BEST Things to do in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County Ontario is a great summer destination.  Relax and explore the beaches, sand dunes and nature areas.  Enjoy the many local wineries and breweries.  It’s just 2 hours from Toronto making it a great weekend destination.

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in The County.

Things To Do in Prince Edward County

There is so much to see and do in Prince Edward County. These are the best experiences we recommend when you visit “The County”.

• Visit some PEC Wineries
• Explore Sandbanks Provincial Park
• Discover the wonderful PEC Beaches
• Walk through a Lavender Farm
• Relax at a Brewery
• Walk Historic Picton, Ontario
• Visit Museums and Historic sites

Prince Edward County Map – Getting Oriented

Prince Edward County Wineries

Many visitors are drawn to Prince Edward County’s Wineries.  A wine tasting tour is a great way to spend a relaxing summer day.

With more than 30 wineries in the area, the hardest part will be choosing which ones to visit first.  Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

In our article, Best Wineries in Prince Edward County, we provide a full list of all the top wineries in the region, plus select the best ones. Enjoy your tour!

Sandbanks Provincial Park

The magnificent sandy beaches and dunes of Sandbanks help make it the most visited place in Prince Edward County.  Each summer, the park welcomes thousands of visitors escaping the hot city.  With three white, expansive, sandy beaches, it’s the perfect place for families to camp.  Play beside the unique barrier dunes that form here along Lake Ontario. If you need a break from the beach, there are several hiking trails which explore the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation. The dunes separate West Lake from Lake Ontario.

The landscape didn’t always look this way. In the early 1800s the dunes were partially covered with vegetation and mixed hardwood forest. Open areas were pastures for cattle. It was a relatively stable sand dune environment. Early settlers cleared the trees so that their cattle could pasture on larger areas. This allowed the fierce winds off Lake Ontario to move the sand until it covered roads, crops and sometimes buildings.

Local farmers, in 1911, planted willow cuttings to try to slow the shifting sand. Over 40 years, 3 million trees were planted, primarily Scots Pine. Some of them survived and remain today but they struggle due to this nutrient poor soil. The trees are vulnerable to fungal outbreaks, droughts and insect infestations. It is hoped that even if tree mortality continues other species will take over and continue to stabilize the dunes.

Prince Edward County Outdoor Activities

Nature is on full display in Prince Edward County. Here are some outdoor fun options.

Prince Edward County Beaches

The County has some of the best sand beaches in all of Ontario.  The most popular beaches are at Sandbanks Provincial Park, but there are other beaches to enjoy.  Here is a complete list with a brief note about each beach below.

Beach Name	Location
Sandbanks Dunes Beach	Sandbanks Provincial Park
Lakeshore Beach	Sandbanks Provincial Park
Outlet Beach	Sandbanks Provincial Park
North Beach (2 beaches)	North Beach Provincial Park
Wellington Beach	Wellington
Roblin Lake Beach	Ameliasburgh
Little Bluff Conservation Area	East of South Bay
Prince Edward Point Beach	Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area

Sandbanks Provincial Park beaches and campsites fill quickly in the summer.  Presquil Provincial Park is another great option if you want to camp near the beach. Presquil is located just outside PEC, south of Brighton. Please be aware that, on very windy days, beaches on Lake Ontario can have dangerous undertow conditions.

Sandbanks Dunes Beach

This beach on West Lake has a very steep drop off. This is a fully serviced day-use area.

Lakeshore Beach

This beach on Lake Ontario slopes gently out from shore. It is another park day-use area.

Outlet Beach

The southernmost, Sandbanks, day-use beach slopes gently into Lake Ontario.

North Beach

There are two sandy beaches at North Beach Provincial Park, a day-use park. The beach facing Lake Ontario is about 1.2 kilometres long. Across the sand bar is another 800 metres of beach facing North Bay. Like Sandbanks beaches, the water depth increases slowly into Lake Ontario and rapidly into North Bay.

Wellington Beach

The beach is located at the west end of the West Lake Sand Bar, a triangular sand bar separating West Lake from Lake Ontario. Benches line the boardwalk which runs along the beach. Toilets and change facilities are nearby.

