The 20 Best Things To Do In Prince Edward County: Experience A New Side Of Ontario

Discover the best things to do in Prince Edward County, from miles of golden beaches and world-class wineries to farm-to-table food, craft breweries, and the best ice cream in Ontario. Here’s how to make the most of the County.

The first thing you notice when you cross into Prince Edward County is the pace. The breakneck speed of the 401 gives way to quiet country roads, the escarpment landscape flattens into open farmland, and sooner or later you find yourself behind a tractor doing thirty-five with nowhere to pass. And somehow, you don’t mind.

That’s the magic of Prince Edward County. It slows you down and makes you run at its pace, whether you want it to or not.

Christina and I first fell for PEC, or “the County” as locals call it, years before we had kids, back when a weekend getaway meant hopping between wineries and lingering over long lunches. Now we come back to the County with the boys whenever we have the chance. Prince Edward County hasn’t stayed the same through those twenty years. The County has grown up alongside us. The wineries have evolved from couples’ escapes to family-friendly experiences with great restaurants and beautiful views. The beaches are some of the best in Ontario; one was even named one of the ‘best beaches in the world by Travel and Tour World. On top of it all, there’s always a new farm stand, brewery, or ice cream flavor to discover as you drive through the small towns.

Sitting on a large peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario not far from the city of Belleville, and less than three hours from Toronto, Prince Edward County is an Ontario wine country that strolls along at a far more relaxed pace than the more famous Niagara wine region. When you pair the vineyards with beautiful, Caribbean-style beaches, quaint glamping, and farm-to-table food experiences in every direction. It’s one of my favorite travel destinations in Ontario.

This Prince Edward County guide covers the 15 things I think you shouldn’t miss, plus where to stay and how to plan a visit.

Where Is Prince Edward County?

Prince Edward County is a large island that juts out into Lake Ontario between the towns of Brighton and Kingston, which makes it a popular stop on road trips between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. It sits roughly two hours and forty-five minutes from both Toronto and Ottawa, so it’s an easy long-weekend escape from either city, and a natural detour on my Toronto to Montreal drive.

The County’s main towns are Picton, Wellington, and Bloomfield, but dozens of small communities are scattered across the island. As you arrive, the landscape changes to mostly flat, grassy farmland, and the slow-moving farm vehicles on the roads set the tone for the rest of your stay.

The Best Things To Do In Prince Edward County

You don’t have to dig deep if you’re searching for what to do in Prince Edward County. As soon as you cross over onto this picturesque island, it becomes obvious that this is someplace special. The landscape changes to mostly flat, grassy farmland. The cars that were once tearing recklessly down HWY 401 slow to a comfortable pace, and all around you, the landscape takes on the most beautiful shades of green, yellow, and gold.

Hit The Beach At Sandbanks Provincial Park

The top attraction in Prince Edward County, and one of the most popular provincial parks in all of Ontario, is Sandbanks Provincial Park. This world-class destination is home to three beaches where golden sand meets the turquoise waters of Lake Ontario. Its towering sand dunes are part of the largest baymouth barrier dune formation in the world, and they’re a playground for kids who never seem to tire of running up and tumbling down them.

My family and I have enjoyed plenty of Ontario’s great beaches, from Sauble Beach to Point Pelee, but Sandbanks stands out above them all, even compared with nearby Presqu’ile Provincial Park. When they were younger, one of my boys’ favorite summer activities was chasing seagulls in the warm, shallow water and then spending an afternoon running up and down the famous dunes. Now, paddling the quiet river and camping in Sandbanks has become their top end-of-summer experience. It’s one of the best parks in Ontario for sunbathers, and its campsites are some of the most coveted in the province, so book early. Sandbanks is about 30 minutes from Wellington and 25 minutes from Picton.

• Best for: beach days, dune hikes, and camping.
• Don’t miss: climbing the big dunes at Dunes Beach, and a sunset over the lake.
• Good to know: book your day-use vehicle permit online as soon as it’s released (five days ahead) because the park regularly hits capacity on summer weekends. Outlet Beach is the busiest; Dunes and Lakeshore are quieter.
• Where to Stay: Sandbanks campground, Isaiah Tubbs Resort for easy access, or Fronterra Farms for luxury glamping.
• Read more: You can read my ultimate guide to Sandbanks Provincial Park camping here.

