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7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario

 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

As a child my parents would take us camping  all across Ontario to various Provincial Parks which gave me the opportunity to take in all the wonderful sights each region provides.    I have many favourites which I’d like to return to as an adult and revisit.  Recently I had the opportunity to return to Prince Edward County for a weekend retreat.  My family often camped at Sandbanks Provincial Park which is located at the southern-most tip of Prince Edward County, right on Lake Ontario.  I remember the area as being totally gorgeous and I wasn’t disappointed at all on my return!

View from Sandbanks Beach -   7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

View from Sandbanks Beach

Prince Edward County itself is located in southern Ontario almost evenly between Toronto and Ottawa.  It is technically an island, surrounded by Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte cut off at the only connection with the mainland by the Murray Canal which connects Lake Ontario with the Bay of Quinte.

Driving into Prince Edward County you almost feel as if you have stepped into a completely different environment – the pastoral settings will almost melt away any stress in your life.  There are towns and villages that almost seem untouched by time with hidden treasures everywhere from an incredible number of wineries to artisinal cheeses, an emerging art scene and of course some of the best beaches in Ontario. 

While there are many things to take and and see during your stay, here are 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

 

Sandbanks  Beach -  7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks Provincial Park

If you plan on camping during your trip you will want to make Sandbanks Provincial Park your destination. The camping sites are spacious and offer just enough seclusion in a gorgeous wooded area.  There are also cottages available for rent if camping isn’t your thing.    There is plenty of opportunity for hiking along 3 different walking trails- I recommend the Sandbanks Dunes Trail as it takes you through the dunes safely and with ease as well as near rare wetland habitat with incredible wildlife and plants everywhere you look.  Of course there is also access to three different beaches – whether you are camping or visiting for the day;    Outlet Beach is located in the East Lake sector of the park, Sandbanks beach is located in the Sandbanks Day-Use area off Lake Ontario and Dunes Beach is located in the Dunes Day-Use area off West Lake.

Wineries in Prince Edward County - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Wineries

Prince Edward County is emerging as a hot spot for wine growing and with a myriad of Estates open to the public there is plenty of opportunity for wine tastings.  Many of the wines are not available at the LCBO which gives you the opportunity to explore the unknown,  If you do plan on taking in a few different wineries I would suggest booking a tour with Sandbanks Vacations & Tours.  You can book full or half day tours complete with pick-up and drop-off if you are in The County.

Storm Approaching in Prince Edward County - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Storm Approaching in Prince Edward County

 
Get Lost on the Backroads
 
Prince Edward County in incredibly scenic from historic lighthouses to farmlands, vineyards and more, the best way to see The County is to take a drive through all the various backroads.  You won’t regret it! 
 
Lake on the Mountain -  7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Shore of Lake on the Mountain

 
Lake on the Mountain
 
While you are out driving through the backroads, plan to stop at Lake on the Mountain.  It provides an incredible view high above the Bay of Quinte and the Glenora Ferry but the Lake itself is a wonder and truly breathtaking.   It’s the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a picnic as you explore Prince Edward County.
 
Poppies, Prince Edward County - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Poppies Growing in Prince Edward County

 
County Outings & Workshops
 
Join Phil Norton, professional County photographer, as he hosts weekly photography outings and workshops across the county.  You can even book a custom tour.  There is no skill required and is a great way to see parts of the County you may not otherwise ever see.  I had the opportunity to do a short tour with Phil and was astounded and incredibly inspired by the gorgeous scenery.  This is a one of a kind opportunity that you are guaranteed to enjoy!
 
 
The Arts Trail
 
Prince Edward County has become a haven for artistic types, and its no wonder due to the serenity and beauty all around.  Meet artists, explore unique art galleries and studios in Prince Edward Island along the The Arts Trail!  There is an eclectic mix of styles and materials and the locations themselves range from the ultra modern to barns.  You may even find yourself leaving with a beautiful new piece for your home!
 
North Beach
 
North Beach is a quieter, less known neighbour to Sandbanks Beaches.  I might be letting the cat out of the bag here, but it is home to over a kilometre of beautiful sandy beach.  You will want to stick around for sunset at North Beach, there just isn’t another view quite like it!
 

7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Cannery Row in Waupoos Marina - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Cannery Row in Waupoos Marina

7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Poppies growing in Prince Edward County - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Poppies growing in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County Wildflowers - - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Prince Edward County Wildflowers

7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Sand flowers at Sandbanks Provincial Park -  7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Sand flowers growing in the dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park

Where the forest meets Sandbanks  Beach -  7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Where the forest meets Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks  Beach -  7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

The shore just off of Sandbanks Beach-  7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

The shore just off of Sandbanks Beach

Sheep Farm - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

Animal farm in Prince Edward County

Tree in Prince Edward County -  - 7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

View of Sandbanks Beach - -   7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario - One of Canada's Top Tourist Destinations!

View of Sandbanks Beach

 
 

kathy downey

Sunday 4th of September 2016

Wow,its all so beautiful thanks for sharing the beautiful photos

Louise

Sunday 24th of April 2016

Every year I go with friends of mine. We stay in Belleville at the Marriott Hotel and it gives us the opportunity to see all that there is to see in this beautiful part of Ontario. Bloomfield and Picton provide a day of boutiques shopping where all the "girls" can look around for some hidden treasures to bring back. Every year, there is something different to see! And the wineries can be discovered too! We have our own favorites that we go every year too! A warning though.... if you want to camp in the Park, you have to book well in advance. As to the Marriott, you can cancel at the last minute (4 pm) the day of your stay in case there is bad weather or a change of plans (which is great since we usually go there by sets of 4 per room). Restaurants change almost every year... We were sad Applebee's closed. It had a nice ambiance for a group of girls!!!

Elizabeth

Sunday 24th of April 2016

Yes, it's such a popular park but so worth planning ahead for!

Debbie Bashford

Saturday 29th of August 2015

I live there 5 min drive from the Sandbanks

Caroline

Tuesday 16th of June 2015

I hope to visit one day.

Judy Cowan

Monday 15th of June 2015

Those are amazing pictures! I have never visited that area so I will have to put it on my to do list :)

Elizabeth

Monday 15th of June 2015

Thanks Judy, it's definitely worth a visit!