Ever dreamt of a place where charm and tranquility go hand in hand?

A place where small towns brim with rich history, vineyards pour heart into every glass, and white-sand beaches stretch as far as the eye can see?

Well, dear friends, buckle up for a virtual journey to Prince Edward County, Ontario’s hidden gem, nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario.

With just over 663,000 visitors annually, there is a reason “The County”. also known as “PEC” is growing in popularity.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the captivating streets, historic theatres, and rustic scenery of Prince Edward County!
• Sip your way through wineries, cider, distilleries, and craft breweries for a tasty adventure.
• Get ready to party in Picton with live music, explore art galleries, or hit up some outdoor adventures – there’s something for everyone in PEC!
• Learn the main attractions.

Discovering Prince Edward County’s Small Towns

Prince Edward County, located in Ontario just east of Toronto along the northern shores of Lake Ontario, is a fascinating patchwork of small towns each with its own unique character.

What is the largest city in Prince Edward County?

Picton is the largest main town here in the county, with a population of 4,563 as of 2022 and growing. You’ll find the most shops, restaurants, a Boat harbor, events, activities, and the famous “Town Hill”.

Wellington is the next largest town with a population of 1,932 as of 2016. That being said Wellington is the fastest-growing town in Prince Edward County. This section of the County hosts the most wineries making it a PEC wine region.

Bloomfield is located between the two main towns of Picton and Wellington and has a population of just over 600. The community offers some unique boutique shops and specialty restaurants including the wood fire cooking of the Flame and Smith.

From Bloomfield’s family-run businesses and community events to Wellington’s scenic Loyalist Parkway and wineries and Picton (home to the grand Regent Theatre), it’s easy to see why Prince Edward has been so beloved for centuries.

Whether you’re meandering through streets and unique shops or enjoying local cuisine by the lake shore, every small town carries stories from times past that make it well worth exploring this captivating county!

Picton: Regent Theatre and Picton Harbour

For an engaging visit to local history, head to the old but restored Regent.

Built-in 1918 and affectionately known as ‘Monarch of Main Street’, this Edwardian Opera House is a must-see for anyone interested in Picton’s past, its grand stage and creaky floorboards make every performance feel like stepping back through time. But that’s not all.

Nearby is Picton Harbour with plenty of ducks and geese and fishing from the docks.

Whether it be unique shopping or outdoor sports, there really is something here for everyone so come along and explore!

Wellington: Loyalist Parkway and Wineries

Visitors to the quaint town of Wellington, situated in the western part of its county, will find plenty to love.

With a plethora of art galleries dotting its landscape and an ancient Loyalist Parkway tracing along Bay de Quinte – formerly known as Old Danforth Road – there is history ripe for exploration all around this remarkable community.

One must-see while visiting is any one or more of the many museums full of traditional artwork alongside modern expressions found throughout this cozy hamlet, Oeno Gallery and Andara Gallery being two notables among them!

From picturesque views to roadside stories that speak volumes about days past. Travelers who come here can experience it all first-hand at Wellington’s charming charm spots.

Bloomfield: Community of Boutique Shopping

The final destination on our tour of small towns is Bloomfield, which plays a key role as an epicenter for culture.

Known for its unique shopping experiences for example the Green Gables Gifts & Greetings on the main street or its own night Santa Clause parade it offers a vibrant community worth experiencing.

Bloomfield’s boutiques offer fashion-forward apparel, home decor items, or bespoke handmade crafts – perfect if you’re looking to make a statement back at home.

Shop ‘til you drop in this town with plenty of reasons why any visit has the potential to be both memorable and rewarding.

Savor the Flavors: Wineries and Craft Beer

Beginning in the quaint small towns and transitioning into lush vineyards, a visit to Prince Edward County turns delicious.

Noted as one of Ontario’s great winemaking regions, there is something for everyone here- from wine aficionados to beer and cider buffs!

Touring options such as vintage car private tours or cycle rides around the county will certainly tantalize your taste buds with all that it has on offer.

Huff Estates Winery and Black Prince Winery are just two examples among over 42 wineries here in the county to explore.

Craft beer in “The County” is growing more than ever. popular breweries include Parsons and 555 in Picton. There are more than eight craft breweries to check out, see my list here.

If you’re looking for spirits then PEC has much to offer with a growing number of distilleries. Stillus, Wild Lot, and Kinsip are the most popular and worth checking out. See my complete list here.

For those passionate about both wine and local brewed beer alike, be sure not to make Prince Edward County off-limits when planning an outing!