Sunbathe Between Two Lakes At North Beach Provincial Park

North Beach is the hidden gem locals call “Little Sandbanks,” and it offers a completely different experience from its larger, more famous sibling. This thin, 1.2 km (0.8-mile) ribbon of golden sand has Lake Ontario on one side and the calm waters of North Bay on the other, dotted with shady trees, excellent picnic areas, and good washroom facilities. It’s just south of the town of Consecon, a short drive from Sandbanks.

Important note: on windy days, the Lake Ontario side of North Beach can have a dangerous undertow and big waves, while the North Bay side is much calmer but has a sharp drop-off in depth. With kids, pick your side based on the wind, and keep little ones close either way.

• Best for: families who want a quieter beach and a choice of calm or wavy water.
• Don’t miss: a paddleboard on the sheltered North Bay side.
• Good to know: there’s a daily vehicle fee, and walk-ins pay a smaller per-person fee. Check the Ontario Parks North Beach page for current rates and hours.

Paddle The Calm Waters Of West Lake

Right beside Sandbanks, West Lake is a big, shallow, sheltered lake that’s perfect for families who want to get out on the water without battling Lake Ontario’s waves. Paddle along the back side of the dunes, drift past cottages and reedy shallows, and watch for herons and turtles.

PEC Paddle rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards from its launch on Main Street in Wellington, including tandem kayaks for a parent-and-kid team and small kids’ kayaks for younger paddlers, with life jackets included. If you’re staying on the lake at a spot like Isaiah Tubbs, you may already have canoes and kayaks at your door.

• Best for: families with kids who want easy paddling.
• Don’t miss: paddling along the dunes on the Sandbanks side of the lake.
• Good to know: parking at the Wellington launch is limited, so park at the community center and walk over.
• Where to stay: Fronterra Farms sits right on the shores of West Lake.

Explore The Bluffs At Little Bluff Conservation Area

On the County’s quiet south shore, Little Bluff is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in PEC, and a world away from the Sandbanks crowds. A 20-meter (65-foot) limestone bluff drops to Prince Edward Bay, with a cobblestone barrier beach curving below it and a protected wetland behind.

A short network of trails (about 1.5 km in total, from easy to steep) leads along the bluff and down toward the water. Kids love hunting for fossils in the limestone and spotting the ruins of an old stone grain storehouse from the County’s 1800s barley boom, when schooners loaded grain here for the breweries of the United States.

• Best for: sunset views, fossil hunting, and escaping the crowds.
• Don’t miss: sunset from the top of the bluff.
• Good to know: it’s a hiking and picnic spot rather than a swimming beach; parking is paid, and the lot closes over the winter.

Cycle The Prince Edward County Millennium Trail

The flat landscape makes biking one of the most popular ways to explore the County, and the Millennium Trail is the backbone of it all. This 46 km (29-mile) former railway line runs from Carrying Place, near the Murray Canal, all the way to Picton, winding through farm fields, marshes, and forests and connecting Consecon, Wellington, and Bloomfield along the way. It’s mostly level, compacted crushed limestone, which makes it very manageable for families on bikes.

In spring and summer, the trail is lined with bright wildflowers. If you’d rather let someone else do the planning, the Sip and Cycle tour from County Wine Tours covers an 18 km route that stops at local wineries along the way.

• Best for: active families and a slower way to see the County.
• Don’t miss: the stretch around Wellington, with its marshes and birdlife.
• Good to know: it’s open to hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and birdwatching; cars and trucks are banned, though you may share some sections with permitted off-road vehicles.
• Popular tour: This Prince Edward County bicycle wine tour is a great way to combine excercize with excellent local wine. – You can book the tour here.

