Visiting Prince Edward County

Picture-perfect scenery reminiscent of an island, beaches and dunes lining Lake Ontario, excellent restaurants and vineyards await visitors to Prince Edward County. The ultimate destination for a three-day weekend, it’s the perfect place to visit antique shops and art galleries. Birdwatchers take note, as more than 300 species of birds have been recorded in this princely county!

Useful information

Official language(s)

The official language spoken in Prince Edward County is English. French may also be understood in some tourism settings, but English is the primary language used in everyday life.

Flight duration

Direct flight: 1h30 to Toronto
Connecting flight: 2h to 3h (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Prince Edward County time zone: UTC-5
 0h ahead of Quebec (EST)
 0h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Canadian dollar (CAD)

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted. However, it is a good idea to carry some cash for farmers’ markets, street vendors, and tips.

Tips

Tipping is customary in Prince Edward County as it forms an important part of many service workers’ income. In restaurants, a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill is generally expected. At bars, tipping $1 to $2 per drink is common. For taxi drivers and tour guides, a tip of 10% to 15% is customary.

Safety

Prince Edward County is a safe destination. Visitors should follow standard safety precautions and observe safety guidelines when enjoying water activities, hiking, and camping.

Top things to do and see

  • Sandbanks Provincial Parks

  • Lavender Fields

  • Vineyards

  • Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area

  • Picton

Hidden gems to discover

  • North Beach Provincial Park

    With its wild shoreline, North Beach Provincial Park offers a quieter setting than Sandbanks. This peaceful destination invites visitors to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches and calm, clear waters that are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. It is a wonderful spot for a picnic and relaxing along the shores of Lake Ontario.

  • Bloomfield

    With its colourful façades, charming food spots, art galleries, and relaxed atmosphere, Bloomfield offers a delightful stop in Prince Edward County. Visitors come here to browse its lovely shops, discover local crafts, and enjoy the village’s slower pace.

  • Birdhouse City

    Birdhouse City is one of the unique hidden gems of Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area near Picton. This outdoor site features about one hundred birdhouses inspired by miniature homes and buildings, providing shelter for various bird species. A peaceful and playful stop that will delight birdwatching enthusiasts.

  • North Beach Provincial Park

    With its wild shoreline, North Beach Provincial Park offers a quieter setting than Sandbanks. This peaceful destination invites visitors to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches and calm, clear waters that are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. It is a wonderful spot for a picnic and relaxing along the shores of Lake Ontario.

  • Bloomfield

    With its colourful façades, charming food spots, art galleries, and relaxed atmosphere, Bloomfield offers a delightful stop in Prince Edward County. Visitors come here to browse its lovely shops, discover local crafts, and enjoy the village’s slower pace.

  • Birdhouse City

    Birdhouse City is one of the unique hidden gems of Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area near Picton. This outdoor site features about one hundred birdhouses inspired by miniature homes and buildings, providing shelter for various bird species. A peaceful and playful stop that will delight birdwatching enthusiasts.

  • North Beach Provincial Park

    With its wild shoreline, North Beach Provincial Park offers a quieter setting than Sandbanks. This peaceful destination invites visitors to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches and calm, clear waters that are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. It is a wonderful spot for a picnic and relaxing along the shores of Lake Ontario.

  • Bloomfield

    With its colourful façades, charming food spots, art galleries, and relaxed atmosphere, Bloomfield offers a delightful stop in Prince Edward County. Visitors come here to browse its lovely shops, discover local crafts, and enjoy the village’s slower pace.

  • Birdhouse City

    Birdhouse City is one of the unique hidden gems of Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area near Picton. This outdoor site features about one hundred birdhouses inspired by miniature homes and buildings, providing shelter for various bird species. A peaceful and playful stop that will delight birdwatching enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • A wide range of outdoor activities, including cycling, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and birdwatching.
  • Beautiful sandy beaches bordered by clear waters.
  • A food lover’s destination with vineyards, cider houses, and excellent restaurants.
  • A peaceful and charming atmosphere.

Keep in mind

  • Rocky shoreline of Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County, featuring clear water, a small beach, and a wooded area.
  • Accommodation rates are often higher during the summer and on weekends.

