyalist Parkway is popular with cyclists and road-trippers for its historic stops, farm landscapes, and lake vistas.

Settled in 1784, Bath is one of the oldest communities in Ontario. The population is 1,180. It is Ward 2 of Loyalist Township, a part of Lennox & Addington County. Loyalist township's council consists of the mayor, deputy mayor, and 5 councillors, one representing Ward 2 (Bath). For such a small community, Bath has a lot to offer. 

Things to See and Do

The community hosts year-round events—from weekly summer markets and park concerts to art shows, fundraising breakfasts, Merry Little Main Street in December, and a Canada Day annual celebration that’s a hub of community activity, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.

Amenities & Services

Everyday

Coffee & Treats

Dining & Drinks

Parks & Playgrounds

  • Bath Park & Tennis Courts, 217 Church St

  • Briscoe Park, 169 Sir John Johnson Dr

  • Bulch Park, 265 Academy St

  • Centennial Park North, 336 Main St & South, 329 Main St

  • Finkle's Shore Park, 697 Main St

  • Hawley Court Park, 20 Hawley Court

  • Heritage Park, 53 Bayshore Dr

  • Jessup Lane Park, 208 Somerset Ave (east)

Places of Worship

  • Bath United Church, 402 Academy St

  • Parkway Church, #6 - 218 Main St

  • St. John's Anglican Church, 212 Church St

  • St. Linus Catholic Church, 217 Main St

Services & Clubs

Miscellaneous

Seasonal

Truly, if we didn’t love living on Amherst Island (Lorna in “downtown Stella” and Lynn + family in the country), we’d probably both be somewhere in Bath. A few of our favourite things to do: Welborne Commons for supper, the monthly Lions breakfast, Live Music Sundays in summer, MacKinnon Brothers for local beer, live music, and events, Janasen Lifestyle for clothing & more, and The Hive for local art (gallery and workshops). 

Bath Public School is a small JK–8 school in the heart of the village, known for its friendly, close-knit atmosphere and strong community involvement. Families appreciate the walkability, supportive staff, and the small-school feel that comes with living in Bath.

Thinking about buying or selling in Bath?
We have helped many clients moving to and from Bath—from heritage homes on Main Street to the Loyalist Country Club community and the pockets old and new in the east end, on the hill, and in Millhaven. If you’re considering a move in Bath, Ontario or anywhere in Kingston and area, we’d be happy to walk you through the market, neighbourhoods, and next steps. Reach out anytime to start the conversation.

Bath Real Estate

Zoom into the map above for amenities.

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The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Amherst Island, Ontario

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

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Kingston and Area Real Estate Blog

Kingston & Area real estate insights from local REALTORS® Lynn & Lorna. market updates, buying & selling tips, neighbourhoods, local love, and smart local advice.

This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.