Prince Edward County Studio Tour 2026 (Sept 18 – 20)
It’s almost impossible to visit Prince Edward County, or “The County,” as it’s affectionately known, without encountering art in some form. Creativity is everywhere, from galleries and sculpture gardens to colourful murals, live music and locally crafted food and drink.
Each September, that creative spirit is on full display during the Prince Edward County Studio Tour. Now in its 33rd year, this annual favourite has grown from just 14 artists to 58 artists across 39 studios, each showcasing their unique style and vision.
The Studio Tour Experience
Every artist on the tour is selected through a juried process, resulting in a vast array of work that spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, photography, fibre art and metalwork. Featuring some of the best fine artists in the region, the PEC Studio Tour is meant to be a fun and engaging experience.
“There’s no stuffiness or pretension,” says artist Diane Cole who will be showing her acrylic and mixed-media paintings in the solarium attached to her 1853 home. “This is a road trip with friends, and every stop is different. The art is different. The artist is different. They’re so friendly and glad you came.”
As you visit each studio, the artists are happy to share the process, stories and inspiration behind their work. Mixed-media painter Heather Kerr emphasizes, “Interacting with art can be a low-key, vibrant and joyful kind of experience. All are welcome, there are no art snobs here.”
For a Great Day, Plan Ahead!
Studios are scattered across scenic Prince Edward County, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations. September is the perfect time for a weekend getaway, with wonderful accommodations to make your stay even better. “The last five years, it has not rained and the trees are at their peak,” says Diane. “It’s just lovely.”
To help plan your adventure, download the Toureka! mobile app, where you can map out the studios you want to visit, preview artwork, and even discover areas of The County you may never have explored before.
While a few days might be ideal, a one-day visit is definitely worthwhile. Committee Chair Sue Whitney recommends using the app to help you make the best use of your time. “The geographic reach continues to grow, so you do need to be a bit purposeful in identifying which artists appeal to you and map out a plan,” she says. “Build in a break in the middle for some lunch or bring a picnic along. Most artists would be happy to have you park on their lawn.” For those who prefer a more traditional map, PEC Studio Tour brochures are also available at over 200 businesses throughout the area.
More Than an Art Tour
For weekend explorers, art collectors and anyone curious about the creative process, the Prince Edward County Studio Tour offers a chance to discover beautiful works of art and meet the people behind them. You might even find a treasure to bring home.
If you are visiting Prince Edward County for the first time, the beauty and character of the region are likely to leave you excited to return. “The County for me is layers,” Sue shares. The first visit, you appreciate the natural beauty and the farm to table, and just some of the obvious things. But as you get to engage with artists and musicians and playwrights and so on, you start to appreciate the depth. This place really is a focal point for culture, and it’s that marriage of culture with nature that really makes it unique.”
