Kingston 
If you’re planning on a Wolfe Island vacation or day trip this summer, bring a bike!
The island can be explored in a day or two by bike and will help you avoid parking limits or hassles. Plus, the Island offers enough scenery that you’ll want to slow down and enjoy it for a bit. Bike rentals are available in Kingston for those who don’t own one while hiking around Wolfe Island is still a great option.
Wolfe Island is accessible from Canada and the United States, with the main island Village at the Canadian ferry port. Marysville is the heart of Wolfe Island, with inns and restaurants, and it offers great views of Kingston. It is a short but beautiful ferry ride from Kingston to Marysville, and many consider it a highlight of the visit!
Access and how to get there
- A Wolfe Island Ferry departs from Kingston and Cape Vincent, NY. Ferries operate year-round.
Summer Events on Wolfe Island
Mark your summer calendars for your day trip or summer vacation on Wolfe Island and make it to the annual summer celebrations. Shop, party, or sit back and relax to local tunes.
- The Market at Wolfe Island Commons is set up every Saturday from May to October on Marysville Main Street.
- Hotel Wolfe Island is a hub for summer events each year. Their stages host musicians, comedians, and a variety of musical genres. A few of their bigger events include Wolfechella, or the Prime Rib Sunday Dinners.
- Catch more live music all summer from other local bars and restaurants like Wolfe Island Grill, or Wolfe Island Pub & Pizzeria
Big Sandy Bay
The Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area is on the south side of Wolfe Island and is accessible by foot or by bike. Follow the Island’s 4th Line Road south to the 3rd Line access road and parking area. From here, the trailheads are well marked to lead you to the water.
- The hike to the beach is about 1.5km and leads through a diverse ecosystem. It is important to stay on the trail on the way in and out in order to help preserve the natural environment and beauty.
- At the end of the trail, you’ll find a quiet, secluded beach with a stretch of sandy shore. There are no amenities or services near the beach, which only helps make it such a peaceful beach!
Cycling & Hiking on Wolfe Island
Wolfe Island is home to a major cycling trail system divided into four distinct routes. These trails enable you to see as much of Wolfe Island as possible, from Port Metcalfe to Big Sandy Bay.
- Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Wolfe Island, with four distinct routes that take bikers through the varying scenery.
- The Red Route is the longest at 58km and one of the more challenging routes if the wind picks up. The route leads from Marysville to the Port Metcalfe picnic area.
- The Blue Loop, at 28km, is a central island route. The Blue Route connects the village of Marysville to Alexandria Point and the Horne Ferry (to New York).
- The Yellow route at 18km heads away from Marysville and leads cyclists along the shoreline toward the Simcoe Island Ferry.
- The Green route is the access trail to Big Sandy Bay.
More Outdoor Recreation
You might come across these activities throughout your cycling travels, or these areas may be the whole reason for your visit!
- Wolfe Island Riverfront Golf Course offers beautiful golfing experiences on greens that sit beside the St. Lawrence River.
- Big Sandy Bay is a source of plenty of water and beach fun, but it’s also a great place for birding!
- There are several spots along the shores of Wolfe Island that are perfect for a picnic. These include Port Metcalfe, Beauvais Point, Big Sandy Bay, and Marysville.
- Hike Simcoe Island! The only public transportation to Simcoe Island is from Wolfe Island. Simcoe Island is great to explore on foot or by bike. Take the ferry across the channel and make your way to the end of Simcoe Island for gorgeous views from the Nine Mile Point Lighthouse.
14 of the Best Islands to Visit in Ontario This Summer
Where to Dine on Wolfe Island
Marysville is where you’ll find the local eateries of Wolfe Island, right beside the docks!
- Wolfe Island Pub & Pizzeria offers all the summer staples, like pizzas, wraps, burgers, and sandwiches, and often hosts live entertainment.
- Join the Wolfe Island Grill for patio dining by the water and live music.
- Wolfe Island Bakery offers delicious ways to start your day of adventure on Wolfe Island. They create a variety of sweet and savoury baked goods each day.
- The restaurant at Hotel Wolfe Island is open 7 days a week during the summer season, featuring a morning café, a restaurant with takeout options, and a bar with a stage for live music.
Where to Stay on Wolfe Island
No matter where you choose to stay on Wolfe Island, you’ll be guaranteed a quiet, cozy stay with plenty of activities nearby the whole time. Some places, like the cabins and cottages, are tucked away on the island, while others are right in Marysville.
- Hotel Wolfe Island offer all the amenities you need for a cozy stay on the island, plus an on-site restaurant, bar, and café.
- The Wolfe Island Lodge, near Port Metcalfe, is a large home in a quieter part of the island. The lodge includes several attractive amenities, such as a hot tub, opportunities for paddling or fishing, Wi-Fi, and three full bathrooms, and is situated right near the water.
- The Blue Moose B&B offers a place to stay on Wolfe Island, plus fun bike rentals and several adorable rooms or cottage options.
- Use Airbnb to find a handful of peaceful and gorgeous vacation rentals by owner.
