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Welcome to our hometown of Picton the largest town in the county of Prince Edward!
We have lived here in “The County” all our lives making us “Locals” to many of the visitors here.
Quick Fact: Prince Edward County is technically an Island as it can only be reached by bridge.
There’s a reason that over 600,000 people visit here every year!
Prince Edward County has grown to become a top vacation destination in Southern Ontario with Sandbanks Provincial Park, and one of Ontario’s newest VQA wine designations.
A growing tourism hot spot filled with Air BB, Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, cottages, breweries, and wineries.
Of course, the busiest day trips this time of year is the summer months. Being a “local” we know how to get around the busiest spots and still have fun in the county.
Not sure what to do?
I’ve made a list of the top 24 places for sightseeing in Prince Edward County.
There is much more to Prince Edward County than just the beaches and wineries etc.
What To Do in Prince Edward County Ontario
- Wine Tour
- Craft Beer Tour
- Distilleries
- Water Sports
- Music and Festivals
- Art Galleries
- Museums
- Beaches
- Trails
- Conservation Area
- Bicycling
- Skateboarding and BMXing
- Bird Watching
- Photography
- Camping
- Theatre
- Lavender Farms
- Hockey
- Golfing
- Sailing
- Off-Road ATV Trails
- Fishing
- Picton History
- Cider Tour
- Move to PEC
Prince Edward County has evolved from a history of farmland into a destination that even the Royals, Prince Charles, and Camilla wanted to see back in 2017.
PEC has an arts trail and taste trail, Countylicious, and many live music venues making it a great inexpensive getaway.
There is something for all seasons here, Including winter cottage rentals, winter wine, and beer tours, and lots of winter activities.
Check Out The Wine Of Prince Edward County
With over 42 wineries in Prince Edward County, you will have many places to visit for food and drink.
There are many different venues throughout the year like Winterfest in February.
The Winegrowers Association hosts an annual multi-venue wine and winter festival where many late-season wines and winter wines are presented for tastings.
We enjoyed some Maple Waffle Cones with sausage, bacon maple syrup, and hollandaise.
For example, Three Dog Winery was offering a vegetarian Maple Cone with sweet potato, crispy onions, maple syrup, and hollandaise sauce.
There are many VQA Wineries and a vineyard around every corner it seems these days.
Many span in great diversity, size, and location with most being family owned and operated.
One of the biggest is the Waupoos Estates Winery and one of the smallest is the Sugarbush.
The Waupoos Winery is also an eatery where you can enjoy a cocktail atop a ridge looking east out to Lake Ontario.
Also, see this complete list of the best wineries and why
Also for wine tour, see this article on Winter Wine Tour.
Chances are you be able to meet the winemaker while you are there. We really love the many outdoor patios and the relaxed atmosphere of each winery we’ve been to.
Quick Fact: There are 30 wineries in Prince Edward County that hold VQA Status making Prince Edward County one of the only 3 designated Viticultural Areas in Ontario.
Take A Craft Beer Tour
Craft beer in The County started out small and is growing bigger every year.
Each brewery has a unique theme, more than just a few choices of beer and lots of seating.
Many serve food now either through a BBQ, food truck, wood-fired pizza oven, or an in-house restaurant.
Burgers and beer are common in restaurants, but beer and wood-fired pizza are even better!
There are many wine, beer & food festivals throughout the year in the County.
Many offer their own in-house brew, but they also offer other local beers from around The County.
PEC Distilleries Are Tasty
Did you know there are 4 unique craft distilleries in Prince Edward County?
Whether it’s the rich notes of locally grown grains in their whiskies, the crisp clarity of their fruit brandies, or the aromatic botanicals of their gins you like.
Each sip carries with it the essence of Prince Edward County’s fertile soils and the dedication of its artisans.
These distilleries are not just places to enjoy exceptional spirits; they are a testament to the County’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage and sharing its unique flavors with the world.
Check these PEC distilleries out here to see what they offer.
Lakeshore Water Sports
The Sandbank Provincial Park and West Lake are probably the most popular areas in PEC for water activities.
Later in the afternoon after everyone was gone you’ll never believe the sunset swim at the Sandbanks.
To learn more about your options for beaches, you really should check out this information about the beaches in Prince Edward County.
