Navy Island

Island Small Canadian island in the Niagara River, historic

Navy Island sits in the Niagara River near Fort Erie; boaters and history buffs visit for shoreline walks, old ruins and seasonal birdwatching along the river corridor.

Main image

Navy Island is an island in the Niagara River in Ontario, Canada, situated in the Niagara frontier near the mouth of the river where it flows toward Lake Ontario. It is noted for its historical role in 19th‑century cross-border conflicts and settlements.

The island is largely uninhabited and wooded; it has archaeological remains and historically significant sites rather than developed visitor facilities. People interested in history, birdlife and river landscapes may visit by private boat to view shoreline features.

In the early 19th century the island figured in the Patriot War/Upper Canada Rebellion period when it was used as a base by rebels under William Lyon Mackenzie and as a staging area for cross‑border activity. That association is a principal reason for its historic designation.

Navy Island lies in the Niagara River between Grand Island (New York) and the Canadian shore near Fort Erie, within the Niagara region upstream of Niagara Falls.

  • Access: Public access is limited and there is no regular public ferry; visits generally require a private boat or organised tour from the Canadian or U.S. side of the Niagara River.
Navy Island
43.0565, -79.0288

How to Get to Navy Island #

Navy Island is reachable only by boat from nearby points along the Niagara River; private craft or licensed tour operators are required. Check municipal or provincial authorities for rules on landing and access.

Tips for Visiting Navy Island #

  • Navy Island is private crown land with limited public access - arrange transport and permissions in advance if planning a visit.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching: the island attracts waterfowl and river species, and the surrounding currents can reveal passing fish and boats.

Best Time to Visit Navy Island #

Access is best in warmer months when river conditions allow boat travel; check local authorities for permissions.

Late spring-early autumn
May-September · 10-25°C
Calmer river conditions and milder weather for boat access and shoreline observation.
Winter
December-February · -5-3°C
Cold months see fewer boats and a stiller river; access is more difficult.

Weather & Climate near Navy Island #

Climate

Navy Island's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (945 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8° -1°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 26°

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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