Local food and gastronomy

  • Local wine

    In Prince Edward County, the cool climate and limestone-rich soils produce wines with remarkable freshness. The Chardonnays are bright and mineral-driven, whereas the Pinot noirs are more delicate. The region’s natural acidity also makes it ideal for producing exceptional sparkling wines.

  • Apple cider

    In Prince Edward County, apple cider is one of the local culinary delights worth discovering. Light, fruity, and sometimes slightly sparkling, it highlights the region’s apples in a refreshing drink, perfect for enjoying a getaway among vineyards, orchards, and excellent restaurants.

  • Club sandwich

    The club sandwich is a simple and comforting classic. Recognized by its three slices of toasted bread and its cut into four triangles, this layered sandwich combines chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a bite that is crisp, fresh, and satisfying. It is often enjoyed on a patio and served with fries or a salad.

  • Butter tarts and maple nut tarts

    Butter tarts and maple nut variations are among Ontario’s most comforting sweet treats. Their golden crusts hold a rich, soft, and caramelized filling with notes of butter, brown sugar, and maple. Perfect for a sweet and indulgent break.

  • Local wine

    In Prince Edward County, the cool climate and limestone-rich soils produce wines with remarkable freshness. The Chardonnays are bright and mineral-driven, whereas the Pinot noirs are more delicate. The region’s natural acidity also makes it ideal for producing exceptional sparkling wines.

  • Apple cider

    In Prince Edward County, apple cider is one of the local culinary delights worth discovering. Light, fruity, and sometimes slightly sparkling, it highlights the region’s apples in a refreshing drink, perfect for enjoying a getaway among vineyards, orchards, and excellent restaurants.

  • Club sandwich

    The club sandwich is a simple and comforting classic. Recognized by its three slices of toasted bread and its cut into four triangles, this layered sandwich combines chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a bite that is crisp, fresh, and satisfying. It is often enjoyed on a patio and served with fries or a salad.

  • Butter tarts and maple nut tarts

    Butter tarts and maple nut variations are among Ontario’s most comforting sweet treats. Their golden crusts hold a rich, soft, and caramelized filling with notes of butter, brown sugar, and maple. Perfect for a sweet and indulgent break.

Good to know

  • The region is home to more than 40 renowned vineyards known for their Pinot noirs and Chardonnays, as well as numerous cider houses and craft breweries.
  • The Millennium Trail is a beautiful 46 km scenic trail that connects several communities and provides access to many of the region’s attractions. It is a wonderful way to explore the county by bike.
  • The region features several birdwatching sites, including Prince Edward Point.

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Prince Edward County is generally from June to September. Summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches, vineyards, cycling trails, and villages such as Picton and Bloomfield. September is also a wonderful time to visit, with a quieter atmosphere, harvest season, active vineyards, and pleasant temperatures for exploring the region.

Driving is the best way to explore Prince Edward County with complete freedom. A car makes it easy to visit the beaches, vineyards, villages, galleries, and natural attractions spread throughout the region. Cycling can also be a great option for certain areas and trails, such as the Millennium Trail, but a car remains the most convenient way to fully enjoy your getaway.

2 to 4 days

A long weekend is ideal for a getaway in Prince Edward County at a relaxed pace. This amount of time allows you to enjoy the beaches at Sandbanks or North Beach, visit Picton and Bloomfield, make a few food stops, and explore the vineyards, galleries, and outdoor attractions.

  • Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, in August, held at various venues throughout the county. This event brings together jazz artists from near and far in historic venues such as the Regent Theatre in Picton, as well as vineyards and other scenic rural settings across the county.
  • PEC Lavender Festival, in July, in Hillier. This summer event invites visitors to enjoy lavender fields in a countryside setting, with live music, family activities, and bouquet picking.
  • Picton Fair, in September, in Picton. One of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, it celebrates the region’s rural heritage with livestock competitions, giant vegetables, midway rides, music, a demolition derby, and family-friendly entertainment.

Getting ready for your trip

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The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Prince Edward County, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.