From wine excursions to mysterious lakes and burial grounds, a getaway to Prince Edward County is an excellent weekend escape. Nation properties and vineyards are nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by water on all sides. There are lots of issues to do in Prince Edward County to please {couples} and households in search of a getaway to the nation.
Issues to do in Prince Edward County, Ontario
Vacationers can attain Prince Edward County through the historic Loyalist Parkway from Toronto. The Loyalist Parkway was constructed after the American Revolution within the 18th century and as we speak runs by Prince Edward County. As quickly as you glide into the county you’ll uncover there are an entire bunch of issues to do in Prince Edward County.
Take A Wine Tour
Wine excursions are actually on the prime of our listing and must be on yours as nicely when visiting Prince Edward County. I keep in mind just a few years in the past, all my wine pals had been tripping over themselves and singing the praises of Italian wine and French wine however that’s all modified.
Canadian wine is definitely getting prime marks for among the greatest wines on the earth. Prince Edward County isn’t simply any vineyard area; it’s dwelling to virtually 40 wineries that produce all the pieces from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to dessert wines.
Prince Edward County’s popularity as a wine vacation spot is well-earned and true. It has the right microclimate (I discovered that on a wine tour) and nice soil which each mix for nice situations for cultivating wine. Past the bottles, the vineyards themselves are a feast for the eyes. Whether or not you’re a sommelier or simply beginning your wine journey, the County’s wineries is not going to disappoint.
Actually, Prince Edward County is acknowledged as one in every of three viticultural areas in Ontario by VQA Ontario Appellations of Origin. Who knew?
A few of Our Favorite Wineries
Having visited fairly just a few wineries within the county, we’ve some favorites. These are our suggestions for the place it’s best to strive first. Sandbanks is a should. Then I might strive Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards after which on to Huff Estates. That ought to get you began. You may take a look at our map of Prince Edward County Wineries above.
Prince Edward County Breweries
And whereas we’re with regards to drinks, let’s not neglect Prince Edward County breweries. Actually, virtually 50% of the island grew barley for beer lower than 100 years in the past. Now, the breweries have gotten a bit fancy, so that you’re not simply chugging a pint in your trip, however moderately, you get to expertise craft beer and meals pairings. Within the spirit of the Prince Edward County neighborhood, lots of the pubs will give you a beer-tasting flight from their brewery companions. That approach, you get to style the entire county in a single place.
Craft brewing and ciders have additionally discovered a house in Prince Edward County. Since I can’t have gluten, beer is off the desk, so I’m now entering into ciders. The breweries and cideries invite you to style a world of flavors, from crisp apple-based drinks to hoppy ales. A number of provide excursions so you possibly can study concerning the brewing course of and what goes into each glass. A few of our favorites are Lake on the Mountain Brewing Firm, Parsons Brewing Firm, and Prince Eddy’s Brewing.
Millennium Path Adventures and Wildlife
Among the finest methods to discover Prince Edward County is to get on the roughly 50 km lengthy Millenium Path. The path runs across the county, so there are various locations you may get on and off the path. You get an opportunity to see all the pieces from wetlands to farms to wineries and pubs whereas being serenaded by an orchestra of Prince Edward County fowl species. If quiet is without doubt one of the belongings you’re looking for, then you definitely’ll discover it on the Millennium Path, too. You may get pleasure from pure tranquillity as turtles and toads quietly accompany you in your stroll or bike journey across the winding paths of Prince Edward County.
The Millennium Path begins in Carrying Place and ends in Picton
Lake on the Mountain
It’s a thriller for Ontario guests and locals alike that Lake on the Mountain sits near 60 meters above Lake Ontario however appears to don’t have any direct water supply. Probably the most puzzling factor is that the lake has a year-round movement of freshwater, and geologists can’t clarify the place that freshwater comes from.
Prince Edward County has lots of sights, however this lake needs to be one in every of its most mysterious. The Mohawks name it the Lake of the Gods, because it appears it’s the Gods themselves that ship that water up into this mountain lake. You’ll should test it out for your self and give you your individual idea.
Stroll Alongside Picton’s Foremost Road
Strolling down Picton’s Foremost Road in Prince Edward County is a deal with in case you are into procuring, wonderful eating places, and artwork galleries. Picton’s Foremost Road is lined with nineteenth century buildings, it’s like stepping again in time. The structure actually is a storybook of its historical past.
A number of artwork galleries on the Foremost Road characteristic native artists. From conventional to fashionable artwork, it displays the thriving arts neighborhood in Prince Edward County.
