Top 5 Can’t Miss
- Book a lakefront stay at Wander the Resort, where sleek cottages and private beachfront access redefine rustic luxury.
- Spend an afternoon wine tasting along Closson Road, home to some of Prince Edward County’s best-known vineyards like Norman Hardie and Closson Chase.
- Dig your toes into the white sand at Sandbanks Provincial Park, and don’t miss the towering dunes at Dunes Beach.
- Try the nori butter mussels and handmade pasta at Darlings.
- Walk or bike a stretch of the scenic Millennium Trail, which connects towns, wineries, and wetlands across 30-plus miles.
When I first moved to Toronto, a few friends invited me on a road trip to Prince Edward County, a laid-back Canadian gem with pristine beaches, small-town charm, and an impressive food and wine scene. We crammed into a car, windows down and playlists blasting, hopping from winery to winery and pretending to know a thing or two about terroir. But I didn’t need to understand tasting notes or grape varietals to know each sip was something special—bright, minerally, and crisp. And the whole experience—sunlight filtering through the vines, glasses clinking, laughter echoing across patios—felt like we’d stumbled into the middle of a summer ad campaign.
Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County has long been a favorite among Torontonians, but it’s hitting its stride lately. “What was once a best-kept secret is now a vibrant summer destination—a creative hub for food, art, design, and hospitality, all set against the backdrop of some of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches,” says David Kelly, local and co-founder of Blank Canvas Events.
With limestone-rich vineyards, a standout culinary scene, and more than 27 miles of trails to wander, the County is tailor-made for a long weekend escape.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Interior of guest suite at Wander The Resort.
Patrick Biller/Wander the Resort
Wander the Resort
Want privacy with a design pedigree to match? Voted one of Travel + Leisure’s best new hotels of 2021, Wander the Resort offers 10 luxurious glass-and-timber cabins along the quiet northern shores of West Lake. Each two-bedroom unit blends Nordic minimalism with warm, natural textures and comes with a full kitchen, a stocked fridge, and private beachfront access. The vibe is quiet luxury—think sauna sessions, hot tubs by the lake, and a spa menu focused on deep restoration.
Drake Devonshire
Drake Devonshire has cool-kid energy, with seasonal farm- and lake-to-table cuisine, inventive cocktails, and a curated local wine list. A sauna, a cold plunge, fire pits, courts, and bikes round out the offerings.
The Royal
Set in the heart of Picton—the largest town in Prince Edward County—this restored 19th-century landmark blends historic charm with Scandinavian-inspired design across 33 sleek rooms. The Michelin Key–awarded property includes a spa, a coffee shop, a bakery, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table fare sourced from its own Edwin County Farms.
Best Things to Do
Prince Edward County’s Sandbanks Provincial Park.
alisonhancock/Adobe Stock
Spend the day beachcombing at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
If you thought you had to go to the Caribbean for white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, think again. Sandbanks is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune system and about five miles of beaches, bays, and islands. Explore three distinct beaches: shallow, family-friendly Outlet Beach; expansive Sandbanks Beach; and Dunes Beach, where towering sand dunes—some as high as 82 feet—anchor a rare and fragile ecosystem.
Tour Prince Edward County’s wineries.
While British Columbia may get most of the attention, Prince Edward County is a hidden gem for wine lovers. Its stony soil and cool climate produce lower yields, but more expressive flavors, especially in chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wines. With nearly 40 wineries to explore, top picks include Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard for mineral-rich chardonnay, Closson Chase for bold pinot, and The Grange of Prince Edward County for estate-grown bubbly—all perfect for a scenic afternoon of sipping and swirling.
Hike, bike, or bird-watch on the Millennium Trail.
Stretching about 31 miles, this flat, scenic trail follows a former railway line through wetlands, vineyards, and charming towns, all the way to Sandbanks. Ideal for cycling, walking, or spotting migratory birds like herons, warblers, and ospreys, it’s one of the best ways to explore Prince Edward County.
