The Glenora Ferry is one of the simplest and most memorable things to do in Prince Edward County, and it costs nothing. The ferry links the county, at Lake on the Mountain near Glenora, with Adolphustown on the mainland across the Bay of Quinte. The crossing takes about fifteen minutes, and the boat carries cars as well as foot passengers, so it works as a practical shortcut and as a short scenic cruise. From the deck you look up at the limestone ridge where Lake on the Mountain sits, and in the other direction the open water of the bay stretches away toward the north shore. Many visitors cross for the view alone and return, while others use the ferry as the quickest way between the county and the Loyalist Parkway route toward Kingston. The Glenora crossing has a long history, and the ferry has linked the two shores for generations. For anyone building a county itinerary, it is the easiest free activity to add, because it costs no money and very little time, and it gives you a different angle on the ridge and the bay than any road does.
What to do
Drive on, step out onto the deck and enjoy the view. The crossing is short, so there is no need to plan around it, but it rewards a clear day, when the ridge, the water and the far shore stand out. Bring a camera, and a jacket, since the breeze on the bay can be cooler than on land.
On the county side the ferry landing sits below Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park, so a crossing combines naturally with a stop at the lookout in season. On the mainland side, Adolphustown has a historic setting and gives access to the Loyalist Parkway, a scenic route along the shore of the bay that leads on toward Kingston.
Seasons and planning
The ferry is run as a provincial service and operates on a regular schedule, with a longer wait on busy summer weekends when the queue of cars can build. Check the current timetable and any winter or maintenance changes with the Ontario government before you set out, because schedules and conditions can change.
Plan some slack if you have a connection to make on the far side, and arrive early on summer holiday weekends. There is no fee for the crossing, but you should still treat it as a working service: follow the crew's directions, stay in or near your vehicle as instructed and keep children close on deck.
Fitting it in
A single crossing takes about fifteen minutes, so allow half an hour if you want to go over and come straight back, or an hour if you also stop at the lookout. The ferry fits naturally into a day that starts in Picton, passes Lake on the Mountain, crosses to Adolphustown and returns, or into a longer drive between the county and Kingston.
It is also a good, free activity for families and for anyone arriving without a plan. In the cooler months, a crossing on a crisp, clear day is a quiet way to see the bay without the summer crowds, and the nearby cideries and wineries make easy warm-up stops on the county side afterward.
What to expect
The experience
A free, roughly fifteen-minute car ferry across the Bay of Quinte between Lake on the Mountain and Adolphustown.
Best time
A clear day for the views; summer weekends bring queues, so arrive early.
How long
About half an hour for a round trip, or an hour with a stop at the lookout.
Tips
Check the current timetable with the Ontario government, wear a jacket for the breeze and follow the crew's directions on board.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a free, scenic water crossing and a shortcut between the county and the mainland.
- Families
- A short, free boat ride that children enjoy; keep them close on deck.
- Couples
- Cross on a clear evening for the light on the ridge, then stop for a drink back on the county side.
- Pair with
- Lake on the Mountain, the cideries near Waupoos and the Loyalist Parkway on the far shore.
- Time needed
- Half an hour for a round trip, plus any wait in the queue.
Good questions
Does the Glenora Ferry cost anything?+
No. The crossing is free, and it carries cars as well as foot passengers.
How long is the crossing?+
About fifteen minutes between Lake on the Mountain in the county and Adolphustown on the mainland.
Do I need a reservation?+
No, the ferry runs on a regular schedule and you join the queue. Expect longer waits on busy summer weekends.
Where can I check the schedule?+
Through the Ontario government's ferry information. Check it before you travel, since schedules can change with the season or for maintenance.
What can I see from the ferry?+
The limestone ridge of Lake on the Mountain, the open water of the Bay of Quinte and the far shore near Adolphustown.