Enjoy Some Of The Best Prince Edward County Wineries

With about 40 wineries, Prince Edward County is one of Canada’s youngest wine regions. Because of its youthful energy and innovation, it’s also one of the country’s most exciting. The wineries here are more spread out than those in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the variety is a little narrower, but I actually prefer the wines here. They may be younger, but they taste more established. Best of all for families, most of them are genuinely kid-friendly, with big lawns, views, and snacks to keep little ones happy while the grown-ups taste. A few of my favorites:

• Waupoos Estates Winery. One of the most classic wineries in the County, out on the eastern arm along County Road 8. Its gazebo restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in PEC, and the tasting room has incredible views over Lake Ontario and the vineyards. Kids love the huge yard and the candy shop.
• The Grange of Prince Edward. North of Wellington, this family-run estate pours its excellent wines in a raw, natural barn-wood tasting room that feels wonderfully vintage.
• Three Dog Winery. A small, intimate winery in the northeast of the County where the person pouring your wine is often the one who made it. It has grown quickly and now offers meals, too.
• Sandbanks Estate Winery. One of the most prestigious wineries in PEC, with a huge wine selection and beautiful grounds. I’ll give them a special nod as well since they bought one of my photos to use on their Dunes Red bottles awhile back.

A couple more worth knowing: Karlo Estates pours its wines in a rustic old barn, and Norman Hardie fires up pizzas in a wood-fired oven that are a hit with kids.

• Best for: grown-ups, with room for kids to run.
• Don’t miss: a glass on the Waupoos patio overlooking the lake.
• Good to know: many wineries close midweek or keep reduced hours outside summer, so check before you drive out.
• Popular tour: Private wine tour from Toronto – You can book that tour here.

Enjoy Some Of Ontario’s Best Craft Breweries

You can pair your wine tour with a beer tour, or skip the grapes entirely. A few favorites:

• Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company. For hops lovers, Prince Eddy’s has a youthful, surfer feel and seriously good beer. As a bit of a metal fan, I always aim for a can of Seek and Enjoy.
• Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company. My favorite brewery in the County, with excellent brews and the best scenery in PEC. Kids love the garden outside and the classic Model A car parked by the road.
• 555 Brewing Co. In the heart of Picton, 555 is the most central brewery in the County, with tasty wood-fired pizzas to go with its great beer.
• Parsons Brewing Company. Just outside Picton, Parsons might be the most family-friendly brewery in the County. The grounds feel like a farm party, with a ball hockey pad, table tennis, tetherball, horseshoes, and a fire pit, so the kids play while you work through a flight of its excellent stouts and lagers. The food leans Argentine, with empanadas and weekend asado dinners.

• Best for: beer lovers, with kid-friendly patios.
• Don’t miss: a pint with a view at Lake on the Mountain.
• Good to know: 555’s pizzas make an easy family dinner in Picton, and Parsons’ lawn games encourage you to stay for a second pint.

Sip Cider And Spirits At County Cider Company And Kinsip

Out on the Waupoos arm, the County Cider Company is one of Ontario’s original craft cideries, pouring crisp ciders made from County apples on a hilltop patio overlooking the vineyards and the lake. I’m not going to lie, age has seen me veer strongly toward ciders, especially on a hot summer day. Seeing PEC’s rise to a stronghold has been really exciting. It’s a wonderfully relaxed stop for families, with casual food on the patio and room for kids to roam, and a natural pairing with a visit to Waupoos and Fifth Town.

While you’re in a sipping mood, Kinsip House of Fine Spirits near Bloomfield rounds out the County’s drinks scene with small-batch whisky, gin, vodka, and rum made from local grain, poured in a tasting room on a quiet country road.

• Best for: a lunch with a view and non-wine drinkers.
• Don’t miss: a cider flight on the patio.
• Good to know: it’s seasonal, so check opening days outside of summer.

Nibble On Some Cheese At Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company

Out on the far eastern arm, past Waupoos, Fifth Town makes world-class cheese with milk from local farms, in an environmentally friendly production facility built to Platinum LEED standards. The farm grows its own fruit and berries, and the shop and patio are a lovely spot to gather picnic supplies.

• Best for: foodies and picnic planners.
• Don’t miss: a cheese board on the patio.
• Good to know: it’s typically open Wednesday to Sunday, but hours shift, so check its social channels before you go.