If you’re there at night time, be sure that to take a look at the enduring Regent Theatre, a historic Edwardian opera home that sits proudly on Foremost Road. It’s not simply an architectural landmark however a cultural hub for movie, reside performances, and live shows. It’s the excellent approach to spend the night.
Native Tip: One of many avenue’s greatest options is the meals. From cozy cafes to upscale eating places, there are a ton of choices. Most of the institutions use native elements, so that you’ll be tasting the county in each chew.
Apple Orchards in Picton
Picton can also be the realm you need to go to to get to the guts of apple orchard nation. Picton is dwelling to greater than a half dozen orchards the place a wide range of apples are grown. Not solely are you able to decide apples, however some orchards present different actions, too. At Campbell’s Orchards, you possibly can discover a maze, get wagon rides, and even pet cattle on the petting zoo. Over at The Large Apple, you possibly can nosh on cookies and different baked items at their bakery and go to their sweet retailer and reward retailer for some souvenirs.
Prince Edward County Lavender Farm
Lavender is understood for its therapeutic qualities, comparable to serving to with rest and sleep whereas countering fatigue and anxiousness. You’ll in all probability scent Prince Edward County Lavender Farm earlier than you see it. The farm, situated in Hillier, grows many varieties of lavender for each medicinal and culinary makes use of. You may stroll the purple fields after which store for lavender important oils, soaps, and lotions, in addition to lavender teas and sweets. It’s open every day from spring to round Christmas.
Mattress and Breakfast Vacation spot
If you wish to get the total therapeutic worth of being on a lavender farm, then you definitely may need to spend the night time at The Lavender Farm Mattress and Breakfast. That night time may provide the greatest sleep you’ve ever had. A go to to this place may help change your frame of mind from destructive to optimistic because of the optimistic qualities related to the scent of lavender. Chances are you’ll even have the ability to take a look at their lavender competition should you go on the proper time, you’ll should contact them to seek out out extra particulars on that.
Kinsip Distillery Maple Whiskey
Maple syrup is a present from the gods, and whenever you add that to whiskey, you get maple whiskey, and it’s out of this world. Not many distilleries open their doorways to the general public, so that you’ll be completely satisfied to know you possibly can go to the Kinsip Home of Wonderful Spirits for tastings.
They’re well-known for his or her maple syrup whiskey, however there’s tons to get pleasure from of their tasting room. You may strive all kinds of regionally made spirits like vodka and bitters, too. When you’ve discovered your favourite, you possibly can take an entire bottle dwelling to share with those that didn’t get to return to Prince Edward County with you.
Schoolhouse 77
In case you’ve ever learn books like Anne of Inexperienced Gables (should you’re Canadian, you realize precisely what I imply), then you definitely’ve in all probability questioned what it could be wish to go to highschool in a Canadian schoolhouse. Nicely, you possibly can cease questioning and go to Schoolhouse 77 in Picton to get a really feel for what college students felt like in Canada a century in the past. Schoolhouse 77 is a one-room schoolhouse that was inbuilt 1875.
It’s been restored and is now a small market the place you should purchase farm produce, antiques, and native handmade merchandise. In case you’re a bicycle owner you’ll be completely satisfied to know you’ll find primary bike restore instruments on the schoolhouse in case you’ve gotten some bother when you’re out biking the Millenium Path.
Glass Studios
In case you recognize the great thing about glass artwork, then you definitely’re going to need to go to the varied glass artist workshops in Prince Edward County. Handmade glassworks have gotten harder to seek out today, however the artwork is alive and thriving within the county. For people who love the intricacy of stained glass, a go to to Pete’s Stained Glass Studio in Milford is so as.
You may take a look at his beautiful customized stained glass panel items. Nevertheless, if glass jewellery and dishware are extra your factor then Lala Land Glass Studio in Bloomfield is perhaps value a go to. In case you’re a collector of blown glass, Armstrong Glassworks situated in Wellington is value testing for its distinctive and colourful bowls, vases, and plates. Name forward to seek out out when the artist shall be at work so you possibly can watch him blow the glass himself.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Canada is named the Nice White North, and that’s why many guests are stunned to study that Canada has heat seashores. Some say one of the best Canadian seashores may be present in Prince Edward County and, extra particularly, in Sandbanks Provincial Park on Lake Ontario, which is dwelling to a few of them. Sandbanks Outlet Seaside is nice for households to go to because it has shallow waters for the kiddoes to play in.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is a pure marvel, boasting among the world’s largest freshwater dunes. The park is a haven for nature fanatics, with various natural world. Birds, specifically, flock right here, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. Moreover, the park presents a number of actions like mountaineering, swimming, and picnicking, guaranteeing a day filled with journey and rest.
Head For The Seaside
The seashores of Prince Edward County are usually