West Lake Water Sports at Isaiah Tubbs on West Lake offers a water park with many types of rental options.
These include Flyboard, jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, and pontoon boats.
This very island is a popular spot for families all summer long.
Rent a canoe or paddleboard in the black river from Cabin Fever Kayak and go fishing our sightseeing.
Through the summer months, the water can be very clear and fish can be easily seen on a regular basis.
Snorkeling out a Point Petre is free and pretty darn cool to do. Big bass or sometimes very large carp will swim right up to you.
There are literally thousands of little Round Goby fish scattered all over the rocks to see. See my Video Here.
Quick Fact: Prince Edward Count is 1,000 square kilometres (390 sq mi), of limestone rich soil with over 500 kilometres (310 mi) of shoreline bordered by Lake Ontario with Rock and Sand beaches.
Check Out The Live Music Events
There are many talented musicians in the County and every weekend there is usually a live band playing somewhere.
Coaches Bar & Grillon the main street in Picton offers live music and a dance floor.
Every Thursday and Friday night you can hear the band. Through the summer they will have musicians playing on the patio too!
The Acoustic Grill in Picton has many talented musicians from around the country who come to perform.
They have some menu items named after bands.
The Drake Devonshire Inn located in Wellington hosts live music and open mic sessions so anyone can get up a jam a tune or two.
Bermuda in Bloomfield often has local talent on certain nights in the downstairs bar called the Speakeasy at least it was, it may be called just the Bermuda now.
Another fun place to pop in is the County Canteen which hosts local artists and Karaoke nights. Every Friday and Saturday night as well as Sunday afternoons you’ll find music filling the air.
Also, you can enjoy the Prince Edward County Country Jamboree or The 50’s & 60’s Rock N Roll Music Festival is held in Cherry Valley. For more information visit them on Facebook.
Quick Fact: Gord Downie the front man and lead singer of Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip had an occasional residence in Prince Edward County.
Check Out The Art Scene in PEC
There are over 17 art galleries in the county. See Canadian abstract art and local artists’ paintings on the arts trail.
Some venues like the Oeno Gallery at Huff Estates will host community festivals or events throughout the year.
You can find abstract art including oils, acrylic, encaustic wall art plus sculptured glass, and select furniture pieces. Their art gardens to check out where bigger sculptures are on display.
You’ll find the lighting is exceptional and allows you to see every nuance in the art. I find that the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable.
When visiting Prince Edward County do yourself a favor and stop in a few art galleries and you will see why they are growing in popularity.
You may just want to take a little piece of The County home with you.
Tour Somes PEC Museums
There are five great museums to visit in the county. All have something different about the local history, of the area and Picton.
You can travel back in time to historic Prince Edward County by visiting these museums located around the county.
My recommendations are:
- Ameliasburgh Pioneer Village
- Macaulay Heritage Park, Picton
- Mariners Park Museum in South Bay
- Rose House Museum, Waupoos
- Wellington Heritage Museum.
One thing you will notice is the Indigenous, British, French, Dutch, German, and many others who have had some influence here in The County.
PEC was called the ‘Garden County of Canada,’ at one point in time. The County has always been known for its agricultural community and now that’s known as wine country you can find out why.
Trails and Conservation Areas
Navigate your way to some of the really cool Conservation areas around the county. All have some trails for walking or bike riding.
The most popular trail here in The County is the Millennium Trail.
It is one of the fastest ways to get from Picton to Carrying Place by trail.
See this article on the top trails in PEC.
The Sand Banks Provincial Park has many really cool areas to explore. You explore the snowshoeing trails in the winter. Also, see the top 10 things to do in the winter.
One of my favorite areas to visit is Little Bluff located at 3625 County Rd 13, Milford, ON.
The cliffs give you a great view down into the clear clean water.
For the trail walker and mountain bike riders, there is Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area.
Our school trips would take us to Beaver Meadow Wildlife Management Area. So much to see and learn.
Get Busy Bicycling or Cycling
Prince Edward County makes it great for many bike riders from all over the country. All through the warmer months, cyclers can be seen everywhere throughout the county.
It’s definitely a popular way to explore the county.
Consider a bicycle wine tour or explore the top bike trails in PEC.
The rural roads and gentle geography make cycling easy to see some great places.
The eye-catching scenery is what makes recreational cycling so popular.