Grab An Ice Cream Cone At Slickers In Bloomfield Or Picton

Slickers is hailed as one of the best ice cream shops in Ontario, making small-batch ice cream from locally sourced ingredients in a huge range of flavors like toasted burnt marshmallow, apple pie, and passionfruit. There are two locations: the original on Main Street in Bloomfield and another in Picton. I don’t want to know what it’s like to visit Prince Edward County and not stop for a cone at Slickers.

• Best for: everyone, every single day.
• Don’t miss: the toasted burnt marshmallow.
• Good to know: expect a line on summer evenings. It’s worth it.

Take A Walk Around Lake On The Mountain

Lake on the Mountain is one of Prince Edward County’s great mysteries. This lake sits 62 metres (203 feet) above the Bay of Quinte, just below it, with no known source, and yet a steady flow of fresh water spills over the escarpment and down into the bay. The view from the edge, looking down on the ferry crossing and the water far below, is spectacular.

Near Picton, the provincial park has boardwalks and picnic spots, and across the road, the restaurants at the Lake on the Mountain Resort, including the Miller House Cafe, serve food on a garden patio with those views, along with local County craft beer.

• Best for: an easy scenic stop and a picnic with a view.
• Don’t miss: the lookout over the Bay of Quinte.
• Good to know: pair it with a ride on the free Glenora Ferry just below the lookout, and a pint at the brewery across the road.
• Where to eat: Lake on the Mountain Brewery sits right on the edge of the lake and makes for a great place to stop for some food.

Ride The Free Glenora Ferry

Here’s one Prince Edward County experience that costs nothing and delights kids every time. The Glenora Ferry is part of Highway 33, a free, 15-minute crossing of Adolphus Reach between Glenora, just below Lake on the Mountain, and Adolphustown on the mainland. You can get out of the car once the ferry is underway and watch the limestone cliffs of Little Bluff Conservation Area slide past from the deck.

It’s also a handy shortcut. Coming from Kingston, the ferry gets you into the County without looping around through Belleville, and in summer two boats run every 15 minutes through the busiest part of the day.

• Best for: kids, and a scenic back door into the County.
• Don’t miss: the view back up to Lake on the Mountain from the deck.
• Good to know: it runs year-round with no reservations, first come, first served; expect short lineups on summer weekends.

Spend An Afternoon In Picton’s Historic Main Street

Picton is the County’s largest town, and its Main Street is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, especially on a rainy day. The historic Regent Theatre, a beautifully restored century-old theatre, still screens films and hosts live music and theatre, which makes it a great family evening out.

A few blocks away, Macaulay Heritage Park preserves the restored 1830s Macaulay House, its heritage gardens, and a former church that now serves as a museum. Its exhibit “A Path Forward,” co-curated with Indigenous partners, explores Truth and Reconciliation in Prince Edward County through contemporary Indigenous art and storytelling, and it’s a thoughtful stop to share with older kids. Round it out with a wood-fired pizza at 555 Brewing and a cone at the Picton Slickers.

• Best for: rainy days, history, and a slower afternoon.
• Don’t miss: a movie or show at the Regent, and “A Path Forward” at Macaulay Heritage Park.
• Good to know: the museum’s hours are seasonal, so check the County’s museums page before you go.

Discover Birdhouse City At Macaulay Mountain

Just outside Picton, Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area hides one of the County’s quirkiest free attractions. Birdhouse City is a whole “town” of dozens of hand-built birdhouses, many of them miniature replicas of real local buildings like churches and heritage homes, set up on poles in a meadow and actually lived in by swallows and wrens.

It’s a delight for younger kids, who love hunting for their favorite little house, and the conservation area around it has more than 7 km of trails, from an easy loop to steeper climbs along the escarpment overlooking Picton.

• Best for: younger kids and a free, easy outing near Picton.
• Don’t miss: finding the miniature churches and village buildings.
• Good to know: a parking pass is required; bring bug spray in summer.

Go Antiquing In Bloomfield

Bloomfield’s Main Street is one of the best places in the County to hunt for antiques, vintage finds, and local art, with shops full of pine furniture, old collectibles, and fine antiques. Wander the strip, then reward yourself with a cone at Slickers down the street.

