Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is a county and amalgamated municipality of about 26,000 people (2021) in Eastern Ontario , Canada . Locally, it is nicknamed "the County".

By far the most convenient way to get around in the County, cars can be rented in the nearby city of Belleville . You can access the County from three main points off of Hwy 401 or Hwy 2. Coming from the West ( Toronto ), exit the 401 at Exit #522 Wooler Road in Trenton and travel south to Picton on the Loyalist Parkway (Hwy 33). Coming from the East ( Ottawa ), exit the 401 at Exit #566 and travel south into Picton on Hwy 49. A third (and closest) access point is Hwy 62 through Belleville and across the Bay Bridge. Belleville to Picton is approximately a half-hour drive (and a local 'phone call). An alternative is to take Highway 33 from Kingston to the free Glenora Ferry and follow Hwy 33 to Picton. Lineups for the ferry can be long during the summer months. Kingston to Picton takes approximately one hour.

The easiest and most popular way to travel around the County is by car, as many points of interest are separated by fair distances. It is possible to hire a taxi to drive you between points but this can be costly. While driving be alert and courteous of slow-moving tractors on County roads, as they often use main roads to travel between farms. Usually the driver will wait until it is safe and move to the side, allowing you to pass. Signs posted in rural areas remind drivers "Slow Moving Vehicles- Farmers producing YOUR food." Please don't honk or tailgate. Give space on the road to the many cyclists who travel County roads as there are no bicycle lanes on most roads. Chauffeured buses/cars for wine tours are another popular way to get around the County without worrying about driving while still being able to enjoy sampling all the local wineries. There are several companies in the region that offer this service. Cycling is an environmentally friendly and increasingly popular way to see the area. To avoid busier main roads The County has many side roads that are well worn and paved in many cases. They offer fantastic views and a taste of the area that many visitors miss. The Millennium Trail follows an old rail line almost 50 km (31 mi) between Picton and Carrying Place. 🌍 Bloomfield Bicycle Company , 225 Main St, Bloomfield , ☏ +1 613-393-1060 . Apr-Oct: 9AM-6PM . Bike rentals, repairs, tours, maps. $35/day (9AM-6PM same day) .

🌍 Little Bluff , County road 13 past South Bay ( Head east out of Picton, through Milford ). Staggering views from towering limestone cliffs overlooking Lake Ontario. Rock beach for swimming, picnic areas and firepits. Usually quiet and private. 🌍 The Regent Theatre , 224 Main St ( Picton ), ☏ +1 613 476-8416 . This theatre built in 1922 plays full length films and hosts local theatre and musical performances. The building is a historical landmark of the area and has been restored as close as possible to its former glory. Usually offers a family-friendly matinée through the summer, a great way to escape a rainy day on the beach! Prices vary depending on performance . ( updated Aug 2023 ) 🌍 Prince Edward County Lavender , 732 Closson Rd , ☏ +613-399-1844 . Apr-Oct 10AM-5PM . Small lavender farm that hosts an annual lavender festival. Has several lavender fields and sells a variety of lavender-related goods. ( updated Aug 2023 ) Museums 🌍 Ameliasburgh Museum , 517 County Road 19, Ameliasburgh , ☏ +1 613-968-9678 . mid-May to early Oct . A museum and pioneer village, tour the many buildings (church, log cabin, barns, blacksmith shop, sap shanty, dairy and bee-keeping buildings) and gardens. Ameliasburgh Christmas in the Village in early December; Amelia’s Tea Room offers breakfast and lunch for special events. Adult $5.00, student/senior $4.00 . 🌍 Mariner's Park Museum , 2065 County Rd. 13, South Bay , ☏ +1 613-476-8392 . Artefacts relating to local maritime history, from fishing and ship building through ice harvesting and rum running, include pieces recovered from shipwrecks by divers, the relocated False Duck Island lighthouse, Fort Kente and a huge row boat. Picnic area. By donation . 🌍 Macaulay Heritage Park , 35 Church St, Picton , ☏ +1 613-476-3833 . May-Aug: W-Su 9:30AM-4:30PM . Beautifully restored home, gardens, a cemetery and a museum in a converted church. Tour near Christmas to see the house decorated with antique ornaments, listen to carols and try some hot apple cider from the large stone fireplace. Adult $5.00, student/senior $4.00 . 🌍 Rose House Museum , 3333 County Rd. 8, Waupoos ( Take Union Street out of Picton and Follow County Rd 8 to Waupoos ), ☏ +1 613-476-5439 . May-Sep: 10AM-4:30PM . A traditional farm house in newly posh wine region Waupoos. If you are touring wineries you will surely pass by the Rose House. Stop in for a tour of the quaint home and barns. By donation . 🌍 Wellington Heritage Museum , 290 Main Street Wellington ON ( Take Hwy 33 out of Picton to the West and follow it into Wellington ), ☏ +1 613-476-3833 , fax : +1 613-476-8356 . May-Sep: W-Su 9:30AM-4:30PM . Pays tribute to the Quakers that helped develop the area through displays and artefacts. Also includes an exhibit which outlines the importance of the canning industry to the development of the County (75 different canning factories operated between 1882 and 1996). By donation .