Beaches and Parks: Sandbanks, North Beach Provincial Park, and Glenora Ferry

Prince Edward County offers a spectacular mix of beaches, parks, and an island experience.

Sandbanks Provincial Park presents visitors with the perfect opportunity to relax in the sun while North Beach beckons those seeking adventure on its hiking trails.

Another cool attraction is to hop aboard Glenora Ferry for a relaxing ride into the County from Napanee, Kinston Area. !

Outdoor Adventures: Biking, Hiking, and Water Activities

Prince Edward County is the perfect destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities. With its extensive terrain and different activities, it’s an ideal spot to explore nature.

Whether you prefer being on land or on water, there are plenty of things to do here!

From cycling routes like the Cressy Loop and South Shore as well as hiking trails at Sandbanks Provincial Park or Woodlands Trail.

No wonder this place is a popular adventure hotspot among travelers.

And if getting wet while enjoying thrilling sports such as kayaking, kiteboarding, windsurfing & swimming is your thing, don’t worry, Prince Edward offers a variety of fish spots too!

Delve into Local History: Museums and Historical Sites

Prince Edward County offers plenty for the history buff to explore. Immersed in its abundant museums and historic sites, visitors can travel back through time and uncover fascinating aspects of this region’s past.

Mariners Park Museum displays captivating exhibits, while Ameliasburgh Heritage Village features ancient buildings from long ago.

Sandbanks Provincial Park is teeming with archaeological artifacts, as well as Macaulay Heritage Park showcasing even more precious relics.

All these places together give a real insight into what life was like centuries ago in Prince Edward County!

Indulge in Culinary Experiences: Taste Trail and Farm-to-Table Dining

For history buffs and food aficionados alike, Prince Edward County has much to offer.

Its renowned farm-to-table dining scene paired with the Taste Trail is sure to be a hit for all types of taste buds!

Countylicious is a culinary experience where local restaurants get to show off their best creations with a prix fixe menu offering three courses.

Showcasing traditional cooking methods accompanied by fresh local ingredients makes this destination unique in its offerings.

From visiting establishments such as The Drake Devonshire or Midtown Brewing, you can tell that there is a great effort put into creating amazing dishes from locally sourced products.

While traversing through the county’s top culinary gems on their Taste Trail adventure won’t leave anyone feeling unsatisfied.

Uncover the Art Scene: Art Galleries and Artist Studios

The Prince Edward County region is celebrated for its abundant art scene, which presents a platform to local creatives who want to exhibit their talent.

There are countless galleries and artist studios across the county. The Red Barns offers traditional works while Oeno Gallery provides more contemporary pieces.

Whether you’re an expert or have no knowledge of artwork at all, this vivid collection will amaze you!

For those looking for something different beyond culinary experiences, it’s worth experiencing how awe-inspiring arts in the area can be from admirers and makers alike.

Seasonal Highlights: Best Times to Visit and Annual Events

Prince Edward County is a fantastic destination all year long, each season offering its own unique charm. In the spring, you can explore flourishing wineries, In summer, bask in sunny beaches.

Summer brings busy farmers markets coupled with open-air concerts. Autumn boasts gorgeous foliage plus plenty of harvest festivals to enjoy while winter gifts us snowshoeing trails as well as cozy wine tours.

No matter when visiting Prince Edward County, there are always activities to partake in making it an unforgettable experience, not least annual events that bring together local culture such as the Scarecrow Festival come summertime or the Elevage Winter Wine Festival during those chilly months!

Spring and Summer: Wineries, Beaches, and Cycling

Prince Edward County welcomes summer with its spectacular beaches, vineyards and breathtaking cycling trails.

The county comes to life with various fun activities for all from wine tastings at Closson Chase or Hinterland Wine Company to picnicking at North Beach, the perfect place to soak up some sun!

And what better way to experience adventure than embarking on a ride along the South Shore Loop or Cressy Trail? Feel that warm breeze in your hair as you take in every moment during this beautiful season. See all the top bike trails here in The County.

Fall: Harvest Season and Colorful Foliage

As summer fades away, the vibrant colors of autumn arrive in Prince Edward County. With an invigorating chill in the air and harvest season underway, it’s truly a wonderful time to visit this beautiful region.

From discovering nature’s beauty at Lake on The Mountain Provincial Park while leaf-peeping or picking apples from Campbell Orchards – these experiences will surely give you lots to look forward to during your visit here throughout fall.

Other notable events also happening within such as Veterans Remembrance Day and late harvesting activities add even more festivities when celebrating this spectacular season in Prince Edward County!