Roblin Lake Beach

The small municipal beach in the village of Ameliasburgh has toilets, change facilities and a children’s play area close by.

Little Bluff Conservation Area 

This cobble stone beach on the shore of Prince Edward Bay sits between a significant wetland and Lake Ontario. There are toilets and picnic tables near the beach.

Prince Edward Point Beach

The shore at Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, while not a sandy beach, is a wide rock ledge and a great spot to enjoy the water. There are no facilities nearby.

Lake on the Mountain

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is the perfect place for a picnic. This tiny park is dominated by the lake. You can fish here in season. It is a day-use provincial park with a number of picnic tables and toilet facilities. Camping is not permitted.

The lake has a constant flow of clean, fresh water from underground springs and local streams. Originally thought to be bottomless, the lake depth has now been measured at about 30 metres. Lake on the Mountain is the largest and deepest of three ancient lakes in The County.

It is at the top of a 60-metre high bluff “above” Lake Ontario making it arguably the most scenic of the county lakes. Enjoy the great view toward the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario’s north shore. Watch the Glenora Ferry carrying cars between Glenora and Adolphustown. This free ferry, operated by the province, runs year-round. The first known ferry license was issued for this route in 1801.

Glenora is at the bottom of the bluff. In the mid to late-1800’s, mills were located both in Glenora and around Lake on the Mountain.

Prince Edward County Lavender Farms

There are two lavender farms in Prince Edward County, a relatively new agri-business to Ontario. Like grapes, lavender flourishes in dry, well-drained, gravelly soils with full sun. Lavender, native to northern Africa and the mountains of the Mediterranean, has been used for thousands of years. It has medicinal and healing properties, an enticing aroma and is used to enhance the flavour of food. The two farms offer slightly different experiences so you may want to visit both.

Prince Edward County Lavender

Tour the lavender fields, herb and flower gardens at Prince Edward County Lavender and visit their boutique. It has a wide variety of lavender and herb products for sale, including body care products, pure essential oils, culinary products, herbal teas and herb blends.

Prince Edward County Lavender host the annual Lavender Festival, in July, which is peak lavender season. There are food vendors and activities. An entrance fee is charged.

Millefleurs

This is a family-run farm growing lavender and raising honey bees. Millefleurs offers guided tours of the farm. There are lavender fields, an orchard, sunflower garden, apiary and honey house, meadery and boutique store. In July observe the steam distillation process which produces lavender essential oils.

The boutique offers honeys of different colours, aromas and flavours (including one infused with lavender of course). There are lavender-infused condiments and other culinary products for cooking and baking, plus aromatherapy and personal care products.

Mead is a fermentation of honey and water with selected yeasts and can be dry or sweet and still or bubbly. Try a flight of mead or honey wines or lavender lemonade.

When to visit the Lavender Farms

Lavender flowers between late June and early August. Farms plant several varieties for different aromas and tastes. Each variety blooms at slightly different times so you are almost guaranteed stunning fields of purple on a July visit. The farms and their boutiques are open at other times throughout the year. Entrance fees apply during flower season. Since the season depends on Mother Nature, check their websites for current information.

Prince Edward County Hiking

Sandbanks Provincial Park has the County’s main hiking opportunities. You’ll find three main trails, plus other trails which link the beaches and campgrounds.

Here is a list of hiking trails or hiking areas in Prince Edward County, with a brief note about each beach below.

Hiking Trail or Area	Location
Dunes Trail	Sandbanks Provincial Park
Woodlands Trail	Sandbanks Provincial Park
Cedar Sands Nature Trail	Sandbanks Provincial Park
Massassauga Point Conservation Area	East of Rossmore
Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area	Picton
Little Bluff Conservation Area	East of South Bay
Beaver Meadow Wildlife Management Area	Woodrous, Southwest of Picton

Sandbanks Dunes Trail

This 2.5-kilometer trail is the most popular trail in Sandbanks Provincial Park.  The easy to moderate trail loops through a unique and fragile dune habitat and travels along the edge of several rare wetland habitats called pannes.

Boardwalks, viewing platforms and benches have been built to increase your enjoyment of this unique dune habitat and the coastal wetland pannes. Stay on the boardwalks and trails to reduce impact to the dunes and to avoid Poison Ivy which is often present.

