Are you coming to Prince Edward County from the Toronto area?

I can show you how to get to Prince Edward from Toronto for those looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Prince Edward County is a popular staycation destination because there is so much to do.

Located just two hours east of Toronto, it’s not that far for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Most people visiting Prince Edward County drive from Toronto to Picton arrive by car.

So…below I listed a few options of things to do in the west end of Prince Edward County because that’s where you will come in from.

The trip can seem long and boring, so I included a few “must stop” along the way to increase the level of adventure!

The same applies if you are coming from Oshawa to Prince Edward County.

Driving From Toronto to Prince Edward County

2 hr 15 min (204.2 km) via ON-401 E.

The direct distance is 176 km from Toronto to Prince Edward County.

The driving distance is approximately 204.1 km which makes for a great day trip.

The easiest and most exciting way to get to Prince Edward County is by car.

The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions of course.

Directions

• Take Highway 401 Eastbound towards Belleville.
• See the sign that says Quinte West your getting close.
• Take exit 566 Wooler Road Highway 44
• Head south to Highway 33 southbound through Carrying Place towards Consecon.
• Turn left onto County Road 1.
• Keep driving past County Road 2 and County Road 62 at Huffs Corner.
• next upi will be the roundabout on Highway 33 at Warings Corner and get off the roundabout heading East into Picton.

Once you reach the town of Picton, you are in Prince Edward County!

Points of Interest Along The Way From Toronto

• Big Apple in Colburn – Apple Pies…Apple Bread…Apple everything.
• Hoss’s Diner – Carrying Place – 50s and 60’s Diner with real milkshakes
• Strato’s Pizzeria & Restaurant – County Road 1 and 33 – Amazing Pizza
• Wine Tour on Highway 33 through Hillier into Wellington, Bloomfield, and Picton.

How to get to Prince Edward County from Toronto without a car?

I’ve listed some options for public transport from Toronto to Picton.

For those who don’t have access to a car, public transportation is also an option.

BUS from Toronto to Picton

There is no direct bus to Picton from Toronto.

2 hr 20 min (213 km) via ON-401 E

Arrange with Ontario Coachways From Toronto to Belleville the closes major city. – Website here – From Belleville, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

See Quinte Transit from Belleville to Picton for around $11 here.

The journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes with one transfer in Belleville.

Book with County Transit Service – From Belleville to Picton – See the schedule HERE

Private Transportation

Pre-arrange pickup and dropoff. There are many companies to choose from. Prices vary between $275 – $400 one way.

Prince Edward County has many wine tour companies that will come pick you up in Belleville.

See my list of wine tour comparisons.

Is there a train from Toronto to Prince Edward County?

There is no direct train to Picton from Toronto. You can travel from Union Station in Toronto to Belleville, Ontario.

Via Rail costs approx $200 return for a weekend trip.

From Belleville, you’ll need to hire a cab.

Belleville Cab Service: Central Taxi – Belleville to Picton – Phone: (613) 962-5353.

A Belleville cab company can save you some money if you negotiate a prince beforehand but it’s still going to be and expensive way to travel.

PEC Taxi Service: Limited – You can arrange pickup.

• The Taxi Guy – (613) 403-2766
• Terry’s Taxi – (613) 476-2716
• Cronkies Cab Co -(613) 476-7678

County Transit Service – (Low-cost option) From Belleville to Picton – See the schedule HERE

Arrive in Prince Edward County by Boat

Yes, you can travel from Toronto to Prince Edward County by boat.

Prince Edward County, by very scenic boat ride from Toronto, takes around 4.6 Hrs. to reach Wellington, Ontario.

Traveling by boat from Toronto to Picton harbor will take you 6.2 hours.

It’s very possible to complete a round trip on Lake Ontario by boat from Toronto to Prince Edward County and back in one day.

