Prince Edward County, Ontario – Come for a weekend… stay forever

Come for a weekend… stay forever.

You may not know it, but Prince Edward County is actually an island in Lake Ontario. Consisting of an eclectic cluster of hamlets and villages, the region has deep agricultural roots and a wealth of unique natural features – all surrounded by 800 km of scenic shoreline. The County, as it’s affectionately known, has been welcoming visitors for almost 200 years and has developed quite a reputation for hospitality.

Technically speaking, Prince Edward County is a single municipality – one that takes pride in having nine regions each with its own distinct character. “The vast farmland, bay shore views and teeny towns of Ameliasburgh and Sophiasburg contrast the bustle of the Main Streets of Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington. Hillier, Waupoos and the South Shore are havens for agricultural and craft beverage experiences.”

Today’s Prince Edward County is blessed to have artists, entrepreneurs, farmers, winemakers, brewmasters, distillers, chefs and creators call it “home.” Indeed, the County’s reputation for stealing hearts is no secret and there is no shortage of visitors who came for a weekend getaway and never looked back. Take a virtual tour and see for yourself at visitthecounty.com

Cross that bridge when you come to it. 

Ali Kaufman, Social Strategist + Content Creator for Visit The County, shares, “As residents, we always say there’s a magic here, as soon as you cross that bridge, you really feel like you’re on island time. It’s like you take a big breath of fresh air. You won’t find any chain hotels, but our countless boutique accommodations are fantastic, and the wine region is quaint, yet outstanding, with world-class product. My husband and I chose Prince Edward County because we wouldn’t be giving up a lifestyle we were accustomed to living in Toronto. We knew we’d be able to find a restaurant or a bar or a winery that was the calibre we wanted. That and the arts scene, the live events… there’s always something happening in The County.”  

As for vintages, Prince Edward County has a well-deserved reputation as one of Canada’s burgeoning wine regions on the radar. The area boasts many award-winning wineries with vintners proud to show off the exceptional fruits of their labour.

Outdoor enthusiasts can exercise, or relax, at will here. Sunbathe on world-famous white sand dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park (one of Canada’s best beaches), in addition to great opportunities for swimming, water sports and fishing in the area. Hike, run or cycle on the 49-kilometre-long Millennium Trail. Delight in the fragrance of lavender fields and discover what’s on offer at the local sustainable farms. 

Let us entertain you!

Spring is the perfect time for an arts and culture tour. Colours, textures and inspiration are all in the mix at Prince Edward County’s diverse studios and galleries. 

The town of Wellington is a hub of Prince Edward County’s arts scene, with galleries and artists’ studios featuring everything from naturalist landscapes to the abstract. The community of Bloomfield is another must-see for its art galleries and artisanal boutiques. The Local Store is a popular favourite featuring renowned artists. At night, the live music at The Hayloft Dancehall will have you dancing right out into the moonlight. 

Another memorable stop is a scenic lunch at Lake on the Mountain Resort, where breathtaking views and delectable cuisine are the order of the day. Then make your way to The Regent Theatre – the “Entertainment Heartbeat of Prince Edward County” since 1918 – for a live performance or film screening. Before the sun sets, visit Base 31 for a concert or exhibition. This unique destination is on the site of a former 70-acre WWII air training base and is worth your time to explore more than once.

The Ultimate Cycling Adventure

Ride this route in any direction, with a start and end in Picton, Bloomfield or Wellington. The trip out of Picton takes you along Ridge Road offering crowning views towards Lake Ontario. From the village of Bloomfield, enjoy the wide paved shoulder along Loyalist Parkway to Wellington – pausing for a refresh at Wellington Beach on your way into wine country. You’ll get a real sense of County living, as you visit the shops, cafes, wineries and art galleries en route.

The Write Stuff

Prince Edward County is also a source of inspiration for writers, as these two Crime Writers of Canada authors can testify: 

Ryan Aldred: “As a writer, I love being surrounded by fellow artists – painters, chefs, musicians, brewers, to name just a few. You can find that creative energy throughout The County. These places have been built by people who truly love what they’re doing, and it shows in every aspect of their work; the food, the decor, the wine, as well as the staff and patrons themselves.”

Vicki Delany: “I moved to Prince Edward County 17 years ago when I took early retirement to take up the full-time life of a mystery writer. I was looking to get out of the rat race and the suburbs, yet still be close enough to regularly visit my mother and my children. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My little house in the country offers me the perfect place to write, but more than that I’ve made so many friends in the truly warm and welcoming writing community of The County. As a bonus, there’s a fabulous independent bookstore, Books and Company, that’s always ready to promote local authors.” vickidelany.com 

It takes a village

When it comes to community, Wild Lot Farm Distillery’s co-owner Ryan Fowler, shares, “We’ve fallen in love with Prince Edward County. There are people who’ve lived here for multiple generations and new people bringing new ideas, new energy. A huge arts scene, a big agri-tourism scene… and it’s just an adult playground. The Hamptons of Ontario. It has the beaches, the breweries, distilleries, wineries, a world-class food scene. There’s a really rich and thriving entrepreneurial community that’s fairly tight knit. We’ve felt a ton of support, and we enjoy that aspect. The epitome of where you see and feel it is at the Picton and Wellington Farmers’ Market. Community is such a big part of our lives here in Prince Edward County. It’s become a really cool area to live.”