Prince Edward County Has Long Been a Favorite Among Locals in Canada—How to Visit

When I moved to Toronto for the first time, some friends invited me on an overnight road trip to Prince Edward County. Canadian gem The area boasts pristine beaches and small-town charm. It also has a thriving food and wine culture. We were crammed in a car with the windows down, music blasting and pretending we knew a little bit about terroir. But I didn’t need to understand tasting notes or grape varietals to know each sip was something special—bright, minerally, and crisp. And the whole experience—sunlight filtering through the vines, glasses clinking, laughter echoing across patios—felt like we’d stumbled into the middle of a summer ad campaign.

Prince Edward County is a Torontonian favorite, and it has hit its stride recently. “What was once a best-kept secret is now a vibrant summer destination—a creative hub for food, art, design, and hospitality, all set against the backdrop of some of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches,” says David Kelly, local and co-founder of Blank Canvas Events.

The County offers a weekend getaway that is perfect for long weekends. It has limestone-rich wineries, an outstanding culinary scene and over 27 miles of trails.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Wander the Resort

Want privacy that is matched by a high-quality design? Voted the best of Travel + Leisure‘s best new hotels of 2021, Wander the Resort There are 10 luxury cabins made of glass and timber along the quiet shores of West Lake. Each two-bedroom cabin blends Nordic minimalism and warm, natural textures. They also come with a fully equipped, private beachfront kitchen and a fridge. The vibe is quiet luxury—think sauna sessions, hot tubs by the lake, and a spa menu focused on deep restoration.

Drake Devonshire

Drake Devonshire The restaurant has a cool-kid vibe, offering a variety of cocktails and inventive farm-to-table dishes, as well as a carefully curated wine list. Saunas, cold plunges, courts and bikes are also available.

The Royal

Set in the heart of Picton—the largest town in Prince Edward County—this restored 19th-century landmark blends historic charm with Scandinavian-inspired design across 33 sleek rooms. The Michelin Key–awarded property includes a spa, a coffee shop, a bakery, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table fare sourced from its own Edwin County Farms.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Sandbanks Provincial Park is a great place to spend the day exploring the beach.

Think again if you think you have to go to the Caribbean to find white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters. Sandbanks It is home to about five miles worth of beaches, islands and bays. Explore three distinct beaches: shallow, family-friendly Outlet Beach; expansive Sandbanks Beach; and Dunes Beach, where towering sand dunes—some as high as 82 feet—anchor a rare and fragile ecosystem.

Explore the wineries in Prince Edward County.

Prince Edward County may not get as much attention as British Columbia, but it is still a hidden gem. The cool climate, stony ground, and lower yields are the result. This is especially true for chardonnays, pinots noirs, and sparkling wine. There are nearly 40 wineries that you can visit. Some of the best include Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard chardonnay is a mineral-rich wine. Closson Chase For bold pinot, The Grange of Prince Edward County for estate-grown bubbly—all perfect for a scenic afternoon of sipping and swirling.

The Millennium Trail is a great place to hike, bike or watch birds.

About 31 miles long, this flat, scenic trail Follows a former railroad line, through vineyards, charming towns and wetlands all the way up to Sandbanks. This is a wonderful way to explore Prince Edward County. You can walk, cycle, or look for migratory species such as herons, warblers and ospreys.

Best Restaurants

Flame + Smith

You can be sure that a restaurant is worth booking if it’s recommended by local chefs. The team at Flame + Smith “We are serving some of the best food in the county,” says Justin Daniel Tse“Everything on the menu is focused on flame and open-fire cooking.” The menu is centered around flame and open fire cooking. The restaurant uses Canadian products and local producers. Menu items include wood-fired sourdough bread, grilled seafood and beautifully aged pork or beef.

Darlings

Darlings The former co-owners of Toronto’s hot spots Favorites Thai BBQ, and Paris Paris have launched their latest venture. The menu is a carb-lover’s dream—think handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and pillowy focaccia. Chef Tse suggests ordering the nori-butter mussels and the chicken parm if you see them on the menu.

Slickers County Ice cream

This beloved small-batch icecream shop is a must for any trip to Prince Edward County. Made with 100% Ontario cream. Slickers County Ice Cream You can choose from a variety of flavors, including Cherry Cheesecake, Campfire, which tastes like roasted marshmellows, and Apple Pie (made with real apple pie). Visit their locations in Picton or Bloomfield—and don’t be surprised if there’s a line.

When is the best time to visit?

Prince Edward County offers the best weather from June to August. Long, warm days make it perfect for wine tasting, beachcombing and biking. Summer is also peak festival season, so it’s worth checking the local calendar—or asking your concierge—for last-minute tickets. From early morning farmer’s markets to the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival (August) or the Lavender Festival (July), when the fields are fragrantly in bloom at the Prince Edward County Lavender Farm, you can find something for all paces.

How to get there

Prince Edward County lies about a 3-hour drive away from Syracuse and a 4-hour drive from Rochester. Toronto Pearson International has direct flights from New York City, Chicago, Boston and more. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from there to Prince Edward County. While there’s no direct train to the destination, the drive—especially along Lake Ontario—is scenic and easy to navigate.

Explore the Areas Around You

Prince Edward County isn’t a single city—it’s a cluster of charming towns and rural communities spread across an island-like peninsula along Lake Ontario. Here are three of the most notable towns in this area, which includes over a dozen villages.

Picton

Picton is the largest town in Prince Edward County and serves as a hub for accommodations, shops, and galleries. This includes The Royal Hotel and Slickers County Ice Cream. The town is close to the east trailhead of the Millennium Trail as well as several wineries. A walkable main road and a strong local food scene make it a convenient, all-round base.

Bloomfield

Bloomfield is the closest town to Sandbanks Provincial Park. It offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, with charming bed-and breakfasts, boutique shopping and tree-lined streets. This is a good starting point for winery visits or cycling along the Millennium Trail.

Wellington

Wellington is a small town, but it packs a punch. Closson Chase & Norman Hardie are just minutes away. The town is a local favorite because of its lakefront park, farmers market, and fine dining restaurants such as Flame + Smith and La Condesa.

How to Get Around

Renting a vehicle is the best way to see the Peninsula. Bookings can be made through the major car rental companies like Enterprise, Avis Budget, Alamo or marketplaces such as Expedia and Hotwire. You can pick up at Belleville (closest fleets), Toronto Pearson International Airport or Picton if you want compact cars. To avoid any surcharges, it is best to book as early as possible in the summer.

Prince Edward County has many places to walk and bike, particularly along the Millennium Trail. Many wineries, local eateries and shops offer bike racks or valet service. You can ride a bike to the wineries and then Uride, or take a ride-sharing service back.