From wine tours to mysterious lakes and burial grounds, a getaway to Prince Edward County is a superb weekend escape. Country homes and vineyards are nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by water on all sides. There are many things to do in Prince Edward County to please couples and families in search of a getaway to the country.
Things to do in Prince Edward County, Ontario
Travelers can reach Prince Edward County via the historic Loyalist Parkway from Toronto. The Loyalist Parkway was constructed after the American Revolution within the 18th century and today runs through Prince Edward County. As soon as you glide into the county you’ll discover there are a complete bunch of things to do in Prince Edward County.
Take A Wine Tour
Wine tours are actually at the highest of our list and must be on yours as well when visiting Prince Edward County. I remember just a few years ago, all my wine friends were tripping over themselves and singing the praises of Italian wine and French wine but that’s all modified.
Canadian wine is definitely getting top marks for a few of the very best wines on the planet. Prince Edward County isn’t just any winery region; it’s home to almost 40 wineries that produce every little thing from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to dessert wines.
Prince Edward County’s status as a wine destination is well-earned and true. It has the right microclimate (I learned that on a wine tour) and great soil which each mix for nice conditions for cultivating wine. Beyond the bottles, the vineyards themselves are a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re a sommelier or simply starting your wine journey, the County’s wineries is not going to disappoint.
In fact, Prince Edward County is recognized as certainly one of three viticultural areas in Ontario by VQA Ontario Appellations of Origin. Who knew?
Some of Our Favourite Wineries
Having visited quite just a few wineries within the county, we now have some favorites. These are our recommendations for where it’s best to try first. Sandbanks is a must. Then I’d try Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards after which on to Huff Estates. That should get you began. You can take a look at our map of Prince Edward County Wineries above.
Prince Edward County Breweries
And while we’re as regards to drinks, let’s not forget Prince Edward County breweries. In fact, almost 50% of the island grew barley for beer lower than 100 years ago. Now, the breweries have gotten a bit fancy, so that you’re not only chugging a pint in your vacation, but slightly, you get to experience craft beer and food pairings. In the spirit of the Prince Edward County community, lots of the pubs will give you a beer-tasting flight from their brewery partners. That way, you get to taste the entire county in a single place.
Craft brewing and ciders have also found a house in Prince Edward County. Since I can’t have gluten, beer is off the table, so I’m now stepping into ciders. The breweries and cideries invite you to taste a world of flavors, from crisp apple-based drinks to hoppy ales. Several offer tours so you’ll be able to learn concerning the brewing process and what goes into every glass. Some of our favorites are Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company, Parsons Brewing Company, and Prince Eddy’s Brewing.
Millennium Trail Adventures and Wildlife
One of the very best ways to explore Prince Edward County is to get on the roughly 50 km long Millenium Trail. The trail runs across the county, so there are a lot of places you’ll be able to get on and off the trail. You get a likelihood to see every little thing from wetlands to farms to wineries and pubs while being serenaded by an orchestra of Prince Edward County bird species. If quiet is certainly one of the belongings you’re looking for, then you definitely’ll find it on the Millennium Trail, too. You can enjoy pure tranquillity as turtles and toads quietly accompany you in your walk or bike ride across the winding paths of Prince Edward County.
The Millennium Trail starts in Carrying Place and ends in Picton
Lake on the Mountain
It’s a mystery for Ontario visitors and locals alike that Lake on the Mountain sits near 60 meters above Lake Ontario but seems to don’t have any direct water source. The most puzzling thing is that the lake has a year-round flow of freshwater, and geologists can’t explain where that freshwater comes from.
Prince Edward County has plenty of attractions, but this lake needs to be certainly one of its most mysterious. The Mohawks call it the Lake of the Gods, because it seems it’s the Gods themselves that send that water up into this mountain lake. You’ll have to envision it out for yourself and are available up along with your own theory.
Stroll Along Picton’s Main Street
Walking down Picton’s Main Street in Prince Edward County is a treat in case you are into shopping, amazing restaurants, and art galleries. Picton’s Main Street is lined with nineteenth century buildings, it’s like stepping back in time. The architecture really is a storybook of its history.
Several art galleries on the Main Street feature local artists. From traditional to modern art, it reflects the thriving arts community in Prince Edward County.
If you might be there at night, be certain to envision out the long-lasting Regent Theatre, a historic Edwardian opera house that sits proudly on Main Street. It’s not only an architectural landmark but a cultural hub for film, live performances, and live shows. It is the right approach to spend the evening.