• Best for: grown-ups with patient kids (and a Slickers bribe).
• Don’t miss: a slow browse along Main Street.
• Good to know: many shops are seasonal or keep limited hours, so go on a weekend.

Take In The Stars While Glamping At Fronterra Farm

For one of the most unique stays in PEC, Fronterra Farm offers frontier-style canvas tents on a working hop farm, just a short canoe ride from North Beach Provincial Park. Our prospector tent had hardwood floors, a king bed (with plenty of room to squeeze in two singles for the boys), an outdoor kitchen, and a fire pit.

Our hosts, Jens and Inge, gave us a proud tour of the property when we arrived, and the boys got to collect fresh eggs from right under the hens in the henhouse. At night, we roasted marshmallows over the fire, watched the stars, and fell asleep to the crickets. It was a blast, and I highly recommend it for a family glamping experience in the County.

• Best for: families who want camping without the hassle.
• Don’t miss: collecting eggs in the morning, and stargazing at night.
• Good to know: it’s close to North Beach, so plan a beach day into your stay.
• Read more: You can read all about my family’s glamping experience at Fronterra Farm here

Grab A Meal At The Drake Devonshire

The Drake Devonshire is a local icon in the town of Wellington. It’s a boutique hotel with just 13 rooms and one of the best restaurants in the County. Its crowd is a fun mix of hipsters chasing the perfect Instagram shot, families, and retirees, all drawn by its beautiful spot right on the Lake Ontario shoreline. The grounds include a quiet creek, art installations, and a fire pit, and the multi-tiered patio is the place for lunch. Order the chicken and waffles.

• Best for: a special lunch or dinner with a lake view.
• Don’t miss: the chicken and waffles on the patio.
• Good to know: reserve ahead in summer; you can check prices and availability for the Drake Devonshire here.

Watch The Migration At Prince Edward Point

At the very southeastern tip of the County, Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area is one of the best places in Ontario to watch migrating birds and butterflies. In spring and fall, huge numbers of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl funnel through, and in late summer, monarch butterflies gather here before their long flight south. The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory runs banding and monarch tagging, and it’s a fascinating stop for curious kids.

• Best for: nature-loving families and budding birders.
• Don’t miss: the monarchs in late summer and early fall.
• Good to know: it’s remote and rustic, so bring water, snacks, and bug spray.

Wander The Purple Fields At Prince Edward County Lavender

In Hillier, Prince Edward County Lavender‘s fields turn a brilliant purple in early summer, and wandering the rows is a gorgeous (and very fragrant) family outing. The shop sells handmade lavender products, and there are usually lavender-flavored treats to keep the kids happy.

• Best for: photos, gentle strolls, and younger kids.
• Don’t miss: the fields in full bloom.
• Good to know: peak bloom is short, usually late June into July, so time your visit.

Follow The Taste Trail And The Arts Trail

The County’s self-guided Taste Trail links more than 40 cideries, breweries, distilleries, cheesemakers, farm stands, and restaurants, while the Arts Trail connects dozens of galleries and studios where you can meet potters, glassblowers, and painters at work. They’re the best way to fill the gaps between beach days. One family favorite is the sculpture garden at Huff Estates’ Oeno Gallery, where kids can roam among big outdoor pieces while you browse the art inside.

If you’re in the County on a Saturday, start your Taste Trail at the Wellington Farmers’ Market, where local growers, bakers, and makers set up for the morning. It’s the best way to stock a picnic for the beach.

• Best for: filling a rainy day or a slow afternoon.
• Don’t miss: the Oeno Gallery sculpture garden.
• Good to know: grab the trail maps from Visit The County and pick a handful of stops rather than trying to see everything.

The Best Places To Stay In Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has great places to stay in all shapes and sizes, from lakeside luxury and historic inns to retro motels and farm glamping, and they fill up fast in summer, so book early. Here’s a quick look at my picks. For the full details on every one, see my complete guide to the best Prince Edward County hotels.

Picton is the County’s largest town and its most central base, about 30 minutes from Sandbanks. Wellington puts you on the waterfront, close to the Drake and West Lake, and Bloomfield is the charming village in between, steps from Slickers and the Millennium Trail. If you only have a weekend, splitting your stay between Picton and the Bloomfield or Wellington area cuts down on driving.

