Prince Edward County is known for its history as a wheat supplier to Britain in the 1700 and currently as a top tourist destination. Everywhere you go in the county is rich with heritage and most is captured within the many museums here.

As you tour around Picton you’ll see many historical sites like the Regeant Theater, Crystal Palace located in the Picton fairgrounds, Royal Hotel, and more.

A Quick look at What Prince Edward County Known For

When we glance back through history we can see how the county has evolved, so let’s take a look.

• 1890 – Dairy farming and growing canning crops. Butter and cheese manufacturing was booming during this time.
• 1902 – Known as the Garden County because one-third of all Canada’s canned fruits and vegetables came from Prince Edward County.
• 1920 – Apple farming, cider, and maple syrup made the county popular during this time.
• 1939 – Camp Picton, became the bomber school located at Prince Edward Heights – The establishment of the British Commonwealth Air Training Program.
• 2014 – Wineries were popping up all over the place throughout the county making it a top culinary and winery destination.
• 800 kilometers of shoreline the county is known as an Island.
• Known for its beaches, mainly the Sandbanks Provincial Park.
• Known for its bluffs and rocky shores.
• Known for its trails. Both hiking and bicycle trails.
• Known for its many Artist studios and antique shops.
• Known for Lake on the Mountain.
• Know for the wide selection of antique stores.
• Known for its craft beer, cider, and wine.
• Known for the millennium trail.
• Canning industry in the ’70s

1. Farming

For years Prince Edward County had thriving agriculture in the early days of Prince Edward County, farming was the main industry for centuries.

As the British colonies settled wheat was the main industry then tomatoes, peas, and other greens evolved into many canning factories early in the 19th century.

This evolution made Prince Edward county known for supplying the rest of Canada with a whopping 1/3 of the canned vegetables produced coming into the 1900s.

There are still many old farm-century homes standing today and if you drive through the country you will notice some still out there among the growing amount of newer housing developments.

2. Apple Orchards

There was a time when visiting Prince Edward County it was known for its many apple orchards. The closest apple orchard is around a 15 minutes drive just outside of Picton or Belleville.

There are Campbell’s Orchards in Prince Edward County just across the Norris Whitney Bridge from Belleville less than 10 min away.  

Throughout the centuries fruit growers of apples, pears, tomatoes, and cherries were a big thing for farmers and locals alike but now there are only a few remaining.

Those orchards that are still going today in the county are now supporting the Cider making industry.

Cider has become huge these days and I remember trying my first cider from The County Cider Company in Waupoos back in 2016.

3. CFB Picton

CFB Picton was a leading employer in Prince Edward County from April 1941 to September 1969. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) filmed a made for TV movie Dieppe in 1993 here.

Back in 1941 Picton was known for the Bombing & Gunnery School located on what is now called Prince Edward Heights (PEH).

Although it was a bombing school the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Guards, 128th Medium AA Batteries, gunnery radar operators, Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA), technical assistants, and artillery instructors were stationed there too.

In July of 1960, the school was officially renamed, Camp Picton!

851 Squadron of Air Cadets used the barracks through the ’70s and ’80s until they moved locations. In fact, I was an air cadet there until I turned 17.

Now this area is known for the airport as it’s still active for planes and the runway area for outdoor events.

The reality show, Canada’s worst drivers were filmed here and featured on TV.

It has now been renovated and converted into Base31, hosting live music events.

Learn more about Bas31 Here.

Now when visiting Prince Edward County you’ll have a chance to see big-name bands such as David Wilcox.

4. Wineries in PEC

There are many wineries in the county now. At last count, there were just over 41 wineries, and still growing.

Some of the more popular local wineries I hear about all the time are Huff Estates Winery and Closson Chase Winery.

See a complete list with prices and amenities here.

Prince Edward County is now a very recognized VQA wine region in Ontario and this draws in a lot of attention.

When people mention wine region they automatically think of Prince Edward County or Niagara now.

When visiting the taste trail here in the county, you will often run across the winemakers on site so be sure to ask questions.

Almost every winery will offer some great food to pair with the wine.

Also, there are some great wineries off the beaten path like Three Dog Winery (Our Favorite) that are worth visiting.

If you haven’t had Wood-fire pizza you’ll have many great choices in the county. See What Wineries to eat at.

5. Island Of Prince Edward County

Another well-known fact about Prince Edward County is that it’s actually an Island. Many people debate that the county is a Peninsula but it’s not because you cannot enter the county without crossing a bridge.

Prince Edward County is surrounded on the north and east by the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario to the south.

The first bridge is located in Carrying Place just off the 401 taking Wooler road to county road 33. The Murray Canal is approx 9 feet deep and runs to Lake Ontario making the county an Island.

The only way to cross the Murray Canal is by driving over a swing bridge in Carrying Place on county road 33.

I find the bridge to be narrow so use caution when crossing it.