Local Tip: One of the road’s best features is the food. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, there are a ton of options. Many of the establishments use local ingredients, so that you’ll be tasting the county in every bite.
Apple Orchards in Picton
Picton can also be the world you must visit to get to the center of apple orchard country. Picton is home to greater than a half dozen orchards where quite a lot of apples are grown. Not only can you decide apples, but some orchards provide other activities, too. At Campbell’s Orchards, you’ll be able to explore a maze, get wagon rides, and even pet cattle on the petting zoo. Over at The Big Apple, you’ll be able to nosh on cookies and other baked goods at their bakery and visit their candy store and gift store for some souvenirs.
Prince Edward County Lavender Farm
Lavender is thought for its therapeutic qualities, resembling helping with leisure and sleep while countering fatigue and anxiety. You will probably smell Prince Edward County Lavender Farm before you see it. The farm, situated in Hillier, grows many varieties of lavender for each medicinal and culinary uses. You can walk the purple fields after which shop for lavender essential oils, soaps, and creams, in addition to lavender teas and chocolates. It is open each day from spring to around Christmas.
Bed and Breakfast Destination
If you must get the complete therapeutic value of being on a lavender farm, then you definitely might wish to spend the night at The Lavender Farm Bed and Breakfast. That night might offer you the very best sleep you’ve ever had. A visit to this place may help change your way of thinking from negative to positive due to the positive qualities related to the scent of lavender. You may even find a way to envision out their lavender festival in case you go at the best time, you’ll should contact them to seek out out more details on that.
Kinsip Distillery Maple Whiskey
Maple syrup is a present from the gods, and if you add that to whiskey, you get maple whiskey, and it’s out of this world. Not many distilleries open their doors to the general public, so that you’ll be pleased to know you’ll be able to visit the Kinsip House of Fine Spirits for tastings.
They are famous for his or her maple syrup whiskey, but there’s lots to enjoy of their tasting room. You can try all varieties of locally made spirits like vodka and bitters, too. Once you’ve found your favorite, you’ll be able to take a complete bottle home to share with those that didn’t get to come back to Prince Edward County with you.
Schoolhouse 77
If you’ve ever read books like Anne of Green Gables (in case you’re Canadian, exactly what I mean), then you definitely’ve probably wondered what it might be prefer to go to highschool in a Canadian schoolhouse. Well, you’ll be able to stop wondering and visit Schoolhouse 77 in Picton to get a feel for what students felt like in Canada a century ago. Schoolhouse 77 is a one-room schoolhouse that was inbuilt 1875.
It’s been restored and is now a small market where you’ll be able to buy farm produce, antiques, and native handmade products. If you’re a cyclist you’ll be pleased to know you could find basic bike repair tools on the schoolhouse in case you’ve got some trouble whilst you’re out biking the Millenium Trail.
Glass Studios
If you appreciate the great thing about glass art, then you definitely’re going to wish to visit the assorted glass artist workshops in Prince Edward County. Handmade glassworks have gotten harder to seek out today, however the art is alive and thriving within the county. For those who love the intricacy of stained glass, a visit to Pete’s Stained Glass Studio in Milford is so as.
You can take a look at his gorgeous custom stained glass panel pieces. However, if glass jewelry and dishware are more your thing then Lala Land Glass Studio in Bloomfield may be price a visit. If you’re a collector of blown glass, Armstrong Glassworks situated in Wellington is price testing for its unique and colourful bowls, vases, and plates. Call ahead to seek out out when the artist might be at work so you’ll be able to watch him blow the glass himself.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Canada is often known as the Great White North, and that’s why many visitors are surprised to learn that Canada has warm beaches. Some say the very best Canadian beaches may be present in Prince Edward County and, more specifically, in Sandbanks Provincial Park on Lake Ontario, which is home to 3 of them. Sandbanks Outlet Beach is great for families to go to because it has shallow waters for the kiddoes to play in.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is a natural wonder, boasting a few of the world’s largest freshwater dunes. The park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with diverse natural world. Birds, specifically, flock here, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. Additionally, the park offers several activities like hiking, swimming, and picnicking, ensuring a day stuffed with adventure and leisure.
Head For The Beach
The beaches of Prince Edward County should not just stretches of sand; they’re an invite to experience nature’s beauty. From family-friendly spots with gentle waves to secluded shores that promise serenity, there’s a beach for each visitor. Warm summer days see them buzzing with activity, from sandcastle constructing to beach volleyball. As the sun sets, they transform into tranquil landscapes, with the waves playing a mild lullaby.
