7 Must-See Attractions in Prince Edward County, Ontario

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

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

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

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

Shore of Lake on the Mountain

Poppies Growing in Prince Edward County

Cannery Row in Waupoos Marina

Poppies growing in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County Wildflowers

Sand flowers growing in the dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park

Where the forest meets Sandbanks Beach

The shore just off of Sandbanks Beach

Animal farm in Prince Edward County

View of Sandbanks Beach

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!