Winter in PEC: Tranquility, Snowshoeing, and Winter Festivals

When the white snowflakes fall, Prince Edward County is transformed into a picturesque winter paradise.

The pretty beaches and parks become covered in layers of powdery snow, while the streets are lit up with warm twinkle lights giving off an inviting atmosphere.

Winter brings fun to this county too!

From adventures on the provincial park’s snowshoeing trails to celebrating Maple in the County festivals – there’s no shortage of excitement here throughout the December-March season.

So get ready for your own unforgettable winter journey through Prince Edward County!

Essential Travel Tips: Transportation, Accommodations, and Planning

Before planning your visit to Prince Edward County, there are a few key aspects you should be aware of.

Make sure that all transportation needs and accommodation arrangements have been taken care of ahead of time so your trip is both comfortable and enjoyable.

When organizing an itinerary for the county, consider these travel tips to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible!

Getting There and Around: Car, Train, and Local Transit

Visiting Prince Edward County is simple if you don’t drive a car. You can easily make your way to the county from Toronto via train, then grab a taxi or bus ride.

See this post on how to get to PEC from Toronto and what there is to see along the way.

Once you arrive in Edward County, exploring its vast beauty becomes an adventure.

Renting either cars or bikes is a popular option as it allows travelers to explore at their own leisure and pace, discovering every hidden gem along the journey while feeling the wind on their faces and basking under sunshine rays.

There is a county transfer service with pick-up and drop-off locations all around the county.

Where to Stay: Lodging Options and Recommendations

Before your trip to Prince Edward County, you need somewhere great to stay.

For a cozy feel, there are the Newsroom Suites in Wellington or The Lakeside Motel with its rustic charm while Huffs Estates and the Wanderer offers 5-star accommodations for those seeking luxury.

For a more reasonable budget, popular accommodations are the Isaiah Tubbs at the Sandbanks or The June Motel.

Planning ahead will ensure that everything runs smoothly and all arrangements have been taken care of, just remember to book early!

An organized journey leads to an amazing vacation experience, so take advantage of what this county has to offer by finding the perfect accommodation suited perfectly to your needs and preferences.

Planning Your Visit: Itinerary Ideas and Booking Ahead

Once you have your travel arrangements and accommodation settled, it is time to map out an itinerary for a visit to Prince Edward County.

You will never be short of thrilling activities here! Try wine tasting at Sandbanks Winery or bask in the beauty of North Beach Provincial Park with a picnic lunch.

There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you around every corner.

Staying organized will help make the trip even more enjoyable, so plan ahead by making reservations when visiting popular attractions during peak season.

A bit of preparation can turn any experience into great fun – don’t miss out on all that Edwards County has to offer!

Summary

Prince Edward County has something for everyone! From the picturesque towns of Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington to its stunning beaches, lush parks, and savory food options – this county is a must-visit.

Whether it’s exploring history or going on an adventure that interests you. Make sure your next trip includes the charming Prince Edward County in order to create unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Prince Edward County?

Great question! Prince Edward County has grown in popularity over the last 15 years because of the many new attractions!

Explore the many wineries, lavender farms, Alpaca farms, cideries, distilleries, live music venues, and art galleries. The unique shopping in small towns as well as breathtaking sandy beaches, are perfect for an unforgettable holiday.

You’ll also find cozy boutique accommodation alongside farm-to-table menus offering up delicious local fare. Make sure you visit this gem when looking for the ideal spot away from home!

What cities make up Prince Edward County?

Prince Edward County is comprised of the towns of Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington villages, as well as Ameliasburgh Township, Athol Township, Hallowell Township Hillier Township North Marysburgh Township Sophiasburgh Township, and South Marysburgh Townships.

What is the largest city in Prince Edward County?

Picton is renowned as being the biggest town in this remarkable location.

Prince Edward County in Ontario offers tourists a delightful small-town experience with its historical roots from the Loyalists, picturesque architectural structures, and quaint Main Street stores.

Why is Prince Edward County so popular?

The County, also known as Prince Edward County, is one of the most popular places for a weekend escape.

See my post about romantic weekend escapes to get some ideas.

Tourists come in droves to experience its sandy beaches and world-renowned wineries along with antique stores, and art galleries showcasing talented artists’ works plus farm-to-table cuisine that can’t be beat!

It’s no surprise why this area has become an attractive destination, The County truly offers something special!

What are the transportation options to reach Prince Edward County?

Take the train from Toronto to Belleville and then hop off for your next leg of travel, a bus or taxi ride to Prince Edward County.

Once you’ve arrived, local transit services can help with getting around within the county.