It is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario and has a population of approximately 7,959 as of 2016.

Amherstview is named for Amherst Island, directly to the south in Lake Ontario.

Amherst is a common place name found in many parts of Canada commemorating Lord Jeffrey Amherst (1717–97), Field-Marshal of the British Army, Commander-in-Chief in North America, and Governor General of British North America from 1760 to 1763.

The impressive wood-frame building is now a museum exhibiting period artifacts and furniture and offering guided tours.

General boundaries are Lake Ontario to the south, the Canadian National rail line to the north, Coronation Boulevard to the east (the City of Kingston boundary), and Lennox and Addington County Road 6 to the west.