The Best Places To Stay With Kids

Isaiah Tubbs Resort (West Lake). On the shores of West Lake, right near Sandbanks, Isaiah Tubbs offers private cottages and hotel rooms, a sandy beach, canoes and kayaks for exploring the lake, a summer outdoor pool, wine tastings, and an on-site restaurant. It’s about as easy a family beach base as the County gets. You can check prices and availability for Isaiah Tubbs here.

The Drake Motor Inn (Wellington). The Drake Devonshire’s laid-back little sister is a modern take on the classic roadside motor inn, with family suites, interconnecting rooms, free bikes for exploring town, a fire pit, and even a skating rink in winter. You can check prices and availability for the Drake Motor Inn here.

Fronterra Farm (Consecon). For something the kids will never forget, glamp in a frontier-style tent on a working hop farm near North Beach (see #16 above for our stay). You can read more about Fronterra here.

The Best Luxury Stays

The Drake Devonshire (Wellington). With just 11 rooms and 2 suites on the Lake Ontario waterfront, a restaurant with live music, and a big-city following thanks to its sister hotel in Toronto, the Drake Devonshire is the County’s most iconic stay, and it books up fast. You can check prices and availability for the Drake Devonshire here.

The Waring House (Picton). This charming 1860s limestone farmhouse hotel is a County institution, popular for weddings and celebrations, with the Barley Room Pub and its live entertainment, plus a cooking school with guest chefs. You can check prices and availability for the Waring House here.

Unique Stays And B&Bs

The June Motel (Picton). A 16-room retro motel with a Palm Springs vibe, Saturday yoga, and a daily wine happy hour. It’s a grown-ups’ getaway more than a family base, and one of the most photographed stays in Ontario. You can check prices and availability for the June Motel here.

Stone Carriage House (Picton). Vintage home-style units with their own kitchens and dining areas, plus a garden and barbecues, which makes it a smart pick for longer family stays. You can check prices and availability for Stone Carriage House here.

The Edward. A small luxury B&B with just three suites on 75 acres, forest walks, sound bathing, and a breakfast spread people rave about. You can book directly with the Edward here.

If the island is booked solid, the Bay of Quinte on the mainland side is a great alternative base. We base ourselves there often, and it turns a beach day into a proper long weekend. See my Bay of Quinte itinerary for ideas.

Should You Visit Prince Edward County With Kids?

Absolutely. The parks and farms are wonderful places for kids to run and play, and most of the wineries and breweries are genuinely kid-friendly. Waupoos, for example, has a huge yard, great views, and even a candy shop. The beaches are some of the best in Ontario, with miles of sand dunes, warm shallows, and rivers to explore, and the birdlife is fantastic, with birds filling the sky and putting on a show with their acrobatics. We visit nearly every year with our kids, and they still ask to go back.

Tips For Visiting Prince Edward County Attractions

• Bring a car or a bike. Unless you’re staying in one town, the County is best explored by car or, for the more fitness-focused, by bicycle.
• Book Sandbanks early. Day-use permits open online five days ahead, and the park fills on summer weekends.
• Check hours before you go. Many wineries, shops, and restaurants are seasonal or close midweek, especially outside July and August.
• Stay at least a long weekend. If you only have a weekend, split your stay between the Picton area and the Bloomfield/Wellington area to cut down on driving.
• Consider a tour. Local tours cover the wineries, the Taste Trail, and the Arts Trail, with pickups in Picton, Wellington, and Bloomfield.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Edward County

Are You Ready To Explore Prince Edward County?

Prince Edward County has a way of getting under your skin. Between the beaches, the wineries, the farm stands, and that slow country pace, it’s a place we keep coming back to year after year, and I suspect you will too. If you’ve got a favorite winery, restaurant, or hidden beach in the County, share it in the comments. We’d love to hear about it.

Make it part of a bigger trip, too: the County pairs beautifully with a family weekend on the Kingston waterfront, cycling along the St. Lawrence River, or a stop on the drive from Toronto to Montreal.

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