A Local’s Insider Guide After 60 Years in The County
“Did I just Date Myself?”
After living in Prince Edward County for a whopping 60 years, I’ve learned one thing: the best experiences aren’t always the ones splashed across tourism brochures.
Sure, you’ll want to visit Sandbanks and sample a few of the 40+ wineries. But if you really want to experience The County like a local, you’ll need to venture beyond the obvious.
These are the places locals cherish, the roads we take as shortcuts, and the experiences that make visitors say, “How did we not know about this?”
Here are the 25 best things to do in Prince Edward County in 2026, including a few secrets we’re almost reluctant to share.
1. Watch Sunrise at Point Petre
Most visitors chase sunsets. Locals know the best show is often at sunrise on the east side of Point Petre.
The rugged limestone shoreline, crashing waves, and feeling of complete isolation make it one of the County’s most memorable spots.
Drive onto Army Reserve Road, and there are many lanes that lead down to the shore of Lake Ontario.
Here are two great spots…. roads are a bit rough getting in but drivable.
Insider Tip: Bring coffee and arrive before dawn. You may have the entire shoreline to yourself.
2. Explore the Back Roads Between Milford and Black River
Forget GPS.
Some of the County’s prettiest scenery is found on quiet roads where you’ll pass old barns, century farms, orchards, and views of Prince Edward Bay.
Drive slowly. This isn’t Toronto or Quebec.
3. Visit Sandbanks in October
Here’s a secret: many locals prefer Sandbanks in autumn for many reasons, including less-busy and beautiful early sunsets.
The water remains surprisingly warm, parking is easy, and you’ll have room to breathe.
Some of the best beach walks happen after the summer crowds disappear.
4. Find The South Shore’s Hidden Lookouts
The stretch from Point Petre to Long Point offers some of the wildest scenery in Southern Ontario.
Often seen are deer, watersnakes, many rabbits, and eagles.
On windy days, it can feel more like the Atlantic coast than Lake Ontario.
Bring sturdy footwear and your camera.
5. Grab Fish and Chips in Waupoos and Eat by the Water
Skip the rush and crowds.
Pick up lunch and find a waterfront spot overlooking Smith Bay or Waupoos Marina.
A great place is Cressy Mustard (Pickeral and chips)
Simple County pleasures are usually the best ones.
Have a picnic on the South Shore.
(This is what the Cressy, Waupoos, Milford, South Bay area is called here in the county).
6. Visit The County Cider Company at Opening Time
Most people show up at lunch.
Arrive when they open around 11 am and enjoy one of the best views in PEC without the crowds.
The view over Waupoos into Lake Ontario never gets old.
You’ll be able to see “Little Bluff” conservation area way off in the distance.
7. Walk Macaulay Mountain Early in the Morning
Visitors often overlook Macaulay Mountain and its nature trails.
Locals use it year-round for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
If you can visit in the fall, the trails are amazingly beautiful.
You’ll find:
- Forest trails
- Wildlife
- Scenic viewpoints
- Cross-country skiing in winter
- Birdhouse city
And it’s only minutes from downtown Picton.
8. Search for County Barn Quilts
One of Prince Edward County’s most charming hidden attractions is the collection of Barn Quilts.
They are scattered and displayed on historic barns, sheds, wineries, and farm buildings throughout the County.
It’s like a giant outdoor treasure hunt.
Locals still discover new ones.
9. Visit Little Bluff Conservation Area
If Point Petre is dramatic, Little Bluff is spectacular.
Towering limestone cliffs overlook Prince Edward Bay and offer some of the County’s most incredible views.
Many first-time visitors have never heard of it.
10. Explore Black River
The village of Black River remains one of the County’s most peaceful spots.
Take a walk, watch the boats, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Fish off the bridge or rent a kayak or canoe.
Get some fresh veggies from “Viki’s” Vegetables.
This is old Prince Edward County.
11. Take the Scenic Route Through Cressy
Most tourists race straight to wineries, and there are a couple along the way.
- Amanda’s Vineyard
- Waupoos Winery (Popular)
- The Cape Vineyards
Meanwhile, Cressy quietly offers some of the most beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront scenery in the region.
