What Is A Horn Trip? Shocking But Explained

In Picton and Prince Edward County, a Horn Trip is a well-known local tradition and driving route, including back roads.

Historically, locals used the term to describe a leisurely drive around the County’s back roads, often starting in Picton and looping through places such as Lake on the Mountain, Waupoos, Cressy, Prinyer’s Cove, and back to Picton. The route’s shape was said to resemble a horn, which is where the name came from.If you grew up in Prince Edward County, chances are you have heard the term Horn Trip before.

Definitely NOT something you should do these days. A horn Trip is not only illegal, but it’s frowned upon by just about everyone.

Growing up, drinking and driving was against the law, but there is so much more emphasis on it nowadays.

Back in the 80s, drinking and driving ads were everywhere, and RIDE programs were becoming a regular thing. This almost put a stop to it, but I’m sure there are still some old-school county folks who still partake.

At the age of 17, we were horn-tripping the back road when we were pulled over by the Police. There was only one person in the car who was 19. The Police allowed us to keep the booze but sent us home, and we went.

Nowadays there are RIDE programs on the back roads of Prince Edward County and not just on the main roads. The Police are not so forgiving these days, and I don’t blame them.

There is a new horn trip meaning these days. Basically, it’s the same driving but without the booze.

Where To Go Horn Tripping

As a kid growing up, the name Horn Trip meant a specific part of Prince Edward County. In later years, it could be anywhere in Prince Edward County.

The Horn Trip route would take you from Picton Town Hill and out past Glenora through Cressy and Waupoos and then back into Picton.

This route resembles a longhorn, giving it the name Horn Trip or a trip around the horn.

Benefits of a Horn Trip

Without the Booze, there is a benefit to the old Horn Trip for those who want to explore Prince Edward County.

There is a lot to see out around “The Horn” since the winery boom hit the county. The once very quiet, secluded area of Cressy is now very busy with tourism.

With rocky shores and a view of Lake Ontario, this area of the county has been expanding.

There are many popular places to visit out at that end of the county.

Waupoos Marina
The Waupoos Pub Market & Eatery
Cressy Mustard
Waupoos Winery
County Cider Company
Rose House Museum
Del-Gatto Estates Winery
Cape Vineyards
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co.
Prinyers Park and Boat Launch
Devil’s Wishbone Winery
Lake On The Mountain Inn
Lake On The Mountain Brewery
The Miller House Cafe & Brasserie
Glenora Ferry – Glenora Dock
Glenora Marina
Diamond J Ranch
H. J. McFarland Conservation Area
Claramount Inn & Spa

I’m sure that back in the day, Horn Tripping didn’t actually include these stops along the way.

In fact, Horn Tripping did include many of the back roads out around Prince Edward County as well not just the Waupoos and Cressy areas.

The benefit for me as a kid growing up here, we knew that the Horn Trip route would provide us with many empty bottles we could pick up and return for the deposits, making us quick cash.

Whenever there was a rainy day on the weekend in the county, Horn tripping was the thing to do on a Saturday. There are much better things to do now, like museum exploration or craft beer touring.

Personally, I like wine touring or craft beer touring on rainy days, as each stop is not very busy.

Nowadays, I have a designated driver to transport me and some friends around to local craft breweries like Parsons, Prince Eddy’s, and 555 on Main Street.

Where to Horn Trip in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has become a very well-known wine region with many wineries spread all over the county.

With the Wellington and Hillier now becoming so popular with wineries, we will often Horn trip out that way to explore on a self-guided tour.

There are so many great places to see off the beaten path that each part of the county has something for everyone.

A – The Marysburgh Horn Trip

This area was once called North and South Marysburgh.
This was the most common horn trip route.
Lots to see out this way. Many smaller crafts and antique shops, wineries, and art galleries.
The Cider Company is so worth the stop.
The views are breathtaking as most of the main roads run in view of Lake Ontario.
The side road will reveal a farming community.
Point Petre Conservation Area. Jump in for a swim.

B – The Sophiasburgh Horn Trip