Prince Edward County is a very interesting place: the local rural culture is blending with the newer additions of artisans, wineries, spas and high end cuisine. As a result there is a wide range of activities, festivals and attractions available. These are some highlights; Bird Watching . Prince Edward County is a high traffic migration point for many species and a popular destination for bird watching. An annual birding festival is held in May. Yoga Retreats . Yoga retreats are popping up all over Prince Edward County. Many offer group packages; most are in lovely, peaceful areas. Farm Vacations . A new way to see the County! Hands-on experience at a local farm, accommodations and meals provided in some cases. Arts Trail , toll-free: +1-866-845-6644 . A self-guided tour of local studios and art galleries, metal smiths, glass blowers, painters, photographers, potters and jewellery creators. Visit as many or as few as you wish, watch artists work to create beautiful pieces. The Red Barns offer hands-on experience; try your hand at woodworking, glass blowing, stained glass or pottery. 🌍 County Stage Company ( formerly Festival Players ), 15786 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield , ☏ +1-613-808-7264 . The region’s professional summer theatre company, bringing the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages of the County to life through the incredible power of theatre. Performances are held in various venues at the Eddie farm, including the open air Eddie Pavilion or the Sergeants Mess Hall at Base 31. ( updated Aug 2023 ) Parks and beaches 🌍 Queen Elizabeth Park , Hill St, Picton ( Turn left off of Main street onto Hwy 49, turn right onto Hill Street ). To escape the hustle and bustle of Picton on a busy summer day, take your lunch to the park overlooking the Picton harbour. Sometimes known as "Yacht Club Park" or "Armoury Park" it is only about two minutes from Main Street. County Youth Park , 375 Main Street, Picton ( Hwy 49 north, just outside Picton at the County fairgrounds ). Playground and public skate park constructed in 2009. 🌍 Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park ( Leave Picton on Hwy 33, turn right onto County Road 7 ), ☏ +1 613-393-3319 . This provincial park is a nice picnic stop with great views of the bay and Glenora ferries. There is no admission charge. Aptly named, the park features a natural wonder: a freshwater lake high above nearby Lake Ontario that has a flow of clean water from no known source. 🌍 Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area , 224 County Rd 8, Picton ( outskirts of Picton, take Bridge Street to Union Street which turns into county road 8 ). A nice place to picnic, hike, mountain bike or bird watch. "Birdhouse City" is here; a grouping of many birdhouses constructed to resemble century homes. During the summer children's camps are run here so it may not always be a quiet retreat. In the winter be sure to try your hand at tobogganing the daunting hill! The Bloomfield Bicycle Company leads three club rides on the mountain bike trails, and that can be a good way to find one's way around the labyrinth of single-track. 🌍 Sandbanks Provincial Park , Picton, ( South from Picton on County Road 10, turn right onto County Road 11 which leads to the park entrance. ), ☏ +1 613-393-3319 . Day Use is from 8AM-10PM daily . One of the most popular parks in Ontario, Sandbanks offers three white sand beaches, breathtaking views, staggering sand dunes, limestone cliffs, canoeing, kayaking, picnic areas and five campgrounds. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent on the Outlet river. For a special view paddle up [... truncated ...]

Dining in Prince Edward County features Canadian comfort food and regional specialties. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — seafood where coastal, game and farm produce in rural areas. Cafés and casual restaurants serve hearty meals. In Ontario, look for dishes featuring local ingredients and traditional Maritime/Prairie/Quebecois cooking styles depending on the region.

Local pubs and cafés in Prince Edward County serve Canadian beer, coffee, and comfort drinks. Ontario has a growing craft brewery and distillery scene — ask locals for their favourites. Wine and spirits from Canadian producers are widely available. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Canadian coffee and local fruit juices.

Accommodation in and around Prince Edward County ranges from bed-and-breakfasts and motels to seasonal cabins and inns. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer season and holiday weekends. For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

Local shops in Prince Edward County offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Ontario. Farmers' markets, when in season, are excellent places to find fresh local produce and handmade goods.

From Prince Edward County, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Ontario by road. The region offers scenic drives, provincial and national parks, and charming small towns worth a detour. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes, particularly in remote areas.