Amherst Island

### **Category: Amherst Island, Lake Ontario** #### **Overview** **Amherst Island**, located in **eastern Lake Ontario near Kingston, Ontario**, is one of the **largest islands in the Thousand Islands region**. Known for its **rich maritime history, historic shipwrecks, and strong Scottish heritage**, the island has been an important **navigation point for Great Lakes shipping and fishing** for over two centuries. Its **treacherous waters, rocky shoals, and hidden reefs** have contributed to **multiple shipwrecks**, making it a site of interest for **divers, historians, and maritime researchers**. #### **Geography & Location** - Situated **west of Kingston**, between **Loyalist Township and Prince Edward County**. - Lies **just north of the main shipping channel** used by vessels traveling through the **St. Lawrence Seaway**. - Surrounded by **dangerous reefs and shallow waters**, especially near its southern and western shores. - Accessible by the **Stella Ferry**, which runs from **Millhaven on the mainland to Stella on Amherst Island**. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - **Early Settlement & Trade (1700s-1800s)**: - Originally used by **Indigenous peoples for fishing and trade**, Amherst Island was later settled by **Scottish immigrants** in the early **19th century**. - Became a **hub for timber, agriculture, and fishing**, with ships frequently stopping along its shores. - **Shipwreck Hotspot (19th & 20th Centuries)**: - The island’s **reefs and submerged hazards** led to **numerous wrecks**, particularly in the **1800s and early 1900s**. - Many ships trying to **navigate to and from Kingston** encountered difficulties near **Amherst Island's rocky coastline**. - **Modern-Day Shipping & Recreation**: - While large **commercial vessels still pass near Amherst Island**, it is now primarily a location for **sailing, fishing, and tourism**. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** The waters surrounding Amherst Island contain **numerous shipwrecks**, many of which are **well-preserved due to cold freshwater conditions**. Notable wrecks include: - **The Frontenac (1907)** – A **wooden freighter that ran aground** near the island. - **The Bavaria (1889)** – A **sailing vessel lost in a storm** off the western shore. - **The Comet (1861)** – A **paddlewheel steamer** that sank while carrying cargo. - **The George A. Marsh (1917)** – A **three-masted schooner lost in a storm**, located just east of the island. - **Unknown & Uncharted Wrecks** – Additional **wooden schooners, steamers, and early cargo vessels** are believed to have **sunk in deeper waters nearby**. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Amherst Island Ferry** – A **short ferry ride from Millhaven** provides access to the island. - **Hiking & Wildlife Viewing** – The island is home to **rare bird species and limestone shorelines**, making it a popular spot for **nature lovers**. - **Historic Dry Stone Walls** – Built by **Scottish settlers**, these structures are a **rare feature in North America**. - **Stella Bay & Waterfront Trails** – A scenic area perfect for **boating, picnicking, and exploring Lake Ontario’s shoreline**. - **Horse and Sheep Farms** – Amherst Island is known for its **active farming community**, with **heritage livestock breeds** still present today. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Hidden Shoals & Rocky Reefs**: Many ships have been **lost due to unmarked hazards**, making navigation difficult. - **Strong Winds & Sudden Storms**: Lake Ontario is known for **unpredictable weather**, which has historically caused **wrecks and rough waters**. - **Limited Infrastructure**: The island has **few commercial services**, requiring visitors to be **self-sufficient** when exploring. ### **Why It Matters** Amherst Island is a **key historical and maritime landmark in Lake Ontario**, offering a **unique blend of shipwreck history, scenic beauty, and early Canadian settlement heritage**. With **well-preserved wreck sites, strong Scottish roots, and an untouched rural landscape**, the island remains an important destination for **divers, sailors, historians, and nature enthusiasts alike**.