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🍇🍷 Discover the Charm of Prince Edward County, Ontario
Tucked along the north shore of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County (or PEC, as the locals affectionately call it) is one of Ontario’s most beloved escapes—and for good reason. With rolling vineyards, sandy beaches, charming small towns, and a lifestyle that feels slower, warmer, and somehow more intentional, PEC invites you to breathe deeper, eat better, and explore with curiosity.
📍 Where Is Prince Edward County?
Located in southeastern Ontario, Prince Edward County is a peninsula (technically an island!) that juts out into Lake Ontario between Toronto and Kingston. It’s part of the Quinte Region, and is surrounded by the Bay of Quinte to the north and Lake Ontario to the south.
Towns and Villages That Make Up the County:
- Picton – The largest town and cultural heart of PEC
- Bloomfield – Quaint and artsy, known for its boutiques
- Wellington – Hip and happening, with lake views and top restaurants
- Carrying Place, Consecon, Milford, Cherry Valley – All filled with local charm and hidden gems
🚗 Getting There by Car
From Toronto: Take the 401 East to Exit 522 (County Rd 40), then follow signs to Picton or Bloomfield. It’s a scenic 2.5-hour drive.
From Ottawa or Montreal: Take the 401 West to Exit 566 (Hwy 49 South) and cross over the Bay of Quinte via the Skyway Bridge. Approx. 3-4 hours.
From Kingston: It’s a short 1-hour drive west along Hwy 33 (aka the beautiful Loyalist Parkway), which includes a charming ferry ride from Glenora. 🚢
💖 Why I Love Visiting Prince Edward County
Every time I visit the County, I find myself slowing down. There’s something magical about the pace of life here—like the rhythm of waves on Sandbanks Beach or the slow sip of a glass of locally made Pinot Noir.
PEC is a sensory playground:
- The smell of lavender fields in bloom 🌿
- The sound of wind through grapevines 🍇
- The sight of heritage barns turned art studios 🎨
- The taste of wood-fired pizza and cider enjoyed under the stars 🍕🌌
Whether I’m treasure-hunting in antique shops, biking quiet country roads, or watching the sunset over Lake Ontario with sandy feet, the County always feels like a balm for the soul.
🧘♀️ The Local Lifestyle
People who live in PEC have often chosen this life. Many are artists, chefs, winemakers, and creatives who traded urban hustle for country calm. Others are locals whose families have lived here for generations, proud stewards of land and tradition.
They embrace:
- 🌾 A farm-to-table way of life
- 🛶 A deep connection to land and water
- 🤝 A tight-knit community with events like farmers’ markets, fairs, and local theatre
They’ll tell you: “Life here is about quality, not quantity.”
🌟 Why Prince Edward County Is a Must-Visit
PEC blends natural beauty, culture, and culinary creativity in a way few places do.
🌊 Beaches & Nature
- Sandbanks Provincial Park – Home to the world’s largest freshwater sand dunes! Great for swimming, sunbathing, or a beach day with kids.
- Lake on the Mountain – A natural curiosity with epic views and a mysterious origin.
- Millennium Trail – 46 km of cycling and walking trails across the county.
🍷 Wineries & Cider Houses
With over 40 wineries, this is Ontario wine country at its finest. From the crisp Chardonnays to rich Gamays and sparkling rosés, there’s a tasting room for every palate.
🍇 Try: Norman Hardie, Hinterland, Closson Chase, and The Grange
Also worth exploring are craft cideries like The County Cider Company and small-batch breweries dotting the region.
🛍️ Shopping & Arts
- Bloomfield for local crafts and design boutiques
- Wellington for gallery hopping
- Picton for indie bookshops, bakeries, and vintage finds
🍽️ Food That Tells a Story
PEC is bursting with innovative food—from roadside farm stands to Michelin-worthy meals.
Must-eats:
- Freshly shucked oysters at The Drake Devonshire
- Wood-fired sourdough pizza at 580 Bench
- Gourmet donuts from Luna Café
🎭 Local Culture & Events
You can feel the artistic energy here—especially in summer, when PEC hosts:
- Art in the County – A juried art show in Picton
- PEC Jazz Festival
- Countylicious – A food fest celebrating local chefs
- Lavender Festival in July
Many barns are turned into creative spaces—from recording studios to theatre venues—so check local listings for pop-up shows and markets.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re coming for the wine, the beaches, or the creative vibes, Prince Edward County is more than a destination—it’s a state of mind. It’s where city stress melts away and nature, food, and community take centre stage.
So, pack your weekend bag. Bring your camera, your appetite, and your sense of wonder.
The County is calling. Will you answer? 🎒🌻🍷
