Things to Do in Prince Edward County: A Laid-Back Guide to the County
Named as one of the best places to go in 2026 by the renowned travel magazine Conde Nast, Prince Edward County or the “County” as the locals call it, is a must-add to your Ontario bucket list.
Tucked along the shores of Lake Ontario, the County (or the PEC) has quietly become one of Ontario’s most appealing getaways with its vineyards, beaches, and charming small towns.
The county is comprised of three main towns: Picton, the largest of the three, Wellington, with its lakeside view and Bloomfield, which is the quieter, less commercialized and more affordable of the trio. The island is about 2.5 hours east of Toronto and 3.5 hours from Montreal, making it the perfect weekend getaway from two major cities.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out what to do when you get there…
Enjoy Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is the most iconic destination with its beautiful sandy beaches, towering dunes, and clear shallow waters. The water is so blue that you will feel like you are in the Caribbean. Beachgoers can go swimming and enjoy other water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. The park has many scenic hiking and cycling trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds.
Explore Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington
Visiting the three towns is a must as they each have different personalities. Picton, the County’s largest town, is full of historic architecture, boutique shops, galleries, and cozy cafés. Bloomfield has its rural charm, artisan studios, farm stands, and local eateries. Lastly, Wellington will seduce you with its lakeside beauty.
Visit the Wineries
One of the main reasons Prince Edward County is so popular is the wineries. The closeness to the lake and the richness of the soil make it the perfect recipe for wine. The soil is similar to that of the Burgundy region in France, hence delivering similar types of wines. The Prince Edward County wines are mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
From award-winning estate wineries like Waupoos Estates and Hinterland Wine Company, known for crisp whites and Pinot Noirs, to intimate spots like Norman Hardie Winery and Redtail Vineyards, the PEC has a winery waiting for you. Many wineries pair tastings with gourmet bites, seasonal events, or lakeside patios.
Go Shopping
One of the charms of the county is the local and artisan stores that are perfect for bringing souvenirs back home. The Local Store offers a curated mix of County-made goods, from handcrafted art, jewelry, soaps, posters, books and a bounty of local food, including specialty mustards, preserves and more. Then go stock up on local produce like olive oil and cheeses that make perfect picnic (or gift) finds. Kokito is a general store with all Canadian products.
For something out of the ordinary, head to Dead People’s Stuff, a PEC classic, which is part curiosity shop, part vintage treasure hunt.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss County Arts Lab in The Armoury, a creative hub showcasing local talent, or Cylinder Studio for beautifully crafted ceramics.
Bookworms can easily lose an hour at Books & Company, while Savon du Bois tempts with handmade soaps inspired by nature and clean living. MacCool’s Reuse is a must for sustainable shopping, offering reclaimed and repurposed materials with serious character.
Eat at Farm-to-table restaurants
The richness of the soil is not only great for winemaking but also for delicious produce, and chefs are taking advantage of it. Standout spots like Stella’s Eatery, known for its ever-changing seasonal menu; the acclaimed Theia, a cozy yet refined destination showcasing the best of County ingredients; and Flame + Smith, where wood-fired dishes highlight sustainable Ontario meats and vegetables. For Spanish-inspired farm-fresh fare, Bocado Restaurant serves vibrant plates in the heart of Picton, while Hartley’s Tavern offers refined, locally-driven fine dining. Don’t miss the seasonal experiences at places like Littlejohn Farm, where immersive farm-to-table events let you connect directly with the source, or enjoy casual farm-influenced bites at spots like Cressy Mustard Co. and Charlie.
Visit Lake on the Mountain
Lake on the Mountain is one of Prince Edward County’s popular destinations, but also an intriguing natural wonder. The freshwater lake is perched about 60 m above the Bay of Quinte, with no obvious inlet, which has fascinated people for centuries. Indigenous Mohawks called it Onokenoga or “Lake of the Gods,” believing spirits lived in its deep waters. Today, geologists think it formed as a collapsed doline (a type of limestone sinkhole), making it a unique geological feature in southern Ontario. The surrounding Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is perfect for a scenic picnic, photos, and views over the water and the bay below.
Grab a Drink at the Cider Houses
If you don’t like wine and prefer cider, the County has plenty of options to choose from. The County Cider Company is known for crisp, small-batch ciders made from estate apples, to orchard-based producers like Loch Mór Cider Company and Stock & Row Farm Cidery. In Picton, Crimson Cider Company offers an easygoing cider bar vibe with flights and creative blends, while spots like Clafeld Cider House pair waterfront views.
Stroll the Farmers’ Markets
Prince Edward County’s farmers’ markets and local food stands are an obligatory stop if you love fresh crops. On weekends from spring to fall, Wellington Farmers’ Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, preserves, and artisan crafts set amid TheEddie Hotel & Farm atmosphere. Sundays are for the Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Market. Beyond the big markets, you’ll find year-round stands like Van Grootheest Farm, Hagerman Farms and Laundry Farms offering fresh local fruit, vegetables, eggs, and preserves right off the farm. Smaller markets and community hubs such as Fosterholm Farmers Market and Wellington Community Market add even more opportunities to taste The County’s bounty.
Bike or Hike the Millennium Trail
The Millennium Trail is one of the unique things to do in Prince Edward County. You will discover it by biking or hiking through the flat route that stretches across the island. Built on a former railway line, the crushed limestone trail winds through farmland, wetlands, and quiet stretches of countryside, connecting the towns of Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington along the way.
Drink Some Beer at Various Breweries
The county not only has wine and cider but also has a vibrant craft beer scene. In Picton, Prince Eddy’s Brewing Co. is the most popular and coolest of the brew bars. Parsons Brewing Company is a must-visit for its friendly atmosphere. Close by, 555 Brewing Co. serves up classic styles on Main Street, and Slake Brewing pairs scenic county views with a diverse beer lineup. In Bloomfield, head to Matron Fine Beer for highly rated artisanal brews or All My Friends Beer Co. and Dune Hopper Brewing Co. for standout small-batch creations. Further, you will find Gillingham Brewing Company, Garage Time Brewing Company and Midtown Brewing Company in Wellington. Don’t miss quirky gems like Strange Brew Beer Studio or the scenic Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company.
Get Creative on the Arts trail
Another Prince Edward County attraction is the Arts Trail, a self-guided journey through the region’s thriving creative scene, linking studios, galleries, and workshops scattered across the countryside and villages. Along the way, you’ll meet painters, ceramicists, photographers, and makers who draw inspiration directly from the County’s landscapes and light, often welcoming visitors into their working studios.
Stop by the Prince Edward Bird Point Observatory
The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is a must-visit for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts, especially during spring and fall migration seasons. Located at the southern tip of the County, this protected area is one of Canada’s top bird-watching sites, where thousands of birds funnel through as they cross Lake Ontario.
Explore Base31
Conclude your Prince Edward County weekend getaway at the Base31. Built on the historic site of a former World War II air training base just outside Picton. The 70‑acre area has been revitalized as a vibrant hub of creativity and community life. Here you’ll find live concerts, public art installations, galleries, outdoor play spaces, food and drink markets, and seasonal programming.
Prince Edward County offers so many things to do that you’ll need to visit more than once to truly experience it all. Many travellers do exactly that, returning again and again after falling under the spell of the island.
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