Wolfe Island (Ontario) facts for kids
NASA image of Wolfe Island. Kingston, Ontario is in the upper left of the image and upstate New York is the landmass in the right corner.
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Lake Ontario |
| Coordinates | 44°10′N 76°22′W / 44.167°N 76.367°W |
| Area | 124 km2 (48 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Province | Ontario |
| County | Frontenac County |
| Township | Frontenac Islands |
| Largest settlement | Marysville |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,400 |
Wolfe Island is a large island located in Lake Ontario, right where the Saint Lawrence River begins. It's close to Kingston, Ontario, and is part of Frontenac County, Ontario. The island is the biggest of the famous Thousand Islands. The main town on Wolfe Island is Marysville.
This island was traditionally a hunting ground for the Tyendinaga Mohawk people. They called it Ganounkouesnot, which means "Long Island Standing Up." The French later named it Grand Island. In 1792, the island was renamed Wolfe Island after the British General James Wolfe.
Wolfe Island is about 29 kilometers (18 miles) long. Its width changes, from about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) to just a few hundred meters in some spots. The total area of the island is about 124 square kilometers (48 square miles). Around 1,400 people live on Wolfe Island year-round, but this number can grow a lot during the summer months when many visitors arrive.
Getting to Wolfe Island
You can reach Wolfe Island by ferry from both Canada and the United States.
Canadian Ferry Service
The ferry from Kingston, called the Wolfe Islander III, is run by the Ministry of Transportation. It's free to ride! This ferry uses two different docks depending on the season. In summer, it leaves from Marysville, and in winter, it uses the Dawson Point dock. During winter, a special underwater air system helps keep the ferry route clear of ice.
US Ferry Service
There's also a seasonal ferry called Horne's Ferry that runs from May to October. This ferry connects Wolfe Island to Cape Vincent, New York, in the United States. It's a toll ferry, meaning you have to pay to ride it. What's cool is that this ferry has been running since 1802 and is still operated by the family of the first person who got the license for it! It's one of the few international border crossings between Canada and the US that is privately owned.
Island-to-Island Ferry
A third ferry also runs seasonally, connecting Wolfe Island to nearby Simcoe Island.
Wildlife and Nature
Wolfe Island is a special place for nature lovers, especially for birds.
Bird Watching Opportunities
Snowy owls are often seen on the island during the winter. The island is also a very important stop for migrating waterfowl, like swans, in the spring and fall. Because of its importance for birds, Wolfe Island is known as an Important Bird Area. You can also find wild turkeys and deer living on the island.
Big Sandy Bay Management Area
The Big Sandy Bay Management Area on Wolfe Island is a large protected area, covering about 404 hectares (1,000 acres). It's considered a very important natural area because of its unique plants and animals. Here, you'll find sand dunes and wetlands, which are home to some rare plant species. Rare trees and birds that are important to the region or province also live here.
To protect this natural space, motorized vehicles are not allowed inside. However, there's plenty of free parking at the entrance. A clear and easy walking trail leads to a big, quiet sand beach. The water is shallow far out into Lake Ontario, making it a safe and fun beach for families. Just remember, there are no services at the beach, so bring your own snacks and drinks, and be sure to take all your garbage with you when you leave!
Fun Things to Do and Places to Visit
Wolfe Island offers several activities and facilities for residents and visitors.
Recreation and Activities
- Golf Course: There is one golf course on the island where you can enjoy a round of golf.
- Corn Maze: If you visit in the fall, you might enjoy getting lost (and found!) in a fun corn maze.
- Biking: The island has three marked bicycle routes and many country roads, perfect for exploring on two wheels.
Marysville: The Main Town
Marysville is the largest community on Wolfe Island. Here you can find:
- A bakery for fresh treats.
- Restaurants for a meal.
- Various other shops and services.
- The Sacred Heart of Mary Church, which is the biggest church in the Thousand Islands area.
Community Services
Wolfe Island has a new medical clinic that opened in 2010. There is also a team of volunteer firefighters and ambulance services to help the community.
Museums and Education
- Old House Museum: During the summer, you can visit the Old House Museum in Marysville to learn about the island's history.
- Schools: There are two elementary schools on the island: Marysville Public School and Sacred Heart Catholic School.
Historic Sites
The limestone Wolfe Island Town Hall is a very important building. It's recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.
