Our Property

Things to Do

We offer a host of ways to relax, recharge, and refresh yourself. From on-site options, to local exploring, see what you can do during your next stay!

When it’s Warm

Beaches, Kayaking/ Canoeing/Paddle Boarding, Swimming, Biking

 

When it’s CHILLY

Snowshoeing/X/C Skiing, Campfires, Assist with Maple Syrup Production

Anytime

Birding, Hiking, Nature Viewing, Fishing, Photography, Stargazing, Visit: Topsy Farms, Rossland Gardens, Neilson Store and Museum

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Enjoy Local Coffee

Upon arrival, you’ll find your kitchen stocked with beans from the Amherst Island Coffee Company.

They are family owned and operated, roasting specialty, single-origin coffee weekly right here on Amherst Island. You can also purchase some to take home, knowing you’re supporting small hold farms that support communities

If you are looking for beaches you have come to the right spot. Amherst Island is home to 3 beaches.

Sand Beach, a protected 54-acre conservation area at the southwest end of the island with natural dunes, sandy shorelines, and wetlands.

Back Beach, a quieter, more secluded beach, good for swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding.

Lane’s End Beach, a small park on the south end of the island, offering scenic lake views and a flat-rock beach — nice if you want a quick stop while biking or touring the island and it’s a good spot for a picnic and a quick dip.

Because the water is constantly moving around the island the water is always generally good to swim in. You can walk down to the water from our property or you can swim at one of the beaches on the island. Remember to wear shoes as there are some zebra mussels on the rocks and be sure to check the weather forecast as the weather can change rapidly.

With waterfront ownership you have the ability to drop your kayak, canoe or paddleboard in the water right in front of the house and paddle down the shoreline and enjoy the north shore views.

You can also drive to one of the beaches noted above and drop in there. The nice thing about being on the island is that you can usually find some calm water somewhere depending on the wind direction.

Because Amherst Island is only approximately 5 kms wide by 19 kms long it is possible to bike around the whole island in a day. As noted above there are beaches to stop at for picnics and swims and with so little traffic it is a very enjoyable way to see the island at a slower, more relaxed place.

If you can bring your bike stop by Amherst Island Bike Rentals just west of the four way stop as you are getting off the ferry on the island.

At Emerald Acres Retreat we have a campfire area with plenty of wood to keep it going. You must be respectful of the local burn bans that may be in effect from time to time when the drier summer season is upon us.

Always have the hose nearby even in good conditions to be able to extinguish the fire right away and always drench the flames before leaving or turning in for the night. Otherwise, bring your guitar, your marshmallows and your hot dogs and enjoy an evening by the fire.

As with the hiking, you can see many different types of wildlife as you move quietly along the trails system on our property. There is a quiet peace about being in the forest in the winter time and it is very interesting after a fresh snow to go out and inspect the new tracks in the snow.

I have even seen it where I have walked back on the same trail on the way home and different animals have made new prints in my boot marks from just a short time ago.

We have accumulated our own list of over 100 bird species located on Amherst Island (most have been documented right on our 152 acres) and we have only had the property for 2 years.

There have been over 300 species documented on the island so we have some work to do. Hopefully you can help us add to this list

No matter what type of outdoor photography you enjoy you can probably find it on the island. From stunning sunrises to amazing sunsets, from deer to birds, from waterfronts to grassy knolls it is all here and to be taken in by your lens. If you are interested in exploring the works of a local professional photographer, we recommend Don Woodiwiss Photography. Prints available for sale, both on the property and by contacting Don at woodiwissphotography@gmail.com

What’s more Canadian than making maple syrup? If you happen to book a trip in late February or March we will have some maple syrup buckets on the property in the very back hardwood forest.

This may be one of the few times where I may need to be on the property at the same time as you because we cannot control Mother Nature.

When the sap runs we have to collect it. I will only have 50 sap buckets and it will not take me long to collect them but if you are interested in being a part of the process please let me know and we can look to arrange that for you.

Our next-door neighbour to the east, Kyle, who lives in my ancestors old house, is the main sheppard for Topsy Farms. The main farm is a couple kilometers down the road (a nice walk or short bike ride) where you can cuddle some lambs, buy some wool, pick up some honey or even get an extra wool blanket.

Kyle’s place and some of the fields on our property are fenced so if you are lucky enough you may get a close encounter with the sheep. If the sheep are in the field we ask that you not cross the fence and visit them. There are sheep dogs in with the flock and they are friendly but are probably best chatted with a fence between you.

The Neilson Store Museum sits in an historic building that once was a general store run by James S. Neilson. The store opened approximately 1873 and served Amherst Island for nearly a century. The building is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Inside the museum you’ll find exhibits and artefacts reflecting life on the island from early settlement days onward. Inside it also has a small gallery / craft-shop known as Weasel & Easel (fine arts & crafts), making the visit of interest not only for history folks but also for those who are curious about the local arts & culture.

Their address is 5220 Front Road, Stella, ON

The island is mostly rural farmland, meadows, and sparse settlement, so there is low light pollution compared with urban areas and stargazing is explicitly listed as one of its quiet night activities.
It is worth noting that other than the beaches noted above all other lands on the island are privately held but with over 150 acres of your own to wander on we have kilometers of trails to enjoy all to yourself.
Rossland Gardens sits on what is reportedly the oldest farmstead on Amherst Island (dating around 1790). It has a botanical garden and a gallery that showcases handcrafted art and artisan goods.

They have everything from wood, metal, fibre and glass artworks to handmade clothing, jewellery, candles, paintings, tin instruments, and more. It is definitely worth stopping by to see them. The gallery is located at 6400 Concession Road 2, Stella, ON

My uncle Len used to simply wade in off shore (where shoes) and catch tremendous bass but the waters around Amherst Island support many fish species that include bass, musky, pike, walleye, trout and salmon. If you get the right ice conditions (always check before venturing out) right in front of our place is considered world class lake trout fishing.

If you are interested in a guided fishing tour, or simply a boating tour of the water, we recommend Martin St-Louis

For locally-made lures “made by fishermen, for fishermen”, please check out SalmonLures.ca

Nature viewing can take place almost anywhere on the island because even as you drive your car on the island you can see deer, foxes, hawks, owls etc… but if you walk slowly and quietly you can get very close to nature on our property

“Book online today, or contact us about your own private events, retreats, and more.”

Emerald Acres Retreat