If you don’t have your own bike no problem you can rent one from any of the following:
- Bloomfield Bicycle Company,
- County Bike Rentals,
- Ideal Bike,
- Closson Road Cycles,
- East Lake Electric Bike Rentals & Sales,
- Pedego Electric Bikes.
Winter biking is an option for some. Ideal Bike offers winter riders bicycles with fat tires “fat bikes” locally so you can ride even through the colder months.
Stop By And Enjoy The BMX Skate Park
Picton has its own skate park and it’s bigger than others I have seen. You’ll find something for every age group at the Prince Edward County Skateboard Park.
While the older kids ride the younger children have access to a jungle gym and splash pad right nearby.
The skate park and onsite playground are located on the historic Fairgrounds at 375 Main St E, Prince Edward, ON.
You will find it’s safe as there is a 4’ fence surrounding the park.
This keeps children in and away from the parking lot.
Great little park with small bowls with endless lines (Skateboard talk…LOL) but is designed for beginner to intermediate level skaters.
There isn’t a lot of shade so bring lots of water if you plan to spend the day.
Go Bird Watching
You need to visit the small bird community called “Birdhouse City” located at the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area.
Many little houses and birds to see in the area. With lots of trails through Macaulay’s Mountain, there are many different birds to see.
Also, see this article about the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.
A cool place to bring kids to see a bit of nature as this area is home to one of the rare birds in Canada.
I’m not telling…you’ll have to go check it out for yourself.
Local schools, businesses, individuals, and groups have taken the time to build and donate more than 80 birdhouses.
There are replicas of local buildings around Prince Edward County including the historical Crystal Palace, the Merrill Inn, Salmon Point Lighthouse, and Roblin’s Mill.
Photography in Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is nothing short of breathtaking just about everywhere you go. The sunsets are captivating to every visitor no matter where you are in the county.
There are many areas for photographers to take the perfect shot.
My top recommended spots to get great photos are the Sandbanks at sunset.
Also, Prince Edward Height Old Army Camp, Little Bluff, Point Petre, lavender fields in Hillier, the sunflower fields in Cherry Valley, Lake on the Mountain, and the many rule farms around the county.
Oh…The Regent Theater at night located on the main street is so nostalgic and takes you back to a simpler time.
The Prince Edward Point Bird Conservatory is probably the place where I have seen the most bird watchers in the county. There are over 300 different species of birds during the migration periods.
Camping in Prince Edward County
There are many different styles of camping in the county. Choose from tents, trailers, and Glamping.
Another option is to stay at a resort or spa and you can see my list of the Top 12 resorts in PEC here.
Enjoy A Rustic Show At The Regent Theatre
One of the main attractions in downtown Picton is the Regent Theatre. It is located at 224 Main Street so you can’t miss it when driving through town.
I saw Star Wars there back in 1977, the lineup was going right down the street. It opened in 1918 and has presented both film and live shows through the years.
There are still shows there every weekend and we just saw a live show (“Roy Orbison – The All-Star Tribute”) last month.
Still the old architecture inside and the small pay window. Very cool.
Play Or Watch Hockey
Picton and Wellington hockey teams and fans take hockey very seriously in these parts. There is a lot of local support.
If you are coming to watch your favorite local team (Picton Pirates or Wellington Dukes) play or want to sign up for a local hockey league there are many options for you regardless of your age.
Go Sailing on Lake Ontario From Picton Harbour
The Prince Edward Yacht Club offers a few different sailing options. You can enroll in sailing that has been in operation for over 40 years.
Learning to sail is a “life” skill allowing you to instruct others, be a crew member sailboat races or own your own boat.
The Prince Edward Yacht Club also has an active club-racing program that provides opportunities for students to crew on racing sailboats.
Mainly run by volunteers who make it fun for everyone and will ensure a successful sailing season.
Quick Fact: Sir John A. Macdonald — The first Canadian Prime Minister, lived for three years in Glenora, where his father operated a grist mill.
What We Like About PEC – The Small-Town Charm
No matter where you are from or where you’re going you’ll always be greeted with a smile or a nod.
Picton is a small Canadian town which means common courtesies and pleasantries are very much real.
People helping people! People consider other people. A door is open for you, and drivers stop to let you cross the street in front of them.
