Toronto to Prince Edward County: City lights to wine and rustic delights
Set out on a road trip east of the bustle and bright lights of the big city of Toronto to the rural and small town charm of Prince Edward County.
Prince Edward County | Destination Ontario
Prince Edward County is an idyllic destination located approximately three hours east of Toronto in Ontario, Canada.
Also known as "The County", Prince Edward County is home to a rich farming tradition as well as a bourgeoning arts, artisan and culinary scene.
And then there’s the wine! With the introduction of grape growing in the region, the last few decades have seen The County grow into one of Canada’s most popular destinations for wine, food, the arts and lakefront views.
During the stunning fall season this thriving community becomes even more picturesque. It’s time to visit The County.
And the best part? You’ll love how much more value your dollar has in Ontario, Canada.
Getting here and around
Travel documentation: Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Learn what else you’ll need to know to fly into Canada.
Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ): Conveniently located along Toronto’s waterfront just minutes from downtown, Porter Airlines provides flight service between New York City, Boston, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): The majority of flights into Toronto land at Pearson, approximately 18 miles (30 kilometres) northwest of the city centre. Travel downtown by UP Express, transit, taxi, Uber or Lyft. Several major car rental companies provide service from Terminal 1.
Car rental: The best way to travel to Prince Edward County from Toronto is by car. Book a vehicle from a downtown rental company or directly from Pearson or Billy Bishop airports. Rental companies include:
- Avis: Airport rentals and almost a dozen city neighbourhood locations
- Budget: 20 rental locations in the Toronto area, including Pearson airport and downtown
- Enterprise: Locations at both airports and at Union Station, Toronto’s central train station located downtown
- Hertz: Rentals available at both airports and at two downtown locations
- National: Rental locations at both airports
- Electric Vehicle Network: West Toronto rental location at 15 Lockport Avenue, Etobicoke
Detour in Northumberland County
Approx. distance & travel time from Toronto: 85 miles (140 kilometres), 2 hours, 15 minutes
On the way to The County from Toronto, make a short detour in Northumberland County, known for rolling hills, apple farms and famous butter tarts.
Butter Tart Tour: Butter tarts are popular Canadian pastries with a tasty, sweet filling. This self-guided tour of various eateries is a great way to admire Northumberland County’s fall foliage while enjoying some of the nation’s best butter tarts. Another local highlight is the Ste. Anne’s Bakery in Grafton that specializes in gluten-free baking.
The Big Apple: A road trip east of Toronto isn’t complete until you visit this quirky roadside attraction. The enormous apple in front of the store is impossible to miss. Purchase one of many apple-themed products including apple pie, apple crisp, apple cider and many others.
Location: 262 Orchard Road, Colborne
Places to stay in Prince Edward County
Approx. distance & travel time from Northumberland: 42 miles (70 kilometres), 1 hour
Mirazule: Modern luxury inn perched on a hilltop with spectacular lake and forest views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Location: 1641 County Road 13, Milford
Merrill House: Upscale Victorian heritage hotel with fine dining French cuisine restaurant, extensive wine cellar, cocktail parlour, onsite sauna and a Natural History Exhibit.
Location: 343 Main Street East, Picton
The Waring House: Book hands-on cooking classes featuring local ingredients at this gorgeous country inn.
Location: 395 Sandy Hook Road, Picton
Royal Hotel: Beautifully restored historic building that was included in Condé Nast's best new hotels of 2023 list.
Location: 247 Picton Main Street, Picton
Drake Devonshire: Trendy 13-room waterfront hotel and restaurant with extras such as yoga classes and bike tours.
Location: 24 Wharf Street, Wellington
The Lakeside Motel: Get cozy beside the fireplace or enjoy roasting marshmallows and s’mores while watching the sunset by outdoor firepits.
Location: 349 Main St, Wellington
Angeline’s Inn: Book accommodation at one of Angeline’s unique properties that range from chic and decorative inns to private cottages.
