Wolfe Island, Ontario

Situated at the entrance to the St. Lawrence River where it meets Lake Ontario, Wolfe Island is the largest of the Thousand Islands and one of the most scenic destinations in eastern Ontario. Located directly across the river from Cape Vincent, New York, and connected year-round to Kingston by ferry, Wolfe Island has long shared close cultural, economic, and tourism ties with Northern New York. Its quiet country roads, waterfront views, beaches, cycling routes, farms, and small villages make it a favorite destination for day trips from both Canada and the United States.

The island is approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) long and covers about 124 square kilometers (48 square miles). The principal community is Marysville, where visitors will find restaurants, cafés, shops, public docks, and many of the island’s businesses and services. Outside Marysville, Wolfe Island is characterized by open farmland, historic churches, waterfront cottages, marshes, and quiet rural landscapes that have changed little over the generations.

Long before European settlement, Wolfe Island formed part of the traditional territory of the Mohawk people. The island is known by its Mohawk name, Kawehnóhkwes tsi kawè, meaning “Long Island Standing.” French explorers later referred to it as Grand Island, and in 1792 Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe renamed it Wolfe Island in honor of British General James Wolfe. Farming has remained the island’s economic backbone for more than two centuries, with dairy farming, grain production, and livestock continuing to shape its landscape.

Today, Wolfe Island is one of eastern Ontario’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. Cyclists are drawn to its flat terrain and lightly traveled roads, while visitors enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, and exploring the island’s scenic shoreline. Big Sandy Bay, one of Ontario’s finest freshwater beaches, attracts thousands of visitors every summer with its expansive sand dunes, shallow waters, and protected natural environment. The island is also recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, supporting migratory birds and abundant wildlife throughout the year.

For residents of Northern New York, Wolfe Island has long been an important neighbor across the St. Lawrence River. The seasonal ferry connecting Cape Vincent and Wolfe Island has historically provided a convenient link between Jefferson County and southeastern Ontario, while the year-round ferry between Kingston and Wolfe Island remains a vital transportation route for residents and visitors alike. Together with Kingston, Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay, Wolfe Island is an integral part of the greater Thousand Islands region.

The Watertown Post provides continuing coverage of Wolfe Island, including cross-border news, tourism, transportation, ferry service, community events, outdoor recreation, environmental issues, business, and developments affecting residents on both sides of the St. Lawrence River. Whether reporting on the Cape Vincent ferry, island festivals, waterfront attractions, or regional partnerships, our mission is to keep Northern New Yorkers informed about one of our closest Canadian neighbors.

Quick Facts

Official Name: Wolfe Island

Province: Ontario, Canada

Municipality: Township of Frontenac Islands

County: Frontenac County

Region: Thousand Islands

Largest Community: Marysville

Population: Approximately 1,400 year-round residents

Area: Approximately 124 square kilometers (48 square miles)

Distance to Cape Vincent: Approximately 3 miles across the St. Lawrence River

Distance to Kingston: Approximately 20-minute ferry ride

Primary Industries:

• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Outdoor Recreation
• Small Business
• Hospitality

Major Attractions:

• Big Sandy Bay
• Marysville
• Wolfe Island Ferry
• Cape Vincent Ferry
• Cycling Routes
• Waterfront Parks
• Birdwatching Areas

Popular Activities:

• Cycling
• Boating
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Birdwatching
• Photography

Related Topics

• Thousand Islands
• Kingston, Ontario
• Cape Vincent
• St. Lawrence River
• Lake Ontario
• Marysville
• Frontenac Islands
• Big Sandy Bay
• Wolfe Island Ferry
• Horne’s Ferry
• Ontario
• Canada
• Cross-Border News
• Tourism
• Boating

Latest Watertown Post Coverage

Browse below for the latest Watertown Post reporting on Wolfe Island, including ferry service, cross-border travel, tourism, community events, waterfront attractions, outdoor recreation, transportation, and everything happening on one of the Thousand Islands’ most beautiful and historic islands.