Prince Edward County winter getaways are a beautiful way to enjoy the county during the off-season. Many places throughout the county are still open during the winter months.

Some of the main benefits of visiting in the winter include, there is less traffic, fewer tourists, and fewer lineups.

We locals know that it’s still worth exploring in the winter season. Here’s our guide to making the most of the most underrated season in our cozy corner of Ontario.

With its crystal palace, hockey arena, skate park, winter trails, ice wine, and local restaurants with winter menus, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Here is a list of Winter activities you can enjoy in Prince Edward County.

1. The Prince Edward Community Centre

Located: 375 Picton Main Street in Picton

The Prince Edward Community Centre is popular during the winter. The center has a variety of events and skating activities that people can participate in.

The main event that The Prince Edward Community Centre is known for is the Picton Fair in early Sept. The Picton Fair is a two-day event that features, live music, food, and rides.

After that, the community center gets ready for hockey season.

Public Skating

The Prince Edward Community Centre offers a variety of winter activities including public skating, shinny hockey, and broomball.

Public skating is FREE and children under 12 will require an adult.

You can rent the skating rink for your own hockey games or rent the center for private events call 613.476.2148 extension 5003 or email bookings@pecounty.on.ca.

Other events that The Prince Edward Community Centre hosts include the winter carnival, farmers market, and art shows.

If you are looking for something to do with the kids, the Community Centre offers several programs including Parent & Tot skating, family shinny hockey, and kinder gym.

The community center is also home to a variety of clubs and organizations such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Kiwanis Club.

The Picton Community Centre is an important part of the community and provides a gathering place for people to enjoy themselves.

2. The Picton Curling Club

The club is located at 375 Picton Main St, Picton, next to the Prince Edward Community Centre.

The Picton Curling Club is a great place to spend an afternoon during your winter vacation.

The club offers public open houses where you can try curling for free.

You can also join in on one of the many leagues or tournaments that are held throughout the season.

If you are new to curling, the club offers instructional clinics that will teach you the basics of the sport.

You can rent the club for private games for a couple of hundred dollars for the day.

Contact them directly at (613) 476-3040

The Prince Edward Curling Club is a welcoming place for all levels of curlers, from beginners to experienced players.

3. The Picton Skate Park

The Picton skate park is a great place to go if you are looking for some outdoor fun. The park has a variety of ramps and rails for skaters of all levels.

Through the winter the area is not maintained but you can still go there.

There are also several benches and picnic tables located throughout the park so you can take a break and enjoy the winter scenery of the fairgrounds.

4. Cross-Country Ski Trails

For cross-country skiers looking for some other outdoor activities, Prince Edward County also has several hiking trails and cross-country ski trails.

It is important to dress warmly and be prepared for the sudden weather changes in Picton in the winter.

The Sandbanks is a very popular place for cross-country skiing during the winter.

See this list of the top trails in Price Edward County both winter and summer trails.

5. Snowmobile

Prince Edward County is a snowmobiler’s paradise, with over 220 km of trails throughout the County to explore.

You do require an OFSC trail permit and you can get one online at https://www.ofsc.on.ca.

The Millennium trails wind through forests and fields and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

There are trails for all levels of snowmobilers, from beginner to expert, so everyone can enjoy the snowmobile experience.

In addition, Prince Edward County is home to some of the best snowmobiling events in the country.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Prince Edward County is the perfect place to hit the snowmobile trails.

6. Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Prince Edward County. In recent years, the sport has become increasingly popular, with numerous ice huts popping up around the Big Island and the Bay of Quinte.

This does require a license but you can pick one up online or at Canadian Tire, Rossmore Stop, ServiceOntario, or Thorne’s Variety.

This type of fishing offers a unique opportunity to catch fish that are typically out of reach during the warmer months.

It also provides a chance to spend time outdoors and enjoy the winter scenery. For example, the shores of lake Ontario with its ice mountains are cool to see.

If you’re thinking of giving ice fishing a try, Prince Edward County is the perfect place to do it.

The region’s many lakes and rivers offer ample opportunities to catch a variety of fish, and the Ice Fishing Derby is a great way to get started.

So put on your boots, grab your rod, and head out onto the ice for an unforgettable experience.

7. Fat Biking

Fat biking is a winter activity that is growing in popularity. Fat bikes are specially designed bicycles with wide tires that provide extra traction and stability in snow and ice.

This is a great way to explore Prince Edward County in the winter months.

There are many trails to choose from, and Fat Bikes can be rented from several locations.

A popular place for winter trails is the Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Fat biking is a great workout and a great way to enjoy the winter scenery. So get out there and try Fat biking! You won’t be disappointed.

8. Winter Wine Tour

The great thing about winter in Prince Edward County is that tourism does slow down.

Are Prince Edward County wineries open in winter?

Most of the wineries, breweries, and cideries are open all winter long. Some change their hours and days but Yes they are open.

Winter hours are often 11 am – 5 pm and some are weekends only.

Why not take a winter wine tour in Prince Edward County? This picturesque region is home to over 41 wineries, as well as many other winter activities.

Check out this article about winter wine tours and which wineries are open.

During a winter wine tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the county’s best wines.

You’ll also get to explore the beautiful countryside, learn about the region’s history, and meet the friendly locals.

Best of all, winter is the perfect time to relax and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

9. Rent a Winterized Cabin

You can rent winterized cottages in Prince Edward County. The great thing is the price goes down significantly through the winter.

Hint: The Picton Harbour Inn has great rates through the winter. They are located at the Picton harbor which sometimes has winter activities like polar plunge or snowmobile races.

Check airbnb.ca for a list of cabins.

10. Go Snowshoeing

The Sandbanks Provincial Park allows snowshoeing through the trails during the winter.

Also, you can take your snowshoes to the Millennium Trail, just be careful of snowmobiles.

There are many trails through Macaulay’s Mountain that you can explore all winter long.

Also, check out the Sugar Bush Winery as they have snowshoe trails.

Restaraunt Seasonal Menus

It’s very common to find some “delish” menus that suit the winter months here in the county.

Here, the essence of the seasons is artfully captured on the menus of charming farm-to-table establishments.

From the rustic charm of Stella’s Eatery in Waupoos, where local brews and natural wines complement the bounties of the region, to the culinary artistry at Waupoos Estates Winery Restaurant, where each dish tells a story of ingredients grown, harvested, and prepared on the estate.

The Prince Edward County’s restaurant scene is a celebration of the local, the seasonal, and the authentic.

For example, November brings Countylicious with it’s prix fixe menu anf late fall harvest offerings.

Check out my post on Countylicious here.

My Last Two Cents:

There are many great things to do in Prince Edward County during the winter months.

See this article about what to expect from Prince Edward County Winters.

Whether you’re looking for winter season activities, indoors or outdoors, there is sure to be an activity that interests you. Be sure to dress warmly and plan so you can make the most of your winter vacation.