While staying in Kingston I found out there was a ferry from close to the city hall across to Wolfe Island – and it was free. Everyone in the family was saying, "Sure, you can take the ferry but there's nothing much on Wolfe Island to see". Indifference killed the prospect of any official visit, but I wanted to squeeze in everything I could on that trip, so just before I left Canada I took the bus downtown and took the Wolfe Islander as a foot passenger. They were right, of course, there was nothing much to do there, especially on foot, but I do remember a friendly guy in a pickup truck stopping and giving me a ride!
From a sight-seeing perspective the return trip back to Kingston is the highlight. The ferry sweeps around the corner of Point Frederick with Fort Henry and its associated fortifications, and the Royal Military College behind. And on the port side is the Kingston waterfront which looks so much more interesting from the lake. Of course you can see all that from the stern of the ferry as you leave Kingston, but somehow it's better seen arriving than leaving.
In summer the ferry docks at the small town of Marysville. This is the commercial and community centre for the island with schools, churches and a smattering of small businesses. However, in winter, or when low water levels dictate, the ferry docks at Dawson Point, 4 or 5 kilometres further east
And there's one more reason to take the Wolfe Island ferry – in summer Horne's Ferry operates from the end of highway 95 at Point Alexandria over to Cape Vincent, New York.
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Preparing for the new ferry
In late 2017 it was announced that Ontario was ordering new, larger, electric powered boats for the Wolfe Island and Amherst Island crossings, together with associated re-development of the terminal areas.
At the time of writing (March 2022) the new boats, The Wolfe Islander IV and the Amherst Islander II have been delivered and are overwintering at the Picton Terminals, Prince Edward County. Actual entry into service is not yet firm and will depend on the major reconstruction of the ferry terminals required to accommodate these boats and to improve facilities for users.
Location
Ferry info
Operates year-round
25 minutes crossing
Fixed schedule
25 minutes crossing
Fixed schedule
The boat
Cost
Free
Operator
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Website
When I used the ferry
1975 to 2022
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