Things to Do in Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is one of Ontario’s trendiest destinations for its flourishing wineries, locally sourced restaurants, quirky shops and picturesque landscapes. From mountain-top lakes to towering sand dunes and rolling hills of green and gold to the ever-present blues of Lake Ontario, there’s no shortage of beauty in Prince Edward County.
Tucked away on Lake Ontario’s eastern shores, roughly halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, ‘the County’ (as it’s affectionately called) makes for a perfect getaway or road trip stopover destination.
Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic island vibe getaway, a culinary adventure or a nature lovers paradise, Prince Edward County has it all in abundance. Visit in summer for a sunny beach getaway, in fall for autumn colours and harvest bounty, in winter to see the County transformed into a frozen wonderland or in spring when the wildflowers and lambs are out.
We’d love for you to keep scrolling to learn more, but you may also wish to explore Prince Edward County’s official tourism site.
Discover Prince Edward County
Whatever your scene, you’re sure to find fun things to do in Prince Edward County.
Food and drink
A true haven for food and drink aficionados, there’s a reason why Prince Edward County was named ‘the Gastronomic Capital of Ontario’ by The Globe and Mail. The County has a wealth of amazing cafes, restaurants, wineries, breweries, ice creameries and cheese factories, with locally sourced produce and ingredients.
Every weekend from May to October (and Tuesday afternoons in July and August), the Wellington Farmers’ Market is the place to go for farm-fresh produce, food, treats and handicrafts. If you can’t make it, fret not, just head out into the country to source a bounty of fresh fruit and veggies from the farm stands that line the roads.
Outdoors
From visiting a mystical lake atop a mountain, aptly named Lake on the Mountain or O-no-ke-no-ga (Lake of the Gods) by the Mohawks who have called this land home for thousands of years, to viewing shifting dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park and swimming at Little Bluff, the County has incredible places just waiting to be discovered.
Outdoor aficionados can also choose from an array of fun activities and things to do in Prince Edward County, like camping, hiking, golfing, fishing, diving, sailing, cycling, kayaking, snowshoeing and tobogganing.
Seasoned hikers and bikers will want to check out the 50 km Millennium Trail that follows an old railway line across the island through Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington. You can break down the track into smaller sections, or, in true County style, turn it into a wine and beer crawl.
Museums and heritage sites
While there are lots of sites to visit around the island, including natural beauty spots, parks, beaches and wineries, some of Prince Edward County’s best attractions can be found in its urban hubs.
Picton, the largest town in the County, is home to many historical buildings, including the Art Deco Regent Theatre, which was built in 1927. Grab a coffee and go for a wander through the town streets to admire the architecture.
Steeped in history, Prince Edward County is famous for its antiquities, with many antique shops scattered across the island. Bloomfield is a good place to start. History buffs might also want to check out Wellington Heritage Museum, Ameliasburgh Museum Pioneer Village, Macaulay Heritage Park and Mariner’s Park Museum.
Arts and culture
Showcasing some of Ontario’s finest artists, Prince Edward County’s self-guided Arts Trail is a great way to both explore the island’s galleries and studios and to see how this unique landscape has inspired artists over the years.
Throughout the year, Prince Edward County is also home to plenty of events and festivals. There’s the annual County Fair, held every September, Maple in the Country, Music in the Mountain, a Jazz Festival, a Lavender Festival and many more.
Last updated: August 4, 2022