Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Amherst Island
- Type: Island
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 20 km (12 mi) long X 7 km (4 mi) wide
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Amherst Island, Ontario, Canada
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Amherst Island is not a vessel but an island known for its maritime history and shipwrecks.
Description
Amherst Island is located in Lake Ontario, just west of Kingston, Ontario, and is part of the Loyalist Township in Lennox and Addington County. The island is approximately 20 km (12 mi) long and 7 km (4 mi) wide, making it one of the larger islands in Lake Ontario. It is known for its rich maritime history, historic farms, and as a key area for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons. The island is accessible via ferry from Millhaven on the mainland, which runs year-round.
History
Historically, Amherst Island was inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European settlement. The island was granted to Loyalists after the American Revolution, leading to the development of a strong agricultural community. Many of the original stone houses and barns, built by Irish settlers in the 19th century, still stand today. The island was also an important waypoint for ships traveling between Kingston, Toronto, and the St. Lawrence River. Due to its position in Lake Ontario, Amherst Island has seen numerous shipwrecks over the centuries, some of which remain popular dive sites today.
Significant Incidents
- Numerous shipwrecks have occurred in the waters surrounding Amherst Island, contributing to its reputation as a dive site.
Final Disposition
Amherst Island remains a peaceful destination for those seeking nature, history, and a glimpse into Ontario’s maritime past. Its connection to the Great Lakes shipping routes continues to attract historians and divers exploring Lake Ontario’s underwater heritage.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The island features a mix of rolling farmland, limestone shorelines, and wetlands, making it a key habitat for wildlife. The Owl Woods Sanctuary, a well-known birdwatching area, attracts visitors from around the world, especially in winter when species like the Northern Saw-whet Owl and Long-eared Owl can be spotted.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”amherst-island-wreck-listing” title=”References & Links”]
Today, Amherst Island is a destination for those interested in exploring its natural beauty and maritime history, with ongoing interest from divers and historians alike.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
Amherst Island is located in Lake Ontario, just west of Kingston, Ontario, and is part of the Loyalist Township in Lennox and Addington County. The island is approximately 20 km (12 mi) long and 7 km (4 mi) wide, making it one of the larger islands in Lake Ontario. It is known for its rich maritime history, historic farms, and as a key area for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons. The island is accessible via ferry from Millhaven on the mainland, which runs year-round.
Historically, Amherst Island was inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European settlement. The island was granted to Loyalists after the American Revolution, leading to the development of a strong agricultural community. Many of the original stone houses and barns, built by Irish settlers in the 19th century, still stand today. The island was also an important waypoint for ships traveling between Kingston, Toronto, and the St. Lawrence River. Due to its position in Lake Ontario, Amherst Island has seen numerous shipwrecks over the centuries, some of which remain popular dive sites today.
Amherst Island is also famous for its natural beauty. The island features a mix of rolling farmland, limestone shorelines, and wetlands, making it a key habitat for wildlife. The Owl Woods Sanctuary, a well-known birdwatching area, attracts visitors from around the world, especially in winter when species like the Northern Saw-whet Owl and Long-eared Owl can be spotted. Additionally, the island is home to a close-knit community of artists, farmers, and seasonal residents, contributing to its unique rural charm.
Today, Amherst Island is a peaceful destination for those seeking nature, history, and a glimpse into Ontario’s maritime past. With its connection to the Great Lakes shipping routes, the island continues to be a point of interest for historians and divers exploring Lake Ontario’s underwater heritage.
amherst-island-wreck-listing 1900-03-17 12:49:44