Just a couple of hours east of Toronto, Prince Edward County (or “The County” as locals call it) is a charming escape filled with wineries, beaches, farm-to-table food, art galleries, and countryside calm. If you’re on a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, or a solo road trip, this small but vibrant region offers a surprising mix of relaxation and adventure.

Things to Do in Prince Edward County

1. Sip Your Way Through Wineries

 

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PEC is Ontario’s wine country, known for its cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine. Go wine tasting at:

• Hinterland Wine Company – Famous for bubbles

• Norman Hardie Winery – Wood-fired pizza + wine = perfection

• Closson Chase Vineyards – Gorgeous purple barn + great Chardonnay

• Grange of Prince Edward – Family-run estate with a rustic vibe

You can self-drive or book a guided wine tour if you’d rather just sip and relax.

2. Lounge at Sandbanks Provincial Park

No trip to The County is complete without visiting Sandbanks, home to some of Canada’s best beaches:

• Dunes Beach – Rolling sand dunes perfect for walking and photos

• Outlet Beach – Family-friendly with shallow water

• Lakeshore Beach – Peaceful and less crowded

There are also great hiking trails and camping spots inside the park.

3. Explore the Local Art Scene

Prince Edward County is a haven for artists. Check out:

• Arts on Main Gallery in Picton

• Oeno Gallery at Huff Estates for outdoor sculptures

• Mad Dog Gallery for fine art by local painters

Many artists open their studios to visitors, especially during The PEC Studio Tour in the fall.

4. Wander the Towns: Picton, Bloomfield & Wellington

Each town in PEC has its own charm:

• Picton: The largest town — boutique shops, restaurants, and the historic Regent Theatre

• Bloomfield: Quaint and artsy, with cute cafés and artisanal shops

• Wellington: Wine and waterfront! Great dining and sunset views on Lake Ontario

5. Eat Farm-to-Table Everything

The County is all about fresh, seasonal, locally sourced food. Some culinary highlights include:

• The Drake Devonshire – Upscale lakeside dining with a trendy vibe

• Flame + Smith – Wood-fired everything in Bloomfield

• La Condesa – Authentic Mexican in Wellington

• PICNIC PEC – Curated picnic baskets delivered to your winery or park of choice

And don’t forget to grab some fresh-baked butter tarts or locally made cheese while you’re at it.

6. Cycle the Millennium Trail

Rent a bike and hop on the Millennium Trail, a 46-km multi-use path that stretches from Picton to Carrying Place. It winds through vineyards, farmlands, and forests, perfect for slow travel and spontaneous detours.

7. Sample Craft Brews and Ciders

Not a wine drinker? No worries. PEC is also home to great breweries and cideries:

• Prince Eddy’s Brewing Co.

• 555 Brewing Co.

• County Cider Company – Enjoy ciders with a lake view

8. Paddle or Kayak the Waters

Explore the quiet coastline by kayak or paddleboard. You can rent gear at spots like:

• West Lake Watersports

• PEC Kayaks

• Or join guided paddling tours in places like Wellington Harbour

9. Follow the Cheese & Charcuterie Trail

Prince Edward County is known for artisan cheese and meats. Visit:

• Fifth Town Artisan Cheese

• Black River Cheese

• Local farmers’ markets for smoked meats, honey, jams, and bread

Perfect for building a luxury picnic or snack board.

10. Stay in a Cozy County Retreat

 

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If you want a rustic cabin, a luxe boutique inn, or a unique Airbnb, PEC has stylish places to stay. Top recommendations:

• The June Motel – Instagrammable retro vibes

• Drake Motor Inn – Quirky, modern, and pet-friendly

• Jackson’s Falls Country Inn – A peaceful B&B with local flair

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (June–August): Beach season, peak for wineries and festivals

• Fall (September–October): Grape harvest, studio tours, and fewer crowds

• Spring (May): Beautiful blooms and quieter wine tasting

• Winter: Cozy getaways with fireplaces, winter wine tours, and frozen lake views

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Prince Edward County

1. When is the best time to visit Prince Edward County?

The most popular time is late spring through early fall (May-October), when wineries, beaches, and festivals are in full swing. Autumn is especially scenic with fewer crowds and harvest events.

2. Do I need a car to get around?

Yes — having a car is the easiest way to explore the region, as public transport is limited and attractions are spread out. You can also rent bikes for short local trips or take wine tours with shuttle services.

3. What are the top wineries to visit?

Some favorites include:

• Closson Chase (iconic purple barn)

• Hinterland (sparkling wine specialists)

• Norman Hardie (wood-fired pizza and Pinot Noir)

• The Grange of Prince Edward (estate vineyard experience)

4. Is Sandbanks Provincial Park worth visiting?

Absolutely! Sandbanks is known for its gorgeous beaches, massive sand dunes, and family-friendly swimming areas. It’s a highlight for first-time visitors and a great spot for hiking, picnics, or sunset photos.

5. Are there kid-friendly activities in The County?

Yes! Families can enjoy:

• Beaches at Sandbanks

• Pony rides and petting zoos at local farms

• Picton’s skate park and playgrounds

• Mini-golf and ice cream stops in Bloomfield and Wellington

Final Thoughts

Prince Edward County may be small, but it’s full of heart and character. With its relaxing beaches, fantastic food and wine, and artsy small-town charm, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.