Top 5 Things to do in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County (PEC) is an island in Lake Ontario that has become one of the most popular destinations in Ontario. The county is only two hours outside of Toronto and features clusters of hamlets and villages each with their own unique charm. If you're planning a visit to PEC, here are my favourite things to do.

Photo by Jeff Boadway on Unsplash

Sandbanks Provincial Park

If you're heading to the county in the summer time then a visit to Sandbanks Provincial Park is an absolute must. Sandbanks is home to three sandy beaches that are known to be some of the best in Ontario. Besides taking a dip in these clear and shallow waters, visitors can camp at over 620 campsites, walk along trails to experience the dune and wetland habitats of the park, take a boat out for fishing or sailing, go bird-watching, and much more. The park does get extremely busy in the summer months so be sure to reserve your camp spots early in advance. If you're just going for the day, you'll also need to reserve your spot in advance.

Photo from alexekhoury on Instagram

Get Your Drink On

The county has an abundance of wineries, distilleries, cideries, and breweries to keep you hydrated all weekend long. One of my favourite places to have a beer is at Slake Brewing in Picton. Because the brewery is built into a limestone hill, you'll experience panoramic views of PEC with breathtaking sunsets in the evenings. The beers here are fantastic, but you'll want to stay for those views!

Photos at Matron Fine Beer and Slake Brewing

Another picturesque spot for beer is Matron Fine Beer located in Bloomfield. This quaint spot really makes you feel like you're drinking in an abandoned field. Hot top: if you go in May/June, you'll be surrounded by blooming flowers right outside the brewery. I like to find a sunny spot on their patio while enjoying one of their IPA's and snack plates -- it's a relaxing experience!

If beer isn't your thing, be sure to check out one of the most popular cideries in the area Crimson Cider Company or have a glass of vino at one of my top three favourite wineries in the county: Hinterland, Closson Chase, and Stanners Vineyard.

Farm-to-Table Dining

The County is known for it's abundance of agriculture from traditional produce and livestock, to foraging, fishing, winegrowing, and much more. If you're visiting the area be sure to swap out that pub grub for a true farm-to-table experience. One of the absolute BEST restaurants for local and seasonal cuisine is at Flame + Smith. Their art of woodfire cooking and usage of ingredients right from the county truly make their dishes one-of-a-kind. Although the menu changes seasonally, you'll always have a wide variety of dishes to choose from. I'm a big fan of their seafood and beef dishes, but would love to try some of the vegetarian dishes next time I visit. They also have a fantastic cocktail and dessert selection, so be sure to arrive hungry!

Dinner and Drinks at Flame + Smith

Go Shopping

The county has many boutique shops, antique stores, and food shops that'll keep you busy for hours. One of my favourite stops is at The Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company. Fifth Town produces fine hand made cheeses using fresh, locally produced goat, buffalo and cow milk cheeses. I like to buy a nice slab of cheese from there along with some meats from Bloomfield Public Market, fresh bread from PECish Baking Company and a bottle of wine from a local winery and have a nice picnic at one of the parks.

Photo from Unspalsh

Into antiques? Don't miss Dead People's Stuff Antiques. Don't let the strange name turn you off, this place is a fun and quirky destination with some really great antiques to sift through.

If you happen to be in the county on a Saturday then be sure to stop at the Wellington Farmer's Market from 9am to 1pm starting in May. You'll find some excellent produce and baked goods available for purchase.

Relax at your Inn

PEC is full of unique accommodations ranging from cottages, bed and breakfasts, motels, hostels, guesthouses, cabins, and much more. The summer months are usually booked up well in advance and prices rise quite a bit compared to the off-season months. There is no "ideal" location to stay in the county as most destinations are within driving distance so your best best is likely the Picton, Bloomfield, Sandbanks or Wellington area.

One of the cutest spots in the county is the June Motel. The June is a boutique motel with 16 rooms that are perfectly decorated in a modern and funky style. The motel features a hip lobby bar, outdoor pool, comfortable beds, and all other amenities required for a fantastic stay. They also have a sister motel in Sauble Beach if you're planning a trip in that direction.

Photo from The June Motel on Instagram

Another pleasant spot to unwind and relax is at Angeline's Inn. Their property has various unique accommodations ranging from cottages, guesthouses at the main Inn, motel rooms, and a renovated house. Pick your style and budget and enjoy the lovely surrounding area of Bloomfield.

If you want to splurge while in the county, then one of the most beautiful and popular accommodations is at the Drake Devonshire. Their property is right on the water so the views are immaculate. Plus, they have a delicious restaurant and bar on-site so you don't even have to leave the hotel.

Photo from Jesse Martini on Unsplash

There you have it -- my top 5 favourite things to do in Prince Edward County! I can't stress enough about how busy it can be in the summer so be sure to book your stay very early. If you're not a fan of crowds, you might want to visit PEC during the weekdays where it'll be a bit quieter. Hope you have a blast!

Pin it for Later!