Dunes Day Beach on the park is gorgeous due to those dunes, something you don’t often see within the Canadian landscape. Just outside of Sandbanks Provincial Park is Wellington Beach, which is smaller than the opposite beaches and provides a more intimate experience. North Beach Provincial Park has its own sandy destinations. The area has paved trails and in addition a big area for people to picnic in. Regardless of which beach you select, you’re going to seek out a peaceful atmosphere because the region attracts mostly families and couples.
Visit the Wellington Farmers’ Market
To get an actual taste of Prince Edward County, you’re going to want to envision out the Wellington Farmers’ Market. The market provides you with a single place from which you’ll be able to take a look at goods from all around the island, including wines from any vineyard that has partnered with the market and the local produce. You’ll find every little thing from baked goods from artisan shops to hand-crafted jewelry and antiques.
Prince Edward County Arts Trail
Prince Edward County is an artist’s paradise. Look for the blue Arts Trail signs around Prince Edward County to seek out galleries and meet the artists. The county attracts a few of Ontario’s best artists who’ve chosen to live here. You’ll see the county of their work, and you might even develop into an art buyer after visiting the galleries. See more here.
Art happens in Prince Edward County. Galleries are all over the place, showing work from local artists, from traditional to avant-garde. The Arts Trail, just like the Taste Trail, takes you on a curated tour of the galleries and introduces you to the art scene of the County.
Visit the Oeno Gallery
The Oeno Gallery is a serious art destination in Prince Edward County and a big player within the Canadian art world. One of the highlights of the Oeno Gallery is its sculpture garden. Set amidst the vineyards of Huff Estates Winery, this outdoor space features large-scale sculptures in a peaceful natural setting. It’s a rare experience to walk through these sculptures and contemplate the art and the great thing about the environment.
Boat Tours and Fishing
If you must take part in a more relaxing activity on the water, then there are many boat tours available. There is something spectacular about being out on that water just because the sunrises in addition to when it sets. There are quite a lot of fishing and angling charters available if you must spend a peaceful morning fishing in Lake Ontario. Take a sailing adventure to see the coastline with Stay and Sail or West Lake Watersports has fishing boat and pontoon rentals.
Bird Watching
Prince Edward County is very talked-about for bird watching attributable to the sheer variety of bird species you could find there. Some of those species include the Blue Jay, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Turkey Vulture, Red-breasted Merganser, American Goldfinch, Great Horned Owl, and the Sandhill Crane, simply to name just a few. If you’re an avid bird watcher, then grab those binoculars and head out, you’re certain to see just a few bird species you’ve never seen in real life before.
Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area
Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is a nature lover’s dream; the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area covers over 400 acres and has natural beauty and history. Hikers can walk on many trails, from easy to difficult. One of the highlights is Birdhouse City, which has over 100 birdhouses. With picturesque picnic spots and an abundance of wildlife, it’s a spot where nature’s symphony plays uninterrupted.
LeVescounte Mounds
The LeVescounte Mounds are near the lower Trent River, and the mounds near the south shore of Prince Edward County are regarded as ancient burial grounds. Besides human bones, archaeologists have found copper pans and jewellery within the excavated sites.
Some individuals who have visited the location of those mounds have said they felt completely still within the areas across the mounds. There are many places to go to in Ontario, but that is certainly one of the few where you’ll be able to stand up close and private with ancient mysteries.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting
Where is Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County, which can also be known around here as “The County,” – is a peninsula on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Montreal.
It is a couple of 2.5-hour drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport, 3 hours from Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and three.5 hours from the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
Why is Prince Edward County So Popular?
I’d describe Prince Edward County like an escape from town – it’s rural, it’s a small town, and it’s got a beach in addition to a ton of restaurants and wineries. Since it’s situated between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, Prince Edward County is an incredible weekend getaway for visitors from those cities.
How do you get around Prince Edward County?
You will certainly need a automobile to get around Prince Edward County. The small towns are connected by country roads that do have public transportation, but many places outside of the towns should not. You could hire a taxi, but that would cost you an arm and a leg.
If you’re doing a DIY winery tour, you might hire a personal automobile or bus for the day. There are also winery tours that may take you in a personal vehicle. Or you might join a motorbike tour and see the wineries by bike.
The Final Word
As you’ll be able to see, there are many things to do in Prince Edward County which is why this makes for an ideal day trip from Toronto. If you must tour greater than a single vineyard, it may be a very good idea to spend the night at a cute rental cottage. If you’ve got any comments about this blog post, we’d love to listen to from you. And in case you’ve got comments in your personal favorite place within the county, please share them with us, and we’ll pass them on to our readers.
