Prince Edward County: a weekend that isn’t only wine

Prince Edward County is an island in Lake Ontario about two and a half hours east of Toronto, mostly along the 401 and County Road 33. It has around 800 kilometres of shoreline, farm stands on every other corner, and three little towns that each feel different: Picton, Wellington and Bloomfield.

People come for the wine, and the wineries are wonderful. But you could spend a full weekend here without a single tasting. Here’s how.

Where to stay

Wellington is the easiest base. It’s close to Sandbanks, wineries, Bloomfield and Picton, and it sits right on the water. Picton is the biggest town, with the most shops and restaurants. Bloomfield is tiny and charming.

Book a couple of months ahead, especially for summer and long weekends. The County fills up fast.

Beaches

Sandbanks Provincial Park has huge sand dunes, among the largest of their kind on any freshwater lake, and three sandy beaches. There are accessibility mats so wheelchairs and strollers can roll onto the sand. In summer, reserve your day-use permit with Ontario Parks before you go, or you may be turned away at the gate.

Not another glass of wine

• Millefleurs in Wellington is a lavender farm with paths through thousands of plants. Go in early summer for the bloom.
• Mustang Drive-In in Bloomfield shows two movies per car. Bring blankets.
• Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe near Picton pairs a sunflower garden with something cold.
• Slickers makes small-batch ice cream that people drive across the County for.
• Vic Drive-In in Picton is a classic diner for burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes.
• SHED Chetwyn Farms in Hillier lets you visit the alpacas for free.

Getting around

You’ll want a car once you’re here. Buses and trains reach Belleville and Picton, but the County is spread out, about an hour from end to end. If you like cycling, the Millennium Trail follows an old rail line across the County and passes close to many wineries.

Coming from the east? There’s a free ferry across the bay at Glenora, near Lake on the Mountain.

Drive like a local

• Expect tractors on the roads in the growing season. Be patient and pass only when it’s safe.
• A regular car with flashing green lights is a volunteer firefighter on the way to a call. Pull over and let them by.
• Many farm stands are cash or e-transfer. Bring a little cash.

When to go

• June and July: lavender, strawberries, long beach days.
• August: peak season. Book everything ahead.
• September and October: harvest, warm water, fewer people. My favourite time.
• Winter: quiet and peaceful. Many places shorten their hours, so check before you drive out.

Checked in November 2026. The County changes fast, with new spots opening every season. If something’s out of date, whisper it and I’ll fix it.