A separate one kilometre, barrier-free side trail starts at the same trailhead. It loops through a wetland and along the edge of a large dune.

Sandbanks Woodlands Trail

Enjoy this easy 7-kilometre round-trip, out and back, trail along old farm fields from the main gate of Sandbanks to the Dunes Beach. Walk by the hedgerows marking field edges and along dense deciduous woods of oaks and maples. Wildlife is often seen along this path.

Sandbanks Cedar Sands Nature Trail

Twelve interpretive stations mark this 2-kilometre nature loop along the shores of the Outlet River. Trail stops include lookouts over the marsh.

You’ll also find hiking trails at the local conservation areas. For more details about the conservation areas noted below, visit the Quinte Conservation Hiking page.

Massassauga Point Conservation Area

This conservation area has approximately 4 kilometres of trails that pass a former quarry and dock. The conservation area protects a rare Burr Oak Savannah, a type of mixed woodland-grassland ecosystem.

Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area

This conservation area features a climb up a 40-metre ridge to reach the viewpoint looking over Picton.  The trail network has over 20 kilometres of trails.  When you arrive, also check out Birdhouse City, near the parking lot.  It contains over 100 native bird nesting boxes. Each bird box is unique and depicts aspects of the culture and history of Prince Edward County.

Little Bluff Conservation Area

The 70-acre area includes a 20-metre high limestone bluff giving a panoramic view of Prince Edward Bay and the cobblestone beach below. See ruins of limestone granaries that were used for barley storage during the prosperous “Barley Days” in the late 1800’s.  You’ll find about 1.5 kilometres of hiking trails.

Beaver Meadow Wildlife Management Area

Two short trails lead from the parking lot to an observation platform over a large wetland. The wetland is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife and many plant species.

Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area

Prince Edward Point, at the end of the peninsula on the northeast shore of Lake Ontario, was granted protected status in 1978.

In its 530 hectares, there are forest, meadow, grassland and gravel beach areas. You can explore it year-round on its designated trails. Swimming and picnicking are permitted in designated areas. Open fires or charcoal barbecues are not permitted anywhere in the wildlife area.

One of Canada’s first National Wildlife Areas, it was extensively cleared and farmed in the 19^th century. The natural Red Cedar Savannah and woodlands are gradually being reestablished. Swamp and marshland plants are taking hold in the wetter areas. The only trees remaining from the original 19^th century stands are Eastern White Cedars along the shore.

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory

The area is globally recognized as important to the seasonal migrations of many bird species. Its plentiful mussels and native shellfish provide feasts for many migrating birds.

No other location on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario shows such high numbers of birds during migration. More than 300 species have been recorded here, including songbirds, waterfowl, owls and hawks. Migrations are recorded each season by both professional and volunteer observers.

The area is also a gathering spot for monarch butterflies in the fall. This is one of three International Monarch Reserves in southern Ontario.

Long Point Harbour

The natural sheltered cove at the end of the paved road is one of the only refuges for ships along the shoreline. Generations of indigenous, commercial and recreational fishermen and boaters have used the harbour. Boat launching and docking is permitted in designated areas.

Prince Edward Point Lighthouse

The wooden heritage lighthouse was an important navigation point for more than a century beginning in 1881. Visit the lighthouse by going beyond the vehicle gate on the unpaved road around the harbour. You cannot go inside the lighthouse or the other structures nearby.

Millenium Cycling Trail

This 50-kilometre-ish multi-use trail between Picton and Carrying Place was originally the Prince Edward County Railway line. After being abandoned for years, The County bought the right of way and created the Millenium Trail.

The railway connected The County’s main villages making the trail a great active way to visit attractions and experience the tranquil countryside. Many of the best Prince Edward County wineries are near the trail. A guided or self-guided Bike Wine Tour is a great option.

The trail is multi-use so watch for both foot and motorized traffic. ATVs, dirt bikes and even horses are allowed on the trail. In winter, snowmobiles are the only motorized vehicles allowed.

PEC Bike Rentals

You can rent bikes from these businesses.

