Prince Edward County (PEC) – not to be confused with Prince Edward Island – is one of Ontario’s most treasured holiday destinations! Only a 2.5 hour drive from both Toronto and Ottawa – it is the perfect getaway! I have spent many summers in the county growing up – and I still have not explored everything PEC has to offer! From wineries, to farms, to restaurants (don’t forget the amazing ice cream), to beaches – the county has everything you need. Here is a list of the top things to do in Prince Edward County in 2022!
If you are looking for a detailed trip itinerary, check out my guide on DriftFeed: Weekend in Prince Edward County!
WHERE TO STAY
The county offers many different accommodations. From camping, to hotels – there is something for everyone! With the current bylaws in the county, there are strict rules with how many adult guests can stay in certain accommodations and it is based on the number of bedrooms. In saying this, plan FAR in advance if you are wanting to travel with a big group to the county (hint hint anyone planning a bachelorette).
Booking.comThe Drake
The Drake is a beautiful boutique hotel with 13 rooms – open all year round and (in my opinion) located in the perfect spot! Also a great option if you are looking to plan an event in PEC! Throughout the year, they have different packages available, make sure to check out the packages here.
The June Motel
Yes, you heard that right! The same motel from Motel Makeover on Netflix, this adorable motel might be the perfect spot to soak in your trip to PEC. With adorable rooms and the perfect lobby bar, look no further for the best insta worthy stay. They also have a location in Sauble Beach!
P.S. They have Yoga Saturday mornings ($25) for guests only – register in advance! Check it out here.
Camping at Sandbanks
If you want to camp at Sandbanks (my personal favourite), you have to plan many months in advance. The campsites open 5 months in advance at 7am to the start date of your reservation. Make sure to get on the website right at 7am, because no joke these campsites sell out in seconds! My favourite location is Outlet River Campground A – this is where I spent my summers when I was younger. If you aren’t able to get a campsite directly from the website – keep your eyes peeled on resale websites (such as Kijiji) as often times people will sell their campsite closer to summer.
See my post about Camping at Sandbanks for more details here!
Lakeside Motel
Look no further – this motel is located right on the water, has some of the most stunning rooms in PEC and a range of accommodations to fit your needs. Their pool is perfect for a sunny summer day, and they have many other amenities including a sauna, firepits, and a food truck!
Wander the Resort
This resort is where Nordic design meets country comfort – a stunning stay at any point during the year. You must book this resort FAR in advance, it is just that popular.
P.S. Not staying here but want access to the Beach Club? You can purchase “The Lounge Package” or “The Cabanas” daily for a cost and get access to the waters of West Lake (and other amenities). Check it out here!
The Royal Hotel
Arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing hotels I have ever been to. This hotel is in the heart of Picton, offers many amenities including a spa, a boardroom, cafe, and restaurant. If you are a large group – you can even book The Harvest Table, an intimate dinning experience with room for 10.
Airbnb
Airbnb is a great place to check out many different cottages and homes available around PEC. There are some VERY unique homes in the area that would make a perfect week or weekend getaway. Again, make sure to book early as many homes sell out far in advance (especially if you are wanting to go with a large group).
Private companies
There are many private companies that also have cottages and homes in the PEC area. Two companies that I have worked with in the past are:
WHERE TO EAT
Prince Edward County has many different places to grab a bite with your beau, brunch with your gal friends, or dinner with the fam – you can find something for everyone! Certain restaurants will fill up quickly (especially during the summer months), so make sure to plan in advance and get a reservation whenever possible!
La Condensa
A great place if you want some authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of PEC. Open for lunch and dinner, this is a great option if you’re feeling tacos and tequila! They don’t take reservations, so you will want to arrive early! You can join their waitlist here.
The Drake
The Drake isn’t just a boutique hotel, it is also a great place to go and eat. Brunch at The Drake is my favourite – and they have awesome outdoor patio overlooking Lake Ontario.
Flame and Smith
A great place to go for dinner if you are looking for woodfire cooking with an enjoyable dining experience. They have a great outdoor patio as well!
Norman Hardie
In the middle of a wine tour but starting to get hungry? Look no further. With their pizza oven going, Norman Hardie Winery serves up some delicious pizzas that makes any wine tour that much better. Guests are served on a first-come basis, unless you have a group larger than 8- then book ahead!
Slickers
One of my favourite Ice Cream places! With their ice cream made fresh daily, this stop will put a smile on everyone’s face. Their campfire flavor is my personal favourite.
Hello Bonjour
A little cafe in the heart of Welligton, this is the perfect place to stop for a coffee, organic juice, or grab and go healthy snack to start your morning right.
The Vic Drive In
A classic drive-in diner (minus the roller skates). Offering all day breakfast, brunch, burgers, shakes – with a very cute interior decor. To note, they do not take reservations, first come first serve!
Koenji Whiskey Bar
With a small patio outside and lots of seating inside, Koenji is a great option if you are looking for tapas style Japanese inspired dishes. They have a great whiskey collection and a delicious cocktail menu as well.
WHERE TO DRINK
There are SO many places to grab a drink in PEC, the list could go on and on forever. For wine lovers, I would suggest downloading the PEC Wine Explorer App as it will match your taste preferences to the database of all PEC wines – cool eh? Some of my favorite places to grab a drink include:
Lemons
This little store is the perfect spot if you are a lemonade lover. With over 22 different flavours of freshly squeezed lemonade, it is the perfect stop for families on a warm summer day.
Crimson Cider Company
This cidery is a great stop throughout the year. Offering their delicious cider slushies (seriously, the best) in the summer and their hot mulled cider in the colder months, this stop is a family favourite.
