The County of Prince Edward in Ontario, Canada is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but the winter months bring out an extra charm that shouldn’t be missed.

Many of the Prince Edward County winters are stunningly gorgeous.

They are perfect for those looking to enjoy delicious food, cozy accommodations, and plenty of outdoor activities all while experiencing spectacular snowfall.

From snowshoeing and hiking to skiing and skiboarding, the county offers plenty of exciting winter activities for thrill-seekers looking for adventure.

There have been some mild and very stormy winters here but still offer some unique attractions and an abundance of fresh powdery snowfall.

Let’s explore why we love Prince Edward County and call it a winter wonderland!

The Winters in Prince Edward County Are Mild

Source: NOAA

The winters in the county are cold, and range between -1 and -10 degrees Celsius most of the time. This actually mild for Ontario.

This is due to the fact that the County is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, which helps to moderate the temperature.

I’ve seen get as cold as -30 in February but also we often see the January thaw where it gets as warm as 10 degrees Celsius for a few days.

This makes the climate in the winter perfect for ice fishing.

Here’s an article on the top 10 winter activities in PEC.

We Love To Go Ice Fishing

Ice fishing at Big Island

Ice fishing is another popular activity in the county during the winter months.

Yes, it can be cold but if you bring or rent an ice hut, Ice fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature with a cup of hot chocolate.

There are several great places in the County that are popular for ice fishing, such as Big Island or Glenora as they are not for if you want to spend a winter weekend.

because it’s quite mild I would never recommend going ice fishing before January. Many people go out on the ice too soon into the season and get trapped or fall through.

Mid-January is the best time to start ice fishing in the county.

There is Lots of Snow

While the average temperature through winter may seem to be mild, there is still plenty of snow in PEC.

In fact, the County typically holds an average of around 2 feet of snow all winter.

Winter weather in Prince Edward County is heavily influenced by the nearby body of water, Lake Ontario.

The phenomenon known as the “lake effect” is commonly responsible for larger amounts of snow than in other areas on the Canadian east coast.

This can present a challenge to people living and working in the county, as depending on the severity of the winter season, considerable amounts of snow can accumulate in a very short time.

Despite being difficult to predict with accuracy, the lake effect does have an immense impact on winter conditions in the area, bringing much more snow than usual.

Residents have to prepare for extreme conditions during certain winters and understand how their environment changes according to the lake’s temperature and airflow dynamics.

This makes it a great place for winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

Winter Wine Tours are Great

Winter is a beautiful time to explore the wineries of the county.

Yes, some wineries stay open all year round.

Winter wine tours are a unique and interesting way to experience the multitude of varietals produced by the region’s top winemakers.

Visitors can tour the vineyards, learn about recent vintages, sample local wines, and enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery inside all the while exploring what makes PEC so special.

Winter at wineries in Prince Edward County is not only a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family, but it’s also an opportunity to bond over shared interests and experience an entirely new side of winter fun.

Check out this article about Winter Wine Tours and what wineries are open.

Check out this article on wine prices and what to expect from the wineries in PEC.

Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees in PEC

The Festival of Trees is a beloved holiday tradition in the county.

Every winter, community members come together to celebrate the season by displaying imaginative and beautiful decorative trees for the whole town to admire.

Anyone can participate in this event as it encourages people to show off their creativity as they construct amazing ornament displays that perfectly capture the spirit of the holidays.

Admission is free and there’s so much to see as we ramp up into the Christmas holiday season.

Festival goers also get the chance to take part in fun activities, eat delicious food, and listen to wonderful live music during the Festival of Trees in Prince Edward County.

It’s worth checking out as it’s a captivating celebration of the joys of this special season!

The Icewine Festival

The Ice-wine Festival 2020

One of the highlights of winter in Prince Edward County is the Icewine Festival hosted by PEC Winegrowers Association (PECWA).

This festival will celebrate winter with the unique dessert wine that is made from grapes that are frozen on the vine.

This unique event showcases some of the best ice wine from PEC and its neighboring regions, as well as delicious food pairings and engaging activities.

Whether you are an experienced connoisseur or looking for an interesting cultural experience, the PEC Ice Wine Festival is a must-visit!

In addition to providing a great opportunity to sample exceptional quality ice wines, it’s also a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in Prince Edward’s vibrant culture and explore some of its stunning natural attractions.

The last festival I attended in 2020 featured lots of free wine tastings, live music, and local food vendors.

Keep an eye out for the next event it’s worth checking out.

You Can Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in Pec

Prince Edward County is home to several cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing trails, making it a great place to get outside and enjoy the winter scenery.

Snowshoeing Trails in PEC

The best place to go Snowshoeing is through the trails at the Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Although many of the Provincial Parks in the county are great the Sandbanks is the biggest area with many trails to choose from.

See this post about all the trails in Prince Edward County.

Cross-Country Ski in PEC

Cross-Country Skiing in Prince Edward County is a popular wintertime activity.

Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area 

With miles of trails lined with snow-laden trees and scenic views, it’s the perfect place to find peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This type of Skiing can be done at any skill level, making it a fun and accessible way to stay active in winter.

The Millennium Trail is the most popular cross-country ski trail in the county as it’s flat and open.

See this article about the Millennium trail and where you can park.

It’s also one of the most snowmobile trails in the county as well so you’ll need to be careful.

Many choose the cross-country ski trails in all the Parks here in the county but mainly it’s the Conservations areas.

Cross-Country Skiers also have access to great rental facilities and instruction, so caution should still be exercised when venturing out on the trails.

Those interested in trying Cross-Country Skiing in Prince Edward County should look into renting equipment before they go.

As well as checking local trail conditions to ensure they have the most comfortable and enjoyable experience while they get their exercise!

The Millennium Trail crosses a few main highways and you check just by driving by.

Some of the popular trails include Sandbanks Provincial Park, North Beach Provincial Park, and Wellington Beach Provincial Park.

Check this post out to see a list of the great trails in PEC.