The Perfect Itinerary for a Summer Trip to Prince Edward County, Ontario
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Prince Edward County, Ontario might just be the perfect warm weather vacation spot. Established in 1792, “The County” or “PEC” as it’s known to locals, is comprised of nine regions dotted with hamlets and towns, including Picton, Wellington, Bloomfield, and Waupoos.
The culture-rich area offers plenty to fill long summer days, from biking trails to antique hunting to soaking up sun on nearly 5oo miles of shoreline. The County’s long history of agriculture also means top-notch, locally produced wine, cider, and farm fresh meals are easy to come by, while accommodations are offered at price points and styles to suit every budget, from luxe lakeside sleeps to cozy Victorian inns in town.
Below, we’ve shared 20 of our favorite spots for dining, shopping, exploring, and staying across Prince Edward County during a weekend visit. Enjoy your trip!
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Enjoy Breakfast with a Side of Books in Picton
Picton is Prince Edward County’s largest community, and visitors can start their day with coffee and a sour cherry danish at Lily’s on Main Street. Head next door to browse beach reads at Books & Company, an independent bookseller for 30 years.
Find Feathered Friends
Located a short stroll away from Main Street in Picton, Birdhouse City at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is home to more than 100 handmade bird habitats, many replicating local landmarks.
RELATED: The Top 10 Best Places to Go Birdwatching in America
Shop Local
The village of Bloomfield (population: 600) charms visitors with boutiques like Kokito, which sells artisan gifts such as MacAusland Canadian wool blankets, as well as galleries like The Love Loft, the studio of artist Jannet Haitas and home to handmade items by woman-owned, Canadian businesses.
For a sweet stop try Slickers, where cones are topped with homemade ice cream flavors like Campfire Cream (think: toasted marshmallows!).
RELATED: The 12 Best Ice Cream Flavors, as Tested and Affirmed by Editors
Hunt for Antiques
Located along the Loyalist Parkway between Bloomfield and Wellington, The Carriage Barn carries a curated assortment of antique furniture and housewares.
Lunch Lakeside
Head to Wellington’s Drake Devonshire hotel, where seafood like steamed mussels and oysters on the half shell are served overlooking Lake Ontario.
Eat Your Veggies
A longtime agricultural hub, farmstands abound on the island. Visit Vicki’s Veggies for heirloom tomatoes, grown by eighth-generation farmer Vicki Emlaw. More than 50 stalls of locally grown produce and gifts pop up at the Wellington Farmers’ Market, the county’s largest, located at The Eddie, a 10-room hotel and historic barn set on 78 acres that also hosts outdoor theater productions.
Spot Barn Quilts
Follow the Barn Quilt Trails to more than 150 colorful squares located on buildings throughout PEC.
If two-wheel travel is more your style, cycle along the 28.5-mile Millennium Trail, which takes bikers across the island. Visitors can rent wheels from County Bike Rentals, which offers free pickups and drop-offs. Follow the route to local wineries like Trail Estate, which serves pinot noir beside the vines.
Savor Area Sips
Book a tasting at The County Cider Company in Waupoos, then enjoy their fruit-flavored hard ciders alongside wood-fired pizzas on the patio.
Hit the Beaches
Explore the dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park, home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation. Cool off with a dip in the water along the park’s Outlet or Lakeshore Beaches.
Dine on a Farm, Then Rest Up
Dinner at family-run Littlejohn Farm near Picton includes a tour of the property, a cooking class, and a multicourse meal alfresco. The accommodations at Bloomfield-based Angéline’s range from a Victorian inn to the restored 1860s Babylon Log House (pictured). For a waterside sleep, book a cabin at Wander, which boasts its own beach club on West Lake.
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