Chances are if you stop and ask someone on the street for directions they will be a tourist or they will be new to Prince Edward County.
I would recommend asking any of the local businesses for directions. In most cases, the people working in the businesses live here.
We have our favorite places to go and top things to do and we would like to share these with you so you know what to expect.
There is so much to do in the county.
Prince Edward County Map
There is something for everyone in every corner of The County and were not that far from Ottawa or Toronto.
Quick Fact: Named one of the best places to visit by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
Liesure Magazine
Fishing and Boat Launches
There are over 30 public boat launches with great fishing close by. In my experience, they are never that busy and they do have a fee.
See my complete list of boat launches here.
Prince Edward County History
What is Picton Known For?
I don’t want to bore you with a long history lesson so I have created a really quick list of events you may find interesting.
Originally inhabited by Indigenous people, the county has archeological sites that were ancient burial mounds, built about 2000 years ago. Cool eh? Read More HERE.
Established on July 16, 1792, by Upper Canada’s founding lieutenant-governor John Graves Simcoe who was the first to name Prince Edward County.
The name Prince Edward came from Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent (the fourth son of King George III) who was the British North American commander-in-chief at the time.
At the conclusion of the American Revolution, the Crown gave out land grants to United Empire Loyalists to encourage them to settle in Prince Edward County. So this is how it all got started.
The name Picton, came from Sir Thomas Picton a Lieutenant-General who was known as a rough foul-mouthed devil…lol. It’s true.
In April 1941 Canadian Forces Base Picton (CFB Picton) was established as a bombing school for training pilots during WW2 and was closed in 1969.
After the closure of CFB Picton, this area was sold to the Government of Ontario and run by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and was given the name Prince Edward Heights. It became a major employer for Prince Edward County until it closed in September 1999.
The old base and bombing area called Point Petre were used in the movie Dieppe back in 1993.
Prince Edward Heights is now known as “Macaulay Village” and the homes are all privately owned.
As of late the old Army base has been turned into a live music venue called Base 31.
As of January 1, 1998, our Town of Picton along with our neighboring villages of Bloomfield and Wellington were joined together with all the surrounding small towns of Ameliasburgh, Athol, Hallowell, Hillier, North Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and South Marysburgh.
This amalgamation of separate municipalities formed Prince Edward County as the new official legal name.
Of course, Picton is known for Sandbanks Provincial Park and now more than ever the Millennium Trail.
Also, see this article about the history and charm of Picton.
Visiting Prince Edward County FAQ
Q: Where is Prince Edward County located?
A: Prince Edward County is located in Ontario, Canada. It is bordered by the Bay of Quinte to the north and the shores of Lake Ontario to the east and south. The County covers an area of 1,013 square km (393 sq mi).
Q: What are some things to do in Prince Edward County?
A: Some things to do in Prince Edward County include visiting wineries, exploring sand dunes, enjoying the beautiful lakefront, and browsing through antique stores.
Q: Can I rent accommodations in Prince Edward County?
A: Yes, there are various accommodations available for rent in Prince Edward County. You can find AirBNB, cozy waterfront lakeside cottages to boutique hotels.
Q: Is Prince Edward County a good wine tour destination?
A: Yes, Prince Edward County is known for its wineries and is a popular destination for wine tours. The fact is Prince Edward County is growing as one of the best wine regions in Canada.
Q: Are there self-guided tours available in Prince Edward County?
A: Yes, visitors can choose to explore Prince Edward County on self-guided tours to discover its hidden gems at their own pace.
Q: What is the closest city to Prince Edward County?
A: Toronto is the closest major city to Prince Edward County. Belleville and Kingston are the two big cities that are the closest.
Q: What are some attractions near Prince Edward County?
A: Some attractions near Prince Edward County include Kingston, the Bay of Quinte, and North Beach Provincial Park.
Q: Is there a ferry to Prince Edward County?
A: Yes, the Glenora Ferry provides a scenic way to reach Prince Edward County.
Q: Are there campsites available in Prince Edward County?
A: Yes, there are campsites available in Prince Edward County for those who prefer a more outdoor-oriented accommodation option.
Q: Can I find modern amenities and services in Prince Edward County?
A: Yes, despite its laid-back vibes, Prince Edward County offers modern amenities and services to ensure a comfortable stay.