Visiting Prince Edward County, Ontario | 2023 Guide

Nestled into the heart of southeastern Ontario, Prince Edward County (PEC) is known as a vibrant food and wine destination. The region boasts an up-and-coming culinary scene, world-class PEC wineries and is home to the popular Sandbanks Provincial Park. It is the perfect place to spend a weekend away and is a popular getaway from Toronto and Ottawa.

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Getting To Prince Edward County 

Prince Edward County has a rich farming history and encompasses several towns and hamlets. PictonWellington, and Bloomfield are the most popular towns in the county and are the main places to visit. However, we found lesser-known destinations in the County, like Hillier and Ameliasburgh, to be equally as charming. 

The most popular way to get to Prince Edward County is by driving. Luckily the region is located within a few hours from several major cities. It is about 2 hours and 15 minutes (217 kilometres) from Toronto to Prince Edward County. From Ottawa, it is about 2 hours and 50 minutes (279 kilometres), and from Montreal, it is nearly 4 hours (377 kilometres) to the County. 

Unfortunately, there is no bus service from major cities. You can grab the VIA Rail Train to Belleville. It is located along the Bay of Quinte, about 20 minutes from The County. From there you can rent a car or take a taxi to PEC and take tours leaving from your accommodation.

Prince Edward County

Getting Around Prince Edward County

If you plan on exploring the towns and hamlets around Prince Edward County, you’ll want to have access to a vehicle. If you don’t have your own, we recommend renting one during your visit. 

Alternatively, you can explore via a bike or wine tour. The County Wine Tours offers a sip & cycle ride, where a local guide will take you through the Millennium Trail with stops at four different vineyards in the County. You’ll get to taste 12 different wines from world winemakers.

Best Time To Visit 

Prince Edward County is one of Ontario’s four-season destinations. Spring, Summer, and Fall are the most popular times to visit. 

Spring

The spring months bring blooming flowers, maple syrup harvesting, the Terroir Wine Event, and The Spring Birding Festival. Lake Ontario is still warming up during these months, but the weather is perfect for forest hikes, popping into art galleries, and sampling the fresh spring produce at local restaurants.

Summer

Summer is the most popular season with tourists who come to enjoy each Prince Edward County beach and enjoy some wine. Farms and gardens are in full bloom, and their products are showcased at local restaurants, vineyards, and markets throughout Picton and the County. During this time of year, there are lots of arts and culture festivals in PEC, like Art in The County and the BigLake Festival in August.

Fall

If you want to beat the summer crowds and live like County residents, plan to visit Prince Edward County in the Fall. You’ll get to taste the autumn harvest and see the leaves changing colours. There are many events this time of year, including the Community Homesteading & Harvesting FestivalPumpkin Fest, and Fall Countylicious

Winter

Winter in Prince Edward County is a magical season. You’ll be greeted with snow-covered hills and ice lakeshores, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Many wineries and cideries in The County light bonfires for the guests, and Three Dog Winery offers a guided snowshoe tour.

If you visit Prince Edward County during the winter, it’s a good idea to call ahead before setting out to your destinations. Some businesses modify their hours because of the weather and low tourist volume. 

"Beautiful

Things To Do In Prince Edward County

Visit the County makes it easy to find fun activities and scenic spots to enjoy. You’ll always find something going on in The County.

First, Take the Responsible Travel Pledge

As PEC becomes a popular weekend getaway, residents and county authorities have organized an initiative to promote sustainable tourism. 

The Responsible Travel Pledge is an excellent resource for visitors, providing maps, guides, and recommendations to download, plus tips on how to respectfully navigate the beautiful farmer and artisan communities in Prince Edward County.

For access to visitor information and other resources provided by this initiative, visit the official website. You’ll find up-to-date information on events, closures, and answers to FAQs about Prince Edward County here.

Wine Tasting

Prince Edward County is the fastest-growing wine region in Ontario, boasting over 40 different wineries. Take the opportunity to learn about viticulture (the science of grapes) from local winemakers, join a wine tasting or go on a wine tour. 

Make sure to add Karlo Estates and Lacey Estates to your map of Prince Edward County wineries. Karlo Estates in Wellington, Ontario, has won countless awards and produced the first certified vegan wine in the world. 

The winery is owned by Master Winemaker and Wine Judge Richard Karlo, who oversees wine production and planning. They offer a tasting in their exposed beam barn where visitors can also choose from a vegan wine and cheese tasting option.

