Summer In Ontario’s Prince Edward County
Beautiful sunset at Slake Brewery in Prince Edward County.
Located just two hours east of Toronto, Prince Edward County is a popular year-round destination for city-dwellers looking for a quick getaway. While we absolutely love visiting the County during the coziness and quiet of the winter and spring, as well as the spectacular autumn, the most popular time to visit the County is summer. The sandy beaches, beautiful wineries, great breweries and quaint small towns with dozens of patios serving local food all beckon visitors in the warmth of the summer season.
Where is Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County (PEC) is located in beautiful South Eastern Ontario along the shores of Lake Ontario and can easily be reached from Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston and Montreal. Surrounded as it is by Lake Ontario, the Murray Canal and the Bay of Quinte, this island (or detached peninsula) features 800 km of shoreline (some with sandy beaches and others with dramatic limestone cliffs).
The County is divided into nine regions and while each one has a distinct vibe, you really can’t go wrong when choosing where to go. Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington are the main hubs and have lovely main streets with lots of restaurants and shops to explore. Waupoos, Hillier and the South Shore are known for wineries, craft breweries and agriculture. Sandbanks is home to the provincial park of the same name and is extremely popular in the summer due to its stunning sand beaches and sand dunes. To get slightly off the beaten path, take a drive through Ameliasburgh and Sophiasburgh — and if you see a roadside farmstand, be sure to stop for whatever delights are in season.
What’s there to do in Prince Edward County?
Summer in the County is characterized by lazy beach days and outdoor dining with local food and drink. And while those pursuits are a must-do when visiting PEC in the summer, there’s so much more to discover. From music, art and theatre to farm visits, cycling tours and antiquing, you’ll find lots to do no matter where your interests lie.
Try cycling on the Millennium Trail (a 46-km, County-wide trail system), get out on the water to catch some walleye or join an art workshop at one of the many studios scattered around the County.
Visit the County’s website for up-to-date information on local events as well as a list of local artists, restaurants and more.
If you’re looking for a spectacular getaway, see our list of South Eastern Ontario vacations.
Stories from Prince Edward County
Want to learn more? Explore some of our recent stories about PEC in the Landsby Journal:
Love the County? So do Nancy Pavan and Frank Ellefsen. Read our story on how the owners of the gorgeous Wilfrid Boutique Farmhouse turned a weekend getaway into a new chapter of their lives.
Feeling Stressed? Try Alpaca Therapy at Noble Beast Farms.
Hungry? Visit The Marans Dinebar and try Chef Guerin Skyes popular tasting menu made of locally sourced ingredients.
Need to cool off? Read our Guide to the Best Ice Cream in the County.
Love horses? Read about our visit with Black Park Shires and learn more about this delightful horse breed.