Business	Location
Closson Road Cycles (They do tours too!)	Hillier
Bloomfield Bicycle Company	Bloomfield
Pedego Electric Bikes	Bloomfield
County Bike Rentals	(They deliver to you!)
Ideal Bike	Wellington

Oeno Gallery – Outdoor Sculpture Garden

The garden, at Huff Estates Winery, displays large outdoor art pieces over its four acres. Perennials are planted throughout the garden. Paths lead you among maples and poplars, through a grapevine arbour, to herb and rose gardens and a spring-fed pond in the old quarry on the property.

The indoor Oeno Gallery, beside the sculpture garden, includes both contemporary and historical Canadian and international artworks. All artwork, whether outdoors or indoors, is for sale.

Prince Edward County Brewers

Craft breweries are thriving in Prince Edward County.  Here’s a list of the most popular Prince Edward County breweries serving great beer. Many offer food as well.

Brewery	Location
555 Brewing Company	Picton
Parsons Brewing Company	Picton
Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company	Picton
Barley Days Brewery	Picton
Slake Brewing	Picton
Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company	Glenora-Lake on the Mountain
Midtown Brewing Company	Wellington
Gillingham Brewing Company	Hillier
Matron Fine Beer	Bloomfield

Prince Edward County Brewery Map

Prince Edward County Cider

PEC isn’t just about wine and beer.  The County’s abundant apple orchards produce some great cider.  Drop into these Prince Edward County Cideries for a taste.

Cidery	Location
County Cider Company	Waupoos
Clafeld Cider House	Waupoos
Apple Falls Cider	Rednersville
Loch Mor Cider Company	Hillier
Field Bird Cider	Bloomfield
Crimson Cider Company	Picton

Also, if you’re into spirits, the Kinsip House of Fine Spirits is the only distillery in Prince Edward County.  Located in Bloomfield, stop in to taste their gin, vodka and whisky creations.

Things To Do in Picton, Ontario

Picton, the county’s largest community, makes a great base for your stay. Its downtown has a number of restaurants and pubs serving locally-sourced food and drink. Many of the buildings date back to the town’s 19^th century founding as the seat of county government and commerce.

To see some of Picton’s history or maybe work off an amazing meal, here is a short walk through town.

Our tour begins at Picton United Church at the west end of Mary Street. Completed in 1898, this is the third church to stand here. The second church held the 1824 Methodist “Canada Conference” which set the stage for the Methodist Church’s split into separate Canadian and US churches.

Cross Picton Main Street and walk to King Street, one block “north”. Enjoy the mix of different styles of buildings. Stop at St Andrews Presbyterian Church to walk the labyrinth in the churchyard.

Continue along King Street to where it ends at Paul Street. Turn right and get your first glimpse of the 1874 Shire Hall. It has always housed the government offices of The County. Picton Town Council and the County Council both meet in the Council Chambers. Next door, the County Registry Office, built in 1871, houses the County Archives.

Walk north on Picton Main Street to the incredible Crystal Palace.It’s a small replica of the massive glass and iron Crystal Palace built in 1851 in London England. A number of these replicas were built in North America in the 19^th century. This one, built in 1887, is said to be the only one still standing.

Turn right on Bay Street. Walk to the lovely Picton Harbour at the south end of Picton Bay. You’ll see beautiful boats moored in the harbour and at the marina.

This quiet harbour was the center of the small community of Hallowell in the early 1800’s, supporting the rapidly expanding shipping industry. Steamer use after 1818 made the harbour more accessible and the community grew rapidly. Hallowell and adjacent Picton amalgamated in 1837 becoming the town of Picton we know today.

Hill Street leads you back to Picton Main Street and downtown Picton. Look for the marquee of the Regent Theatre, which opened as an opera house in 1918.  The Regent Theatre Foundation and its volunteers have worked at bringing it back to its original splendour, inside and out. They offer both films and live theatre.

A couple doors down from the Regent, the Picton Armoury has a mix of food, general business tenants and community spaces. The armory has been many things over the years. Beginning in 1913 as the home for the 16th Prince Edward Regiment, a local militia unit, it has hosted dances, badminton tournaments and many community gatherings.