Beacon Bike and Brew
This café/store is a great option in Picton for a coffee and a breakfast sandwich. And a great place to stop if you are looking for bike gear as well.
Old Salt
Mixed within all the wineries, breweries, and cideries, this adorable mobile bar serves up some rad cocktails and mocktails. Plus, they have delicious sausages!
Wineries
You are likely planning to stop at some wineries if you are taking a trip to PEC. There are SO many wineries, it is difficult to pick a favourite. The PEC Wine Explorer App is perfect to help provide recommendations on what wineries or cideries to go to based on your flavour profile. For people who aren’t interested in checking out the wine explorer app, some fan favourites include:
- Sandbanks Estate Winery
- Broken Stone Winery
- Karlo Estate
- Closson Chase Vineyards
- Hinterland Wine Company
Midtown Brewing Company
A great option to grab pub-like food, or to try a flight of their draught beers. You can also stop by and grab some of their drinks from their take away window. No reservations, they operate on a first come, first served basis.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
There are lots of different outdoor activities around PEC. My absolute favourite is spending the day at the beach. Renting bikes and doing a wine tour is a close second, though.
Sandbanks
There is SO much you can do at Sandbanks. If you are a beach lover as much as I am, you will want to spend your days at the three expansive beaches that (in my opinion) are some of the best in Ontario.
- Outlet Beach: Located in the East Lake area of the park. Perfect for families, shallow waters with a slow gentle drop.
- Sandbanks Beach: located in the Sandbanks day use area off Lake Ontario. Also has a gradual drop-off.
- Dunes Beach: located in the dunes day use area off West Lake. Has a more steep drop off than the other two beaches.
Note, starting in 2021 you must get a daily vehicle permit in advance to guarantee your day use spot at this park (this does not apply to those who have a campsite at the park).
No lifeguards on duty at any of the three beaches. Pets are only allowed in designed pet areas. The beach can get quite busy on nice weekends, so plan accordingly.
Other activities you can do at Sandbanks include:
- Walking trails: many different trails including the Cedar Sands Nature Trail, Sandbanks Dunes Trail, and Woodlands Trail.
- Bird watching: the park is a bird migration hotspot in the spring and fall.
- Fishing: a popular spot for Yellow Pickerel, Smallmouth and Largemouth Ball, and Northern Pike.
- Boating: a boat launch is loaded in Outlet River A Campground. Other boat launches available outside the park.
- Discover Program: fun interactive and educational programs available during the summer months.
See my post here about Camping at Sandbanks!
Bike Rentals
PEC can be a great cycling destination with gentle hills, wineries, and beaches. There are many companies that have bike rental services including:
Many of these services will drop off and pick up the bikes at your accommodation. Depending on where you are located, it can be a great option for a group wanting to do a winery tour.
Yoga
Many different locations offer outdoor yoga during the summer months such as at Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar. There is even a yoga festival in PEC. Check it out here.
Water Park
A giant inflatable water park is a great family activity during the summer months! All ages can run, jump, climb, swim on the big inflatables. The company also has boat, jetski, canoe, and Flyboard jet pack rentals!
SHOP
Looking for something specific? Or just wanting to browse the local shops? There are many different places to shop in PEC, including many different antique stores.
Bloomfield Public House Market
A great place to go to grab some seasonal ingredients to complete your dinner or make a charcuterie board. They also have a hot kitchen and some fantastic coffee!
Andara Gallery
A contemporary art gallery with different photography and art paintings. Open daily from 11AM to 5PM.
Dead people’s stuff
An antique shop located in Bloomfield. You never know what you will find when antique shopping – a must stop on my visit to PEC.
Shopping in Bloomfield
There is a strip of wonderful stores along Bloomfield Main St. Two of my favourite stores are Kokito and Cannery Row.
OAK clothing
Home of OAK SURF CLUB. This store has stylish men and women’s apparel, plus coffee and surf gear!
OTHER THINGS TO DO
The list can go on and on for different activities to do in PEC, but here are a few of my other favorites!
Bloomfield Beauty Co.
The spa is a place to unwind after a day at the beach or the wineries. Offering facials, mani and pedis, and medical aesthetics – there is something for everyone.
Sunflower Fields
As you drive through PEC, you will see many beautiful sunflower fields. These fields are a great photo op spot. Typically the peak of sunflower blooming is end of July to mid August. Check out their website for yearly sunflower updates.
Millefleurs
This farm has both Lavender and Honey Bees. The beautiful lavender fields bloom late June to early August, and they have an adorable shop to buy all things Lavender and Honey.
SHED Chetwyn Farms
A great stop on the wine tour, the alpaca farm is nestled around many wineries. This farm sells alpaca products but also allows you to observe alpacas up close.
Hayloft Dance Hall
This Dancehall is a historic barn located on the shores of Lake Ontario. If you are looking for something to do past 10pm, this may be the place for you. Open seasonally from May-October each year. Check the website for their current events!
Campbell’s Orchards
This orchard is a great place to go buy fresh home grown produce and baking. They even have animals (and depending on the time of year) mazes and wagon rides for children. PLUS there is a Cider company on site – check them out here!
GETTING AROUND
There are no Ubers or buses in PEC. There are three cab companies: Cronkie’s Cab Co., Terri’s Taxi, and The Taxi Guy. They are often BUSY during the summer months, so plan ahead!
For Wine Tours, there are many different options including limo rentals and bike rentals (depending on your taste of travel). Again, plan ahead because they book up during peak months.
There are so many things to do in Prince Edward County the list could go on and on. But I hope this provided you with some ideas for your trip! Where should I visit next time I’m in PEC? Leave your ideas in the comments!
xoxo
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