Lacey Estates is one of the region’s family-owned and operated PEC wineries. They never import grapes, so everything is made with 100% estate-grown grapes. They sell lovely Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Baco Noir, and Cabernet Franc. 

We loved the stunning view from the tasting room and porch. They are RV friendly and a part of the Harvest Host program, so we were able to stay the night there in our campervan.

Huff Estates Winery is also a great spot to visit, offering wine tastings and tours of their state-of-the-art production facility. You can sample vintages while looking over the picturesque vineyard and visit the Oeno Gallery and sculpture garden right next door.

For stunning waterfront views, you can visit the Waupoos Estates Winery. The very first winery in Prince Edward County, Waupoos Estates, has grown over time to encompass 100 acres, 18 varieties of grapes, and a beautiful farm-to-table restaurant. Sharing the property with Waupoos Estates Winery is Clafeld Cider House, a cidery that only uses Waupoos Ontario apples, with most being harvested from their own orchards.

Prince Edward County wineries
Karlo Estates, Prince Edward County

READ NEXT: 10 Best Wineries in Prince Edward County

Eat Delicious Food

As an agricultural hub, Prince Edward County offers an incredible local culinary scene. Dubbed ‘the Gastronomic Capital of Ontario,’ the County does not disappoint. Restaurants here focus on seasonal menus featuring local products from the region and farm-to-table dining. 

Don’t miss out on Countylicious, a twice-annual event with participating restaurants offering a tasting menu, special take-out offers, and take-home meals, all from seasonal ingredients. 

Try A Cooking Class

There’s no better place to take a cooking class than in Prince Edward County. Classes are focused on cooking with local, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Check out From the Farm Cooking School

You can take private cooking classes in their 1830’s farmhouse from instructor and County resident Cynthia Peters. Based on your tastes, Cynthia will customize a 3-course meal you will create together. 

If you love Italian food, head to Giuliana’s Kitchen. Depending on which course you choose, you can learn to prepare regional pasta dishes, 30-minute gourmet meals, or some wonderful vegan Italian meals. 

You’ll get to learn from and work with Giuliana, who was born in Vicalvi, Italy and has been cooking for over 60 years. While the techniques and flavours are true to her heritage, Guiliana also incorporates seasonal ingredients from PEC.

Experience The Outdoors

Regardless of the season, you’ll find tons of outdoor experiences in the County. At Honey Pie Farm, you can take a backyard beekeeping workshop. This course is ideal for anyone who’s ever wanted a hive in their own yard or just wants to learn more about these incredible creatures. 

If you happen to visit Prince Edward County during the lavender bloom, visit Millefleurs Lavender Farm to explore the fragrant fields and get a mead tasting on the terrace. The lavender bloom usually happens towards the end of June, but changes in weather patterns can cause this to change. Admission to the lavender fields is $5 during the bloom.

Get to know the local ecosystem by going on a Plant Identification Walk with herbalist and forager Tamara Segal. You’ll learn about a mix of local wild and cultivated plants and how they can be used as food and medicine. Walks take place on Saturdays and cost $30 per person, with a 4-person minimum. For dates and more details, visit the Hawthorn Herbals website.

In the fall, take a Farm Tour at Campbell’s Orchards. This family-friendly activity includes a wagon ride and apple picking. You can even explore the corn maze, visit with the farm animals, and boil freshly picked corn over the fire. It doesn’t get much better than this for families.

 

Prince Edward County

Visit Sandbanks Provincial Park

No trip to PEC is complete without a visit to Sandbanks Provincial Park. This stunning park offers gorgeous views of Lake Ontario, some of the most beautiful swimming beaches in southeastern Ontario, as well as several hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. 

Don’t miss the Dunes Walk loop. This easy 2.4-kilometre trail has beautiful scenery and takes you by the lake and through the sand dunes. A longer hike is the 12.7-kilometre Woodlands Trail. It is also a loop and passes by meadows, woodlands, and the beachfront. 

To see the interior of Sandbanks Provincial Park, take the Canada Cedar Sands Nature Trail. This 1.9-kilometre loop runs along the Outlet River. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers along the river. 

On a hot summer day, there are few better places to be in Ontario than at one of the white sand beaches in Sandbanks. There are 3 large Prince Edward County beaches in the park. Outlet Beach and Sandbanks Beach are recommended for families for their gradual drop-offs and flat sandy shores. For that, Dune Beach is quieter than its counterparts in the summer. 

Boating and watersports are another popular activity in the park. Power Boats are allowed on Lake Ontario, East and West Lake. However, they must avoid swimming areas. 

