More than a place to live
Community life on Amherst Island is shaped by the institutions, organizations, and gathering places created and sustained by the people who live here.
Learning, gathering & play
For more than 80 years, the island’s Kindergarten-to-Grade-8 school has educated generations of Amherst Island children and helped connect their families with one another.
The Community Centre was later added through island fundraising, extending the building’s role well beyond the classroom. Together, the school, hall, playground, playing field, ball diamond, and winter rink host recreation, meetings, celebrations, fundraisers, and everyday community activity.
In summer 2026, the grounds received a substantial renewal, including new play and sport surfaces, outdoor-classroom elements, seating, planters, bike racks, trees, and other landscape improvements.
Made here, serving the community
Health & wellness
The Amherst Island Community Medical Clinic is an island-created charity dedicated to improving access to health and wellness services. Its monthly wellness clinic at St. Paul’s Hall is joined by foot care, water testing, medical-equipment lending, information events, healthy-living programmes, and help navigating nearby health services.
Visit the clinic website ↗101.3 FM
Born in a milkhouse studio on Amherst Island in 2006, CJAI has grown into a regional broadcaster without losing its island roots. Its volunteer-made music, interviews, news, weather, public information, community coverage, and weekly Charity BINGO carry island voices across Eastern Ontario and introduce listeners throughout the region to Amherst Island.
Listen and learn more ↗Faith, fellowship & heritage
Three historic churches remain part of Amherst Island’s landscape. Two hold regular Sunday worship; all three carry community and heritage significance beyond their congregations.
Service information verified July 21, 2026. Check directly before travelling for a service or special event.
Anglican
5000 Front Road, at the east end of Stella. Sunday worship is listed at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Canon Donald A. Bailey serves the parish.
Current parish information ↗
Presbyterian
1955 Stella Forty Foot Road. Summer Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m., with coffee and fellowship afterward. Nathan Townend serves as lay minister.
Visit St. Paul’s ↗Roman Catholic
12525 Front Road, west of Emerald. The Township currently lists no scheduled masses. The building continues to be valued as an island landmark and gathering place.
Current Township listing ↗For the churches’ architecture and historical place in the island story, visit History & Heritage.
Open doors, shared life
Heritage, culture & community
Inside the historic Neilson Store, the Museum preserves Amherst Island’s artifacts, documents, family histories, and community memory. It also hosts talks and cultural programmes, publishes The Beacon, offers the Back Room as a bookable gathering space, and shares the building with the volunteer-run Weasel & Easel shop.
Explore the Museum →
Food, work & gathering
The island’s seasonal, community-owned, not-for-profit restaurant is more than a place to eat. It is a gathering place, a youth employer, an event host, and a volunteer-supported project that brings residents, summer neighbours, and visitors together.
Find The Back Kitchen in the Directory →Organized by neighbours
Community service, education, social connection, markets, events, equipment lending, and practical support across island life.
Hands-on community work and annual projects, including the hanging baskets that brighten Stella.
Seasonal recreation, family activities, community celebrations, and regular school-year programmes such as volleyball, indoor sports, and pickleball.
Stewardship of the fairgrounds and pavilion, the Saturday Market, agricultural traditions, and community gatherings. The pavilion is available to book.
Pavilion booking information →