Best Restaurants
A busy dinner table at Flame and Smith.
Flame and Smith
Flame + Smith
When local chefs recommend a spot, you know it’s worth a reservation. “The team at Flame + Smith are doing some of the most interesting food in the County,” says Justin Daniel Tse, executive chef at Wander the Resort. “Everything on the menu is focused on flame and open-fire cooking.” The restaurant highlights Canadian ingredients and local producers, with a menu that includes wood-fired sourdough, grilled seafood, and beautifully aged pork and beef.
Darlings
Darlings is the latest venture from the former co-owner of Toronto hot spots Favorites Thai BBQ and Paris Paris. The menu is a carb-lover’s dream—think handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and pillowy focaccia. Chef Tse recommends ordering the nori butter mussels and chicken parm, if they’re on the menu.
Slickers County Ice Cream
No trip to Prince Edward County is complete without a stop at this beloved small-batch ice cream shop. Made with 100 perecent Ontario cream, Slickers County Ice Cream scoops up inventive flavors like Cherry Cheesecake, Campfire (which tastes just like roasted marshmallows), and Apple Pie, made with actual homemade pie. Visit their locations in Picton or Bloomfield—and don’t be surprised if there’s a line.
Prince Edward County, Canada
Best Time to Visit
Fall foliage in Prince Edward County.
Roy Harris / 500px/Getty Images
The best time to visit Prince Edward County is from June to August, when the days are long and warm, perfect for beachcombing, biking, and winery hopping. Summer is also peak festival season, so it’s worth checking the local calendar—or asking your concierge—for last-minute tickets. You’ll find something for every pace, from early morning farmers markets to the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival in August, or the Lavender Festival in July, when the fields at Prince Edward County Lavender Farm are in fragrant full bloom.
How to Get There
Prince Edward County is about a three-hour drive from Syracuse and four hours from Rochester. The closest major airport is Toronto Pearson International, with direct flights from New York, Chicago, Boston, and beyond. From there, it’s a 2.5-hour drive to Prince Edward County. While there’s no direct train to the destination, the drive—especially along Lake Ontario—is scenic and easy to navigate.
Areas to Visit
Colorful buildings in Bloomfield, Prince Edward County.
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Prince Edward County isn’t a single city—it’s a cluster of charming towns and rural communities spread across an island-like peninsula along Lake Ontario. While it includes more than a dozen small villages, here are three standout towns you should consider visiting.
Picton
Prince Edward County’s largest town, Picton, serves as a central hub for shops, galleries, and accommodations, including The Royal hotel and Slickers County Ice Cream. It’s also near the eastern trailhead of the Millennium Trail and a short drive to several wineries. With a walkable main street and a strong food scene, it’s a convenient, well-rounded base.
Bloomfield
Closest to Sandbanks Provincial Park, Bloomfield offers a slower-paced, small-town vibe that includes boutique shopping, tree-lined streets, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. It’s also an easy launch point for casual winery visits and cycling excursions along the Millennium Trail.
Wellington
Wellington may be small, but it punches above its weight. It’s the closest town to Prince Edward County’s most celebrated wineries, including Closson Chase and Norman Hardie, both just minutes away. With a lakefront park, a popular farmers market, and destination dining like La Condesa and Flame + Smith, it’s a favorite for good reason.
How to Get Around
A boat docked near a bridge in Prince Edward County.
JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock
Renting a car is hands-down the easiest way to explore the peninsula. You can book through major providers like Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Alamo, or use marketplaces like Expedia or Hotwire. Pick-up locations include Belleville (closest full-size fleets), Toronto Pearson International Airport, or Picton for compact cars. Booking early in summer is essential to secure inventory and avoid young-driver or insurance surcharges.
Prince Edward County is delightfully bikable and walkable, especially along the Millennium Trail and town cores. Many wineries and local eateries offer bike racks or valet parking. Insider tip: Bike one way and Uride or ride-share back so you can sip worry-free.