You can even start your journey at the Toronto Harbourfront or Jack Layton Ferry Terminal before making your way to Prince Edward County’s own Picton harbor.

Flying into Prince Edward County Airport

The closest Internation flights to Prince Edward County land in Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston Ontario.

However, Prince Edward County has its own airport located in Picton, ON.

If you have your own place or charter one you can land in Picton.

7 Reasons People Come From Toronto to Visit Prince Edward County

1. Wineries

One of the main reasons people visit Prince Edward County is the 41 wineries combined with its stunning landscapes. The area has become a well-known wine country.

Following the taste trail to wineries that offer tours and wine tastings, visitors can learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the local wines.

See my complete list of wineries while visiting Prince Edward County.

2. Beaches

During the summer season, the most popular beaches in Prince Edward County are;

• North Beach Provincial Park
• Sandbanks Provincial Park

The North Beach Provincial Park is located on the north shore of Prince Edward County and offers stunning views of Lake Ontario. The park has several hiking trails of varying difficulty, so there is something for everyone.

The Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the most popular attractions in Prince Edward County.

The park features three large sand dunes that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.

There are also several hiking trails that wind through the park, making it a great place to explore the outdoors.

See this article I wrote about all the Sandbanks Secrets you should know.

3. Visit Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington

Picton is the largest town located in Prince Edward County and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.

With a rich history, the town is home to a variety of antique stores, contemporary art, a birdhouse city, and restaurants, as well as a number of historic buildings.

Visitors to Picton can also enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and canoeing.

See this article about all the other towns in Prince Edward County.

4. Birdwatching is big in PEC

Birdwatchers from Toronto come to Prince Edward County as there are over 300 species of birds.

Visitors can go on guided birdwatching tours or explore the area on their own.

See this article about birdwatching in PEC.

5. Visit Wellington

Wellington is the second largest town in PEC that is known for its sandy Wellington beach which is part of the popular Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Visitors come to Wellington for the art galleries, museums, Sandbanks Estate Winery, craft beer, and live music venues.

6. Go Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts for Toronto and Ottawa come for guided fishing tours or fish on their own.

See this article about all the best places to go fishing in PEC.

7. Visit The Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is located in Picton and is a historic theatre that was built in the early 1900s.

The theatre hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and movies.

What A Day Trip From Toronto Looks Like

After leaving downtown Toronto I can give some tips for a fun day trip in Prince Edward County.

Road trips from Toronto arrive from the west so the first turn-off is at Highway 44 Woller Road.

This means you’ll drive through Carrying Place on county road 33.

If you stay on this highway you’ll have less than an hours drive right into the heart of wine country.

But there is more to it than just a quick wine tour while visiting Prince Edward County.

Day Trip Option 1

• Stop by the Sandbanks winery for a wine tasting.
• Stop at Millefleur’s lavender fields.
• Stop at the Drake Devonshire Inn for lunch.
• Take some great photos at Drake Devonshire or Wellington Park.
• Check out the craft breweries in the area there are three.
  • Garage Time Brewing
  • Strange Brew
  • Midtown Brewing

Day Trip Option 2

• Hoss’s Diner – 50’s &60’s themed restaurant
• Lakeshore Farms Market
• Shopping Downtown Wellington
  • Sidestreet Gallery
  • Sybil Frank Gallery
  • Anice Jewellery PEC
• Wellington Beach – Part of the Sandbanks Provincial Park
• Rustic Reclaimed Originals

Day Trip Option 3 – Requires a Designated Driver

• Bent Barn PEC – Home Decor – Giftware – Artisan Candles
• Stillus Craft Spirits (Try the Gin…It’s amazing).
• Huff Estates Winery & Inn has great wood-fire pizza and wine tasting.
• Taste of Country -Great variety of baked goods.

Prince Edward County makes for a beautiful day trip destination worth exploring!

Come for the lavender fields, wine, beaches, restaurants, and shops.

Take it from us locals there’s so much to explore here.