The Ferry

The Ferry is the only way on and off Amherst Island, providing an essential link to the mainland. Check out the Ferry Page for information about the ferry schedule, fees, and etiquette for using the Amherst Island ferry service.

The Ferry leaves the mainland on the half-hour (6:30, 7:30, 8:30, etc) and leave the island on the hour (6:00, 7:00, 8:00) from 6AM until 2AM every day of the year.

Island Activities

There are lots of things to do and see during your visit to Amherst Island. Check out the list of Island Activities or our Community Events Calendar to find out more.

Island Businesses

The island is home to a wide array of great businesses and organizations that are working hard to ensure that you can enjoy your time on Amherst Island to its fullest extent.

Explore our Business Directory.

Note: Amherst Island does not have a gas station.

Food & Supplies

Pick up supplies at the Amherst Island General Store, or, seasonally, eat at The Back Kitchen restaurant.

Lodging

Camping is not permitted on Amherst Island’s public lands or in its parks. However, there are plenty of lodging options on the island, including AirBnB options and The Lodge.

Emergency Information

The island is serviced by the Amherst Island Emergency Services Team., It is important to remember that in case of an emergency you need to be able to communicate your location. Emergency services rely on the green Grid Address markers to locate the site of an emergency. Please take a minute to identify the nearest Grid Address when you visit sites on Amherst Island.

The ferry is used in case of emergency to bring additional emergency services to the island and/or as a means to get those needing medical attention to a hospital. This means that in the event of an emergency the ferry may be off schedule during and following the emergency. Emergency updates to the ferry are posted to X: https://x.com/island_ferry

Cell Service

Some select areas of the island have poor cell phone reception, so it’s important to keep this in mind when visiting the island.

Community Etiquette

Amherst Island is a small, tight-knit community that is welcoming and friendly to visitors. When you’re on the island it is very likely that you will be waved at by nearly everyone you pass. It is polite when on the island to wave back to these people as a sign of respect for island customs. Before you know it, you’ll be looking forward you’ll be looking for people to wave at.

Much of the island is private property, even if it looks like it is open to the public, please be sure that you’re observing and respecting private property on the island. Permission asked for in advance if you want to pass through a field to see a bird or check out a stone wall goes a long way.