The Travelling Maple Leaf

Introduction

The charm and beauty of Prince Edward County, Ontario make this the perfect destination for your next trip. While this gem is not as well known as other tourist locations, it is a relaxing destination that you don’t want to miss.

From wineries to beaches and lavender farms, Prince Edward County offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are 20 of the best things to do in the area!

Wine Tasting

Explore the county’s numerous wineries and vineyards, known for producing excellent wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

With nearly 40 wineries located in the county, there are plenty of unique and picturesque experiences waiting for you!

Waupoos Estate, Sandbanks Estates Winery, Three Dog Winery, and Karlo Estates Winery are just a few of the amazing locations you can visit while in the county.

Check out The County Picnic Tours for customizable Wine Tours! They even offer a self-guided Bike, Wine, and Picnic Tour that is perfect for warm summer days exploring the County.  

With so many wineries condensed into a small geographic area, Prince Edward County is the perfect place to experience a Wine Tasting Tour!

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Spend a day at one of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches, featuring soft dunes and clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Sandbanks Provincial Park is truly one of the most beautiful locations in Prince Edward County. There are a few different beaches to choose from including Lakeshore and Dunes Beach.

Especially during the summer months, the park is extremely busy and often meets capacity. However, you can purchase a park pass in advance by visiting the Ontario Provincial Parks website.

Read more about Sandbanks Provincial Park including how to access the park, passes, and restaurants by clicking the button below!

Explore Picton

Picton, Ontario is home to boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and historic sites like the Regent Theatre. This town is the largest community in the County and is filled with charm and history.

Picton is also home to some beautiful hotels including Picton Harbour Inn and The Manse Boutique Inn. Picton’s proximity to other attractions in the County and its charming resources make it a great location to stay while exploring Prince Edward County.

If you are looking for a beautiful town with a picturesque harbor, adorable shops, and delicious coffee then Picton is perfect for you!

Arts Trail

A unique and fun attraction in the County is the Arts Trail. You can follow the Arts Trail to discover local artists’ studios, galleries, and workshops showcasing paintings, sculptures, pottery, and more!

This trail has been a main attraction for the County for several years. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the area through creativity and the perspective of others.

This trail is a self-guided tour that can be downloaded or picked up from select locations throughout Prince Edward County. This guide leads you to single-artist studios and multi-artist galleries scattered across the County.

Learn more and download the Arts Trail guide here!

Culinary Tours

Indulge in culinary delights at local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and food markets, showcasing fresh produce and artisanal products.

The fresh ingredients of the County and culinary experts come together to create delicious dishes that represent the area. This allows visitors to explore the County and its culture through cuisine!

The County Picnic Tours offers a lovely culinary tour called The County Food Tour. Be sure to check out this tour if you are interested in exploring the County through food!  

Visit a Brewery

What is more relaxing than a fresh brew on a hot summer evening as you overlook the beauty of Prince Edward County? You can sample craft beers at the county’s breweries, which offer tours and tastings of their unique brews.

Some great breweries in the County include County Road Beer Company, 555 Brewing, Barely Days Brewery, Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company, and the first-ever brew pub in the County, the County Canteen.

Lavender Farms:

If you are visiting the County from June to August, you are just in time to see beautiful rows of lavender in full bloom!

Take in the beauty and fragrance of blooming lavender fields at a few different lavender farms including Prince Edward County Lavender and Violet Hill Lavender.

Make sure to research the location you plan to visit as the lavender may be blooming at differing times depending on environmental factors.

These beautiful fields create lasting memories and ideal photo opportunities! Be sure to check out the shops at these locations for delightful lavender products of all kinds.

Birdwatching

Prince Edward County is well known for its magnificent and diverse bird population!

You can explore the diverse bird habitats in the area, including the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, a hotspot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Another unique spot for Birdwatching is Birdhouse City located near Picton, Ontario.

Birdhouse City is a creative and beautiful display of various handcrafted birdhouses that represent the County. With beautiful colors and a peaceful walking trail, Birdhouse City is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

Historic Sites

The County is full of history and beauty! If you are interested in visiting historical sights and learning more about the area, here are a few of my suggestions!

Explore Macaulay Heritage Park, featuring restored 19th-century buildings and gardens.

The Wellington Lighthouse not only provides picturesque views but also showcases an important component of settler societies on Lake Ontario. The beach where the lighthouse is located includes information about the history of the area, wildlife, and geography.

You can also visit museums across the County including the Wellington Heritage Museum which offers insight into the history of the area.

Farmers’ Markets

Experience the vibrant local food scene at farmers’ markets and Farm Stands.

These markets offer local and fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. They are a great way to experience the County as they allow you to try local products and meet local people!

Some markets and stands to watch out for when touring the County include the Wellington Farmer’s Market, Lakeshore Farms Market, The Local Food Shop, Fosterholm Farms, and Schroedter’s Farm Market.

Hiking

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the county’s hiking trails! These trails wind through forests, wetlands, and along the waterfront for beautiful views of the County!

Some of my favorite trails include Little Bluff Conservation Area, Mississauga Point, Lake on the Mountain, and the hiking trails in Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Antiquing

Hunt for treasures at antique shops and vintage stores scattered throughout the county, offering a wide range of collectibles and unique finds.

Some great antique shops in the County include The Sword, Frugal & Company, and MacCool’s Re-Use.

Visit Walt’s Sugar Shack

This unique and enjoyable experience may be amongst the most stereotypically Canadian you will find in the County!

Walt’s Sugar Shack is a family-owned business that makes maple syrup, other maple treats, baked goods, and meats. Their adorable gift shop is a charming addition to your Prince Edward County travel itinerary.

In addition, Walt’s Sugar Shack often hosts events. From live music to pancake breakfasts there’s always something to do!

With its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary delights, Prince Edward County offers something for every visitor to enjoy. Have you visited the County? If so, comment your favorite activities or hidden gems below!

Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.