Canoers will enjoy a paddle down Outlet River, and bikers will find formal cyclists trails that crisscross the park.

Sandbanks can get pretty busy during the summer, and North Beach Provincial Park is a good alternative. North Beach is about a half-hour west of Sandbanks, and you can swim in Lake Ontario of the sheltered waters of North Bay. 

This is a great place for birdwatching, and you might see hawks or saw-whet owls. There are amenities like washrooms and picnic tables, plus a canteen that offers fast food and drinks.

Sandbanks Beach in the fall, Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Beach in the fall

Get Active

Prince Edward County offers a huge range of wellness activities. For a truly unforgettable experience, try Goat Yoga or Alpaca Yoga

At Goat Yoga, you’ll be joined by 8-10 goats during the practice, as well as having a dedicated 20 minutes to spend with the animals afterward. If animal yoga isn’t your thing, no worries; there are lots of non-animal yoga classes too!

Another great way to explore PEC is by bike. We recommend renting bicycles and cycling the Millennium Trail, a 49-kilometre multi-use trail that runs through the County. 

If you prefer to get out on the water, go for a paddle out on the Black River. You can rent a kayak at Cabin Fever Kayaks in Milford near Picton.

"Biking

Support Local Artisans

Prince Edward County is home to a community of creative, local artists. One of the best ways to see their work is to visit the Wellington Farmers Market

Hosted every Saturday between May and October, the market features a wide range of local artisans, hand-crafted sauces and dips, and tons of seasonal produce. 

Some of the larger towns, like Picton, also have galleries located along their main street. You’ll find paintings, pottery, and more nestled among antique stores and cafes. 

There’s also Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company, a privately owned sustainable enterprise specialising in cheeses made with locally produced goat, buffalo, and cow milk cheeses. Fifth Town is also Canada’s only LEED-certified dairy! 

Visit The Farms

The County is known for its fresh, home-grown produce. Every year from late spring through early-fall, you’ll find local farm stands on roads throughout the County. 

The County stands are generally self-serve and operate using the honesty system. Just pick the items you want and leave cash in the payment box, or in some cases, you can even send an e-transfer! 

Some farms also offer guided tours, like Littlejohn Farm in Picton. Their Experiential Farm Dinner tours include a walk through the property and gardens where guests can see exactly where their food is coming from, followed by a multicourse meal prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Prince Edward County

 

 

Accommodations In Prince Edward County

From quaint farm cottages and campgrounds to niche glamping tents and bed and breakfasts. You’ll find a wide array of interesting places to stay in The County. 

Camping In Prince Edward County

For those seeking a family-friendly cottaging experience, head to Sandbanks Cottages & Campsites. This lakeside spot offers tent and trailer spots, as well as cozy cottages featuring modern amenities such as a fridge, stove, and three-piece bathroom, all with private decks overlooking the lake. 

For those traveling in an RV or campervan, the Harvest Hosts program has a couple of great hosts in the county. 

Prince Edward County

Hotels In Prince Edward County

In central Wellington, you’ll find the Drake Devonshire, a stunning lakeside inn featuring a small 13-room boutique hotel, restaurant, bar, and private beach area. The Drake is one of the Prince Edward County hotels which highlights local producers and offers free bikes to explore the area. 

Another popular choice is the English Rose Spa & Bed and Breakfast located on the Picton bluffs. Both a holistic healing centre and a bed and breakfast, the B&B is ideal for those looking to unwind and look after their health while enjoying The County.

Just a short walk away from Picton Harbour is Merrill House, a boutique hotel set in a Victorian mansion down the street from Shire Hall and other spots important in local history. This award-winning hotel features a conservatory bar, sauna, virtual reality lounge, and a gallery with sculptures and fine art photography. 

When it comes time to choose where to stay, Prince Edward County has it all. But be sure to book well in advance as spots fill up quickly, especially in the summer when most people head to the County. 

Whether you are going to visit wineries in Prince Edward County or Sandbanks, Prince Edward County is a real gem that is just beginning to be discovered by the masses. 

We love the region’s focus on sustainable agriculture and farm-to-table values which we hope will inspire visitors to look for in businesses when they go back home. 

Prince Edward County wineries

Whether you are going to visit wineries in Prince Edward County or Sandbanks, Prince Edward County is a real gem that is just beginning to be discovered by the masses. We love the region’s focus on sustainable agriculture and farm-to-table values which we hope will inspire visitors to look for in businesses when they go back home. 

 

Have you ever been to Prince Edward County? What are some of your favourite things to do in the region?

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