Prince Edward County (“the County”) is a region of southeastern Ontario that juts out into Lake Ontario. With its abundance of water, fresh air, and wide-open spaces, the area has become increasingly popular with visitors, artists, and Toronto residents who are buying up plenty of the property in this trendy region.

Prince Edward County is especially distinguishing itself among food enthusiasts, with the introduction of organic farms, wineries, breweries, and cheese producers. Top chefs have been drawn to the area for its rich variety of local goods.

Getting to Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County sits on the northern shore of Lake Ontario in Southern Ontario.

Visitors from the U.S. can drive via the Niagara Falls, Buffalo, or Alexandria Bay border crossings (see passport requirements).

The closest major airports are in Toronto—about an hour and a half away—Ottawa—two hours away—and Montreal, which is at least two and a half hours by car.

There are four entry points to Prince Edward County, all located within Ontario, leading to Picton, the main artery of the county.

Weather and Climate / When to Visit

Prince Edward County’s weather is comparable to that of Toronto or Buffalo. Summers are warm and humid, falls bring cooler temperatures with stunning fall foliage, winters are snowy and cold, and springs tend to be wet and warming.

Summer is undoubtedly the most favored time to visit, with cottagers arriving on weekends and many tourists coming to enjoy a variety of water activities, camping, biking, and other outdoor fun that the County offers.

Prince Edward County Highlights

• In 2010, many of the County’s wineries were still young but are now thriving with matured wines.
• Arts Trail features a journey through the County’s numerous studios and galleries.
• The Waterfront Trail hugs Lake Ontario, stretching from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border and including the County along major roads and dedicated paths.
• Taste Trail consists of over 20 wineries, restaurants, cheese shops, breweries, and cider producers.
• Antique shopping is popular in the County, with a variety of primitive Canadiana pieces.
• The County is an ideal spot for bird watching as it attracts migrating birds during spring and fall.

Accommodation in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has numerous B&Bs, cottages for rent, inns, and resorts. As the towns are relatively small, there are no major hotel chains available.

Campers can set up at Sandbanks Provincial Park, but it is advisable to plan in advance as it fills up quickly.

Treefield is a charming country retreat offering lakefront views and a welcoming proprietor.

Other popular accommodations include The Waring House and Claramount Inn.

Eating in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is emerging as a premier destination for food lovers. The region is teeming with fine dining establishments, having attracted some of the country’s best chefs, drawn by the area’s fresh, seasonal produce and local wines.

Follow Taste Trail for a selection of recommendable culinary experiences throughout the County, or discover a complete list of local restaurants.

Consider these dining venues:

• Buddha Dog offers an impressive selection of gourmet hot dogs.
• Portabella restaurant is a local favorite.
• Blumen is particularly good for groups, featuring a lovely screened-in porch and private gazebo.
• East and Main, located in Wellington.
• Lake on the Mountain boasts a stunning location within a charming heritage building.

Shopping in Prince Edward County

The best shopping opportunities in the County include antiques, artisan products, local foods, and wines.

Bloomfield features artist studios and antique shops, such as Dead People’s Stuff.

Picton has a picturesque main street full of typical small-town Ontario shops: a bookstore accompanied by a resident cat named Miss Lily and a café offering great sandwiches nearby.

While the lack of suburban sprawl adds to the County’s charm, big box shopping can be found in Belleville.

Festivals & Highlights

• Taste!, the County’s largest event, occurs every fall and showcases local wines, cheeses, and more.
• In March, the County celebrates the maple syrup-making season with Maple in the County.
• The Prince Edward County Jazz Festival offers vibrant musical entertainment.

Family Activities in Prince Edward County

Families often seek properties for cottages in the County, creating plenty of activities for children and parents alike.

Sandbanks Provincial Park features beautiful dunes and sandbars, making it a delightful destination for families. Camping is available but reservations should be made well in advance.

Maple in the County presents visitors with the opportunity to observe the maple syrup-making process.

Pumpkinfest takes place annually in October, offering a fun-filled experience for families.