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!
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 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.
I’ve been here before, absolutely beautiful!! Totally worth the drive!
Just love this post and all your fabulous photos of the County! Brings back some great memories. It was wonderful to meet you IRL, Liz! Thanks for sharing your PEC experience!
I myself have never heard of this place, yes I’m sheltered..lol..it looks like a wonderful place to go and just to unwind and to leave the concrete jungle behind!! I love all the pictures you took, they are amazing and have me wanting to jump into my car and go there now!!
Amazing photos!!! You have a great view of the world, thanks for sharing. 🙂
Our part of Ontario can be so beautiful…
I’ve never been there. It looks beautiful!
I’ve been wanting to visit Prince Edward County for years! And I must say you’ve captured its beauty so well, makes me want to visit right now!
Those are amazing pictures! I have never visited that area so I will have to put it on my to do list 🙂
Thanks Judy, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Hi. I wonder if you can give me any guidance regarding which area to stay in if I plan a 4 -5 day trip to walk, visit wineries, markets etc this summer? We were thinking of an Inn or Airbnb maybe near enough to a restaurant or two for dinners without having to drive?
Many thanks
Judy
I would check out the Prince Edward County tourism page, they have a ton of information that might help. I would probably stay in or around either Picton or Wellington if you want to be near markets, restaurants etc.. nearby. I’ve only ever stayed at Sandbanks camping and at a vacation home rental so can’t really offer much more advice.
I hope to visit one day.
I live there 5 min drive from the Sandbanks
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!!!
Yes, it’s such a popular park but so worth planning ahead for!
Wow,its all so beautiful thanks for sharing the beautiful photos