If you parked in the Mary Street Parking Lot, you can walk beside the Armory to Mary Street. The parking lot is to the right.

If it is busy when you visit Picton, the Mary Street Parking Lot, is handy just one block “south” of Picton Main Street. The large sign at the entrance to the lot shows several other walking routes of various distances through town.

Prince Edward County Antiques

Antiquing has become popular again as people are giving second chances to furniture, clothing and house wares. Here are some of the PEC stores carrying gently-used merchandise.  If you are planning a trip, here are a few to visit.  Check their websites for operating hours.

Business	Location
Carbon Life	Picton
County Traders	Bloomfield
Dead People’s Stuff	Bloomfield
Hickory Tree	Bloomfield
MacCool’s Reuse	West Lake
Stowaway Vintage	Cherry Valley
The Local Store	Bloomfield
The Sword	Consecon
Young’s Antiques	Rednersville

Museums and Historical Sites

Today The County seems quaint and relatively quiet. These museums and historical sites show that it was a hub of activity in the 19^th century including its status as a vacation hotspot.

Macaulay Heritage Park

This park, just outside Picton, includes a church, graveyard, Macaulay House and a carriage house. St. Mary Magdalene Church was built about 1825 on land granted to Reverend Macaulay. The impressive tower was added ten years later. The congregation eventually outgrew the church. In 1970, they deeded it to The County for use as a museum.

Macauley House, constructed 1831, was the home of Rev. Macaulay and his family until his death in 1874. After extensive renovation, it opened to the public in 1981. The Carriage House was relocated to the site in 1998.

Ameliasburgh Heritage Village

The village began in 1968 with only one building, the 1868 Methodist Church. Over the years many buildings have been moved to the site creating a full pioneer village. See what pioneer-era school was like and visit barns full of farm machinery and more.

Rose House Museum

The Rose Family obtained the property from the crown in the early 1800s when United Empire Loyalists and German indentured soldiers moved to the area. It remained in the family for five generations and changed little over that time. The County opened it as a museum in 1967 showcasing 19^th and 20^th century furniture and crafts obtained from area families. The nearby shed displays antique farm implements.

Mariners Park Museum

The museum’s most impressive building is the stone lighthouse.  Built on the property as a 1967 centennial project, its iron lantern and third-order Fresnel lens came from the False Ducks Island lighthouse. That lighthouse was built on False Ducks Island in the late 1820’s and was the second lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It was demolished in 1965. Different types of marine equipment and boats make up the rest of the museum’s collection.

Wellington Heritage Museum

This local history museum, in a historic 1885 Quaker Meeting House, is in the heart of Wellington. Displays explain the important role that Quaker’s played in the local economy. Learn about the large canning industry in Prince Edward County. There were over 75 different canning factories in the area between 1882 and 1996.

Lakeland Lodge – Historic site

This small Sandbanks Provincial Park day-use area is just a quiet picnic area today. Before the government bought the land in 1974 it was a thriving holiday lodge with a history beginning over 200 years ago.

The area was settled by the MacDonald Family after the war of 1812. After clearing the land for crops and livestock, the farm expanded to include orchards and dairy products. Ultimately five generations of MacDonalds earned their living from the land here.

For a number of years tourists had been vacationing at local farms.  After World War I farmers started providing cottages for guests. The MacDonalds built Lakeland Lodge and 12 cottages. Opened in 1930, the dining room was popular with guests and locals, serving food grown on the farm. There was a tennis court, lawn bowling, dance hall, children’s playground and more. It closed when the property was purchased by the province for inclusion in Sandbanks Provincial Park in the early 1970s.

Lakeshore Lodge – Historic site

Like Lakeland, as the province was putting together the land for Sandbanks Provincial Park, it bought Lakeshore Lodge. After operating for almost 100 years, the province closed it in 1972. Today this is a large day-use picnic area. As you wander, you’ll find hints of the past splendour in odd bits of foundations.

Lakeshore Lodge began with a small home which the owner opened to guests. In 1876, new owners built a huge, 3-storey, first-class hotel with forty rooms on two upper floors with balconies and lake views. By the end of the 1800’s nine lakeview-cottages were added. The lodge’s main floor dining room sat over 100 people.