Drive to the end of Cressy and enjoy the journey. We locals call it a Horn Trip.
12. Visit the County’s Tiny Cemeteries
It may sound unusual, but some of the oldest pioneer cemeteries tell fascinating stories about County history.
Many date back over 200 years.
Start in Picton at the Glenwood Cemetery, Mount Olivet Cemetery, and Macaulay Heritage Park.
History buffs will love them.
13. Explore A Quiet Stretch of Millennium Trail
The Millennium Trail leads from Picton through Wellington to Carrying Place, but the Wellington section gets the attention.
The Carrying Place area often gets the solitude, but you can park on County Rd 1.
Perfect for:
- Cycling
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Walking
14. Discover County Creative Studio
Hidden in Picton, this gallery offers an excellent collection of local and regional artists.
Locals appreciate that you can spend time talking directly with artists instead of just browsing.
Not all the pictures are of the county but of the artists’ creative talents.
Here’s a list of all the art Galleries you can check out.
15. Visit Lake on the Mountain During a Storm
Most people visit on sunny days, and I know it sounds weird BUT… looking down on the Glenora ferry is cool to see.
Locals know the view becomes unforgettable when weather rolls across the Bay of Quinte.
Nature puts on quite a performance.
16. Explore The County’s Roadside Farm Stands
Some of the best produce never reaches a grocery store.
- Tomatoes
- Sweet corn
- Honey
- Garlic
- Fresh eggs
Bring cash just in case.
Look for small roadside stands selling:
17. Take the Glenora Ferry at Night
Everyone rides the Glenora Ferry during the day, and it’s FREE.
After sunset, the crossing becomes surprisingly peaceful and very pretty.
The lights reflecting off the water are worth the short trip.
18. Visit North Beach After Labour Day
The crowds are gone, and the water is still very warm.
The sunsets remain and are amazing to see.
Many locals consider September the best month to visit.
19. Find The Hidden Roads Around South Marysburgh
This area around South Bay and Milford contains some of the County’s most scenic farmland.
You’ll discover:
- Historic stone houses
- Quiet bays
- Hidden vineyards
- Uninterrupted countryside
It’s PEC without the Instagram filters.
20. Attend The Picton Fall Fair
The big attractions get attention, but local fairs showcase the County’s agricultural roots.
You’ll find tractor pulls, baking competitions, livestock shows, and plenty of community pride.
21. Watch the Water at Long Point
Long Point feels wonderfully remote.
It’s one of the best places in the County to simply sit and enjoy the sound of waves against limestone shoreline.
22. Explore Wellington’s Side Streets
Visitors stick to Main Street.
Locals wander the residential streets lined with heritage homes and mature trees.
It’s one of the prettiest small-town walks in Ontario.
23. Visit a Winery in January
Here’s a true local secret.
Winter is one of the most relaxing times to visit County wineries.
You can actually chat with staff, learn about the wines, and enjoy tastings without crowds.
24. Find the Best County Butter Tarts
Every local has an opinion.
Every bakery claims theirs is best.
The debate has probably ended friendships.
Try several and form your own conclusions.
25. End the Day on a County Dock
This may be the most authentic Prince Edward County experience of all.
Sit on a dock overlooking:
- Adolphus Reach
- Prince Edward Bay
- West Lake
- The Bay of Quinte
- Lake Ontario
Why, you might ask?
- Watch the sunset.
- Listen to the water.
- Wave at passing boats.
- Do absolutely nothing.
- You might be lucky enough to see some water snakes (We have lots).
County residents have been perfecting this activity for generations.
The Local Secret Nobody Talks About
The real attraction in Prince Edward County isn’t Sandbanks, the wineries, or the restaurants.
It’s the pace.
Visitors arrive with schedules packed full of wineries, beaches, shopping, and sightseeing. Locals know the best moments happen when plans fall apart. You discover a roadside farm stand. You stop at a lookout. You get chatting with someone at a bakery and lose track of time.
That’s the version of Prince Edward County that keeps people coming back.
And after 60 years here, I can tell you that the County’s greatest hidden gem isn’t a place at all.
It’s learning how to slow down long enough to enjoy it.