Location: 433 Main Street, Bloomfield
Huff Estate’s Inn: This deluxe accommodation includes fireplaces and private gardens on an operating winery.
Location: 2274 Prince Edward County Rd 1
Everly Inn: Choose from three luxury, eco-friendly suites. Breakfast is included with your stay.
Location: 19072 Loyalist Parkway, Prince Edward
Things to do
Lake on the Mountain: As its name suggests, this is an elevated body of fresh water with a mysterious water source. The park offers great views of the Bay of Quinte, where you can watch the Glenora Ferry cruising back and forth from Adolphustown. For more great views, stay at Lake on the Mountain Resort and dine on the patio of The Miller House.
Location: 296 County Road 7, Picton
Millennium Trail: 28 miles (46 kilometres) of multi-use trail that extends across The County.
Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area: Watch the fall migration of various species of birds and enjoy a brisk walk to admire the fall colours.
Location: 6056 Long Point Road, Milford
County Bike Rentals: Bicycle rentals, helmets, locks and route suggestions, as well as free delivery and pick-up makes it easy to explore The County on two wheels.
Base 31: A multi-functional destination on the site of a former WWII air training base with a variety of galleries, art installations, retailers and food and drink options.
Location: 26-343, County Road 22, Picton
Prince Edward County Arts Trail: Self-guided tour of art studios and galleries, where you can view and purchase art and meet art creators and curators. Download the guide and map.
Hayloft Dancehall: Check out a variety of live music shows in a historic barn venue.
Location: 344 Salmon Point Road, Cherry Valley
Events and festivals
PEC Studio Tour: Plan a self-directed tour to explore the regional arts scene and meet the local artists behind the artistic creations.
Dates: September 22 - 24, 2023
Prince Edward County Craft Beer Festival: Celebrate local craft beer, spirits, cider and wine and enjoy local music, games, entertainment and food truck fare.
Date: September 23, 2023
Fall Harvest Experience with Littlejohn Farm: Share a farm-to-table culinary experience with others during an evening that includes music, food and socializing.
Date: September 23, 2023
Winery experiences
Winery tours and tastings: Prince Edward County is home to over 35 wineries that offer everything from wine tasting and tours to fine dining, culinary classes and more. Highlights include sparkling wines at Hinterland Wine Company, Chardonnay at Closson Chase, Reisling at Sugarbush Vineyards, Baco Noir at Waupoos Estates, Prince Edward County’s original winery and vegan wine options at Karlo Estate Winery.
Use the free PEC Wine Explorer app to find a wine that fits your unique preferences.
Sip and cycle guided wine tour: Experience scenic fall colours and wine tastings on a fun bicycle winery tour with Sandbanks Vacations.
Prince Edward County Wine Tours: Customize a private winery tour with door-to-door service and stops at other local attractions like art studios, antique shops or cheese factories.
Where to eat and drink
Bean Counter Cafe: Order a full breakfast, hot cup of coffee or loose leaf tea, or freshly baked goods, such as their signature blueberry scones.
Location: 172 Picton Main Street, Picton
La Condesa: Serving up authentic Mexican cuisine along with tasty tequila and mezcal cocktails.
Location: 298 Wellington Main Street, Wellington
Flame + Smith: Savour woodfired cooking using local farm-to-table ingredients on the patio.
Location: 106 Bloomfield Main Street
Slake Brewing: Take stunning panoramic fall colour views from atop a limestone hill while enjoying the latest selections of craft beer on tap.
Location: 181 Mowbray Road, Prince Edward County
The County Cider Company: Award-winning cider made from 16 varieties of apples along with some of the best lake views in The County. Delicious honey products from Honey Pie, Hives and Herbals can also be purchased.
Location: 657 Bongards Crossroad, Waupoos
Discover more to see, do and taste in Prince Edward County.
Plan your fall visit and find more amazing Ontario itineraries.
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Last updated: December 21, 2023