The Lakeshore was known for its dancing with live bands on the weekends. Over the years there were three different dance halls, each destroyed by fire. The first included a bowling alley. The last was built in the 1960’s and bits of its terrazzo floor are still visible.

The lodge had its own baseball diamond, 3-hole golf course, riding stables, shuffleboard court and tennis court. A swimming pool offered a warmer alternative to the lake and the wading pool was a safer option for younger guests.

After the Lakeshore closed, the buildings were not maintained. A mysterious fire in 1983 destroyed all but the front steps and foundations of the main lodge which you see today.

Prince Edward County Camping

There are plenty of campsite options in Prince Edward County. The best and most abundant camping is at Sandbank Provincial Park.

Here is a list of the most popular campgrounds in PEC.

Campground	Location
Sandbanks Provincial Park Camping	Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks River Country Campground	Outlet River
Smugglers Cove RV Resort	Northeast of South Bay
Quinte’s Isle Campark	Southwest of Cherry Valley
Lake Avenue RV Resort & Campground	On East Lake, southwest of Cherry Valley
Edgewater Family Camping Resort	West Lake
County Shores	East of North Port on Bay of Quinte

Prince Edward County Cottages 

There are many cottage options around the lakes of The County.  Here is a list of some of the most desired cottages available for rent.

Cottages	Location
Sandbanks Beach Resort	West Lake
Cherry Lane Campground & Cottages	Cherry Valley
Quinte’s Isle Campark	Southwest of Cherry Valley
Sandbanks Cottages and Campsites	On East Lake, Southwest of Cherry Valley
Merland Park	On Picton Bay, NE of Picton
Cherry Beach Resort	On East Lake, SW of Cherry Valley
Lake on the Mountain Resort	Glenora-Lake on the Mountain
Isaiah Tubbs Resort	West Lake

Prince Edward County Accommodations

Besides camping/cottages, there are lots of other great accommodations in Prince Edward County.  Here are some of the best.

Accommodation	Type	Location
Drake Devonshire	Inn	Wellington
The Inn at Huff Estates	Inn	Huffs Corners
Angeline’s Inn	Inn	Bloomfield
The Waring House	Inn	Picton
Merrill House	Inn	Picton
East and Main	Inn	Wellington
Isaiah Tubbs Resort	Resort	West Lake
The June Motel	Motel	Picton Bay, NE of Picton
Drake Motor Inn	Motel	Wellington
County Buzzz Bed & Breakfast	B&B	SE of Hillier
Newsroom Suites	B&B	Wellington

Prince Edward County Restaurants

Here are some of the most popular restaurants in the Prince Edward County region.

Restaurant	Location
Drake Devonshire	Wellington
East and Main	Wellington
La Condesa	Wellington
Piccolina Italian Mercato & Bar	Wellington
Midtown Brewing Company	Wellington
Flame and Smith	Bloomfield
Bloomfield Public House	Bloomfield
Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar	West Lake
The County Canteen	Picton
The Acoustic Grill	Picton
Hartleys Tavern	Picton
Miller House Brasserie	Glenora-Lake on the Mountain

Prince Edward County Attractions Map

To see all of things to do, click on the various map layers.

Where is Prince Edward County Ontario?

Prince Edward County is located on Lake Ontario, east of Toronto, Canada.

How do I get to Prince Edward County?

From the west (Toronto): Travel Highway 401 East to exit 522. Take County Road 40/Wooler Road toward Trenton. Travel south on County Road 40 to County Road 33. County Road 33 enters PEC on the west side, runs through Picton and on to Glenora on the east side.

From the east (Ottawa/Kingston):  Travel Highway 401 West to exit 566. Take Marysville Road/Highway 49 toward Tyendinaga/Picton. Travel south on Highway 49 to Picton.

If you miss your exit on Highway 401, continue to Belleville and take exit 543 N Front St/Highway 62. Travel south on Highway 62 to Picton.

If you’d like to take the ferry: From Kingston, take Highway 33 west to Adolphustown. Enjoy the free ferry ride to Glenora. Highway 33 continues west to Picton.

The County does not have train or bus service. 

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