The second bridge entering the county crosses the Bay of Quinte from Belleville on county road 62 and is called The Norris Whitney Bridge but all the locals call it the Bay Bridge.

The third is the Quinte Sky Way Bridge aka The Deseronto Bridge on Provincial Highway 49.

The Quinte Sky Way Bridge has a temporary sign that will tell you if the Sand Banks Provincial Park is open or not.

6. Sandbanks Provincial Park

I’ve traveled all over the world and when people ask where I’m from I say Prince Edward County….they say…”I know where that is…I go to the Sandbanks there”. True story.

The Sand Banks is certainly one of the main attractions for the county. Realistically there are probably over one million visitors to the county for this reason alone.

The park is usually at capacity by 11 am in the morning and turns people away. Many people wait in line for hours just to get in.

Most of Prince Edward County is all rock with rocky beaches BUT West Lake is the hub for sandy beaches.

The Sandbanks is among the biggest as well as the most beautiful beaches in Ontario, with golden sand as well as warm clear water.

Very common to find people windsurfing, boating, hiking, biking, canoeing, or of course swimming in warm waters.

Everyone thinks the Sandbanks is just one place but it’s actually 3 sandy coastlines, the Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Dunes, and the Richardson side that stretches all the way to Wellington.

Two of the finest bay mouth sandbar and also coastal dune systems in the district can be located below. Sandbanks are also home to an interesting mix of greenery and wildlife.

The park consists of trails as well as a day-utilized play area. Cycling is an excellent way to navigate.

7. Little Bluff Conservation Area

It was a hidden gem in the county and is now a busier tourist attraction for good reason.

Many visitors explore the south bay area and end up at Little Bluff by following the limestone cliffs.

Many people bring their pets to walk the trails out here or do day excursions from the sand banks camping while visiting PEC.

I personally consider this place a sanctuary for the view alone. You can stand atop a 20-meter-high sedimentary rock bluff looking out into Lake Ontario.

Look left to see Prince Edward Bay as well as the sturdy coastline of this southern reach of the Waupoos area. Another great place to visit.

There are two paths you can choose to walk, the Read path or the Blue path.

way to the rock coastline listed below and watch the high bluff from a different perspective.

Lots of waterfowl to see, Canada geese, mallard ducks, Sea Gulls, Cormorants birds, and many Blue Herons have made this place home.

When you are out there looking around for the old remains of a grain storage space and docking facility where schooners would dock to be filled with barley and grain then ship across Lake Ontario to Oswego on the USA side.

I have snorkeled here many times, and if you don’t mind an encounter or two with water snakes then it is worth a trip out.

8. Cycling The County

Prince Edward County is well-known to bicyclists and trusts me they are everywhere these days.

Its rural roadways, gentle geography, as well as pastoral settings, are ideal for leisure cycling.

Popular cycle routes include wine country and impressive waterside views through the southern parts of Prince Edward County.

If you bring your own bike you’re all set. If not, no problem the Bloomfield Bicycle Company does rentals.

There is a 60 km common cyclist path that everyone takes from Bloomfield down through Picton Bay towards the Glenora Ferry and out around Cressy and Waupoos.

At the top of Lake on the Mountain many cyclist stop for the amazing view across Adolphus Reach.

I suggest you stop by the Miller House across from Lake on the Mountain and watch the Glenora Ferry while taking a break from biking.

In Waupoos you can stop for a cider, or visit the Waupoos Vineyard or Cressy Mustard.

The return back to Picton and then Bloomfield will give you lots of opportunities to see the rock cuts, farming fields, and true county beauty.

9. Artist Studios and Antique Shops

With all the heritage here in the county Picton has become more popular with the many Artist studios and antique shops throughout the county.

The local art scene in the county has become known for its many types of ‘Canadiana‘ primitive pieces, that are still kicking around from the many first homes of settlers in PEC.

There are many talented artists as well as gallery owners in contemporary galleries, and rustic barn studios here.

The county offers an Arts Trail along the loyalist parkway that will introduce you to the wonderful arts community.

There are over 120 Prince Edward Area Artists to seek out! From Picton through the cherry valley to South Bay.

To start your local art scene adventure check out 2Gallery located on the main street in Picton.

A popular place to visit is Prince Edward County’s Local Store with an extensive collection available for purchase.

10. Lake on the Mountain

Oh yes, a big-time tourist destination! I know because I live 4 min from here and it gets busy through the summer months.

Lake on the Mountain is a Provincial Park situated on top of a mountain. The park has an area for picnics and an Inn where you can grab lunch.

You park across the road and at the lake there is a lookout with a bit of history about the lake that you can read.

The freshwater lake is almost 62 meters (203 ft) above the Bay of Quinte where it is separated by a slim strip of land atop a high cliff.

I was always told that this lake was bottomless because it was fed from Lake Eire but I don’t think that’s true.

Just how deep the lake really is still not completely understood, or agreed on. Years ago a study was conducted and the results showed the lake was at least 34 meters (112 feet) deep.

It does get very deep in the center but is only around 10 feet deep in most places around the lake.

There are no motorized boats allowed on the lake and the fishing is not bad if you’re looking for Bass mainly and the odd Pike.

As things progress I’m sure that Prince Edward County will be known for many more things to come.

11. North Beach Provincial Park

The often-forgotten beach of Sandbanks park, it’s a more popular twin beach.

North Beach Provincial Park is just as beautiful for swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying the view.

The park is a dog-friendly beach, and there are also picnic areas, hiking trails, and plenty of places to explore.

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and rabbits. In addition, the park has an accessible playground and a boat launch.

It’s less busy and a bit more relaxing by the water or if you decide on an adventurous day in the woods, North Beach Provincial Park has something for everyone.

12. Unique Shopping on Picton Main Street

The main street of Picton Shopping is home to a range of businesses, from banks and supermarkets to restaurants and cafes.

With Picton being the largest town, the main street is a popular destination for shoppers, with a variety of shops to choose from.

See my list of the 13 most unique shops on the main street of Picton.

In recent years, main street shopping has become increasingly popular, with more people choosing to shop at local businesses.

This trend is driven by a desire for more personalized service and a commitment to supporting the local economy.

Main street shopping also offers a unique experience, with a variety of shops and businesses to explore.

Buy yourself a new outfit or just want to window shop, the main street of Picton Shopping is the perfect place to start.

13. County Cider

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in local county cider made from apples grown in Prince Edward County.

Prince Edward County, located in southeastern Ontario, is home to a number of small cideries that produce delicious cider using apples from the county’s many apple orchards.

The county’s mild climate and rich soils provide the perfect growing conditions for a wide variety of apple varieties, resulting in unique ciders with complex flavor profiles.

Looking for a dry, sparkling cider or a sweet and fruity one, you’re sure to find a county cider that suits your taste.

14. The Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre in Picton is a historic theatre that was built in the early 1900s. The theatre has been lovingly restored and now serves as a venue for live performances, movies, and other events.

The regent theatre is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture and is one of the few remaining theatres of its kind in New Zealand.

There is a lot of local history in Prince Edward County and the Regent Theatre is a great example.

The theatre is situated in the heart of Picton’s main street and is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops.

15. Hiking Trails

Prince Edward County is a beautiful place to go hiking, with plenty of trails to explore.

For those who are looking for a challenge, Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area has many hiking trails.

See this article about all the hiking trail trails you can explore there.

There are trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone.

One of the best things about hiking in Prince Edward County is the scenery. The trails wind through forests and past lakes, providing beautiful views the whole way.

For those looking for a scenic hiking trail then Sandbanks Park is a great place to go.

See my article about everything you need to know about the Sandbanks.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just getting started, hiking in Prince Edward County is an experience not to be missed.

16. Birdhouse City

Yes…you read that right.

Birdhouse city is a birdhouse-themed sculpture park located in Picton, Ontario. The park is situated on Macaulay Mountain and consists of over 100 birdhouses of various sizes and designs.

The park is open to the public year-round and has become a popular tourist destination.

Birdhouse city is also home to a variety of birds, including sparrows, finches, and bluebirds.

In addition to providing a beautiful setting for birdwatching, the park also helps to raise awareness about the importance of conserving bird habitat.

17. Canning Industry in PEC

The canning industry has a long and storied history in Prince Edward County.

Canning can be traced back to the early 19th century when it was first used as a way to preserve food for long voyages.

The canning industry really took off in the mid-19th century, however, with the advent of canning factories.

These factories allowed for the mass production of canned goods, which were then shipped all over the world.

The canning industry continued to grow throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reaching its peak during World War II.

After the war, the industry began to decline, and many canning factories were forced to close their doors.

Today, there are less than a handful of canning factories left in Prince Edward County.

18. Picton Harbour

Picton Harbour is a beautiful natural harbor located at the bottom of the famous town hill in Prince Edward County.

The harbor is home to a variety of marine life and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Picton bay is a great place to catch Walleye and Salmond in the fall.

Visitors can stay at the Picton Harbour Inn and be close to a variety of activities, including exploring the many shops and restaurants located in the area, or simply relaxing on the beach and taking in the incredible views.

19. Ice Harvesting

Every winter, ice harvesting was a huge industry in Prince Edward County. Men would go out onto the frozen lakes and cut large blocks of ice, which were then used to ice down food for the summer months.

It was a dangerous job, and many men died each year from slipping on the ice or being crushed by falling ice.

However, it was an essential industry for the county, and it provided employment for many people during the winter months.

Today, ice harvesting is no longer done on a large scale in Prince Edward County, but it is still possible to see ice houses dotting the shoreline of some of the lakes.

These structures serve as a reminder of the county’s rich history and the importance of ice harvesting to its residents.