My mom and I recently took advantage of a hot summer day to make a visit to beautiful Amherst Island. The island is a perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon… or even a few days! Take a look below to to learn about some of the favourite places we visited. We hope it will inspire you to venture to this amazing island community.
The Amherst Island Ferry
5604 Bath Road, Bath
At 12:30pm, we hopped on the Amherst Island Ferry to begin our adventure. After getting on the boat in our car, we paid the $10 fee and headed up to the seating area. We looked out to the water and enjoyed the cool breeze during the 30-minuted ride. There is an elevated deck with spots to sit that look out to the water as well. This may be the transportation to the island, but to me, it was the perfect way to start our afternoon.
McGinn’s General Store
5695 Front Road, Stella
After we departed the ferry, we visited the lovely McGinn’s General Store, located just up the road from the dock. In this historic building, there is a post office, grocery store, and LCBO. It’s convenient, well maintained, and holds some of the island’s vast history. Be sure to stop in for any of your needs, like snacks for a day at the Sand Beach Wetlands!
Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre
5220 Front Road, Stella
Amherst Island really is a step back in time, and the Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre is filled with its history. I am a big fan of learning about the places I visit, so this was a great place to immerse myself. Not only are there artifacts inside, but the whole building is an exhibit. The island is packed with an interesting history that is conveniently stored in this museum. With free admission and helpful staff, this is a place you won’t want to miss out on!
Irish Stone Walls
Across the Island
As we drove around the island, we got to see the authentic Irish Dry Stone Walls. These centuries-old walls have been preserved and protected by the islanders. Some of these walls are being restored using the same practice that was used to build the original walls, keeping the history and authenticity alive. Take a self-guided tour with the booklets provided at the Neilson General Store.
Topsy Farms
14775 Front Road, Stella
Topsy Farms is a must-visit when you’re on the island! From the lambs you can cuddle to the locally-sourced wool available for purchase, you will definitely want to add this to your agri-tourism bucket list. Learn more about this wonderful place in this blog, or on our website!
Sand Beach Wetlands Conservation Area
Beach Road
After exploring the island on a hot summer day, visiting the Sand Beach Wetlands Conservation Area was the cool-off highlight of my visit. As someone who has a fear of open water, I was at ease because of the clear, shallow beach. With ample shoreline available, it’s easy to find a space where you can relax and enjoy the water. This is also a great place to take a short hike and do some birding. This location is recognized as a part of a Globally Significant Important Bird Area. Be sure to check out this beautiful conservation area when visiting the island.
The Back Kitchen
5660 Front Road, Stella
All this exploring worked up an appetite! The Back Kitchen offers lots of delicious food options. I got myself a pulled pork poutine which was incredible, and my mom got the chicken club sandwich which was thoroughly enjoyed. The restaurant is a non-profit and staffed by the members of the island. This is the best spot to stop in and enjoy a meal after a day of exploring. Be sure to cool down with some ice cream!
The Lodge on Amherst Island
320 McDonalds Lane, Stella
On my trip, I made sure to check out The Lodge on Amherst Island. This is a B&B right by the water. With its big, beautiful common areas and central location, it really is the perfect place to stay when visiting the island. While we made our visit a day-trip, this lodging option is ideal for anyone looking for an extended stay on the island.
Amherst Island is filled with fun and history. There is so much to explore, so be sure to take a day or two to check it out!
