Are you looking for a fun, affordable and memorable escape? The County is a friendly rural community tucked into the "golden triangle" between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
Our island community has retained a unique character that evokes fond recollections of days long past. Picturesque country roads twist through historic towns and villages, countryside dotted with farms and vineyards, past artist studios and antique shops, and along shorelines that border the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. The County in recent years has become a top culinary and winery destination. Visitors can also enjoy the local boutiques and the white dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park. The County lifestyle is a mecca for artists, nature lovers and anyone looking for a beautiful island adventure … for a weekend break or for life.
Prince Edward County: Canada's coolest island hideout.
Every time you explore The County, you can expect a new adventure. Antiquing, shopping, museums, golf, cycling, theatre, festivals, boating, hiking and birding are just a few of the experiences in store for you. A must-visit while in Prince Edward County is Lake on the Mountain. Defying all geographical theory, Lake on the Mountain is one of Ontario's greatest natural wonders. Explore the treasures of this bucolic gem by car, on foot, by bicycle or motorcycle. Or tour with a knowledgeable local guide and see what others miss!
Cycle or drive your way along the Taste Trail and Wine Route and tantalize your taste buds with local food and drink along the way. We celebrate our regional cuisine and wines with festivals and fairs and great places to dine, sample, sip and buy – from roadside stands to fine restaurants to wineries. Be sure to visit during the Countylicious event, our celebration of fine dining featuring prix fixe menus (April and November).
Sandbanks is among the largest and most beautiful beaches in Ontario, with golden sand and sparkling water. Camping, swimming, fishing, boating, sailboarding, birding, cycling, hiking and x-country skiing are popular recreational activities. At Sandbanks, you can have a great beach experience and it only takes about 2.5 hours to get here from Toronto or Ottawa. Plan ahead because this park is popular and parking and camping can be at a premium.
The County is surrounded by 800 km of shoreline offering a dozen or more sheltered harbours. Picton is just a one day cruise from either the Trent Severn Waterway, the Rideau Canal system, or the Thousand Islands. Fresh water game and commercial fish are plentiful in the interior lakes or bays surrounding The County. The Bay of Quinte, "Walleye Capital of the World", is the main attraction. Several local businesses offer ice-fishing packages and accommodation packages.
Whether it is finding the best deals on artisanal goods and local produce at small farm stands or exploring the boutiques and galleries and boutiques in towns like Bloomfield, Wellington and Picton, there is much shopping to be done in Prince Edward County.
From delightful boutiques to modern galleries and curios in the shed, you will find unique, often hand-crafted gifts and the most sought after designer labels and cheerful, welcoming retailers to help you with your purchase.
Our heritage is evident everywhere – in the colonial architecture, heritage tour routes, events, and five museums. Prince Edward County is the second largest area of Loyalist architecture, second to Williamsburg. County ancestors that helped to shape this island community include farmers, mariners, millionaires, rum-runners and Canadian heroes including John A. Macdonald.
Indulge your love of things hand-crafted and real. The Arts Trail takes you around our beautiful countryside to discover workshops, studios and galleries in a range of settings. Purchase a unique work of art as a keepsake of your time in the County. Prince Edward County is proud to be the newest community to establish Barn Quilt Trails as part of a North American network of rural art. Come for a drive and explore our beautiful island community!
From large food & wine festivals, art shows, and music festivals, and everything in between, you are in the right place. Prince Edward County is an ideal setting for year-round festivals including: Maple in the County, Countylicious, Terroir, The Great Canadian Cheese Festival, Art in The County, Lavender Festival, Jazz Festival, Prince Edward County Studio Tour, TASTE Community Grown, Sandbanks Music Festival, Comedy Country, The Maker's Hand, and Wassail … just to name a few.
Prince Edward County is the home stage for a large, diverse group of talented musicians and songwriters. Live music regularly spills out at pubs, open mic nights, parks, barber shops, and music festivals.
The County is also home of the annual Comedy Country Festival, and has its own comedy troupe "Taste That!".
The books of local writers are promoted through the authors festivals, bookstore, libraries and radio station.
The County is a perfect location for your wedding or special event. Planning a destination wedding, wedding at the beach, or a wedding in a vineyard? The County has unique event venues, and we're close to Toronto and Ottawa. Eclectic local food, PEC wine lists, craft cocktails, patios, vineyards, beaches and beautiful old barns …. any kind of event you want, right here in Prince Edward County, Ontario. The beautiful island adventure that's so near – yet feels so far away. We have everything – and everybody – you need to plan a memorable event.
`Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.` There are over a dozen conservation areas and three provincial parks throughout the County, providing photographic opportunities, cross-country skiing, picnic areas, restored historical sites, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and more. The Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada designated The County as an important global birding area (IBA) in 1998.
The County has many picturesque B&Bs and cozy places to stay. Accommodation owners also offer up a wealth of local knowledge for curious visitors. Many offer coupons for wine tasting and other attractions too. Reservations are recommended during July to September, and for weekends and special events.
Winter: Welcome to our winter wine celebrations, winter carnivals, celebrations of all things winter. There are lots of winter-time activities to choose from! Cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, hockey, curling and skating … Or, just cozy up by a roaring fire with some good food, good wine and good friends!
And last but not least, be sure to check out the Special Offers.
Please use public facilities where available, as most of the communities other than Picton are on septic systems.
In Consecon: A public toilet is set up in the park in the centre of town during summer months.
In Bloomfield: Public washrooms are located behind the Town Hall, at the west end of the shopping district.
In Cherry Valley: washrooms are open to the public at the town hall.
All the County's Public Libraries have washrooms available for public use.
The climate in Prince Edward County is cold and temperate. With an average of 20.6 °C, July is the warmest month. January has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is -7.1 °C. The rainfall here averages 902 mm. The driest month is July.
All major Canadian telecommunications providers are available in the County.
Most of the County is part of the 3G network with some areas offering 4G, LTE and HSPA services. High Speed internet infrastructure is provided by EORN (Eastern Ontario Regional Network).
Prince Edward County Libraries have free Internet Access (incuding wireless) at each branch – available to residents and visitors. The library website is www.peclibrary.org.
Also see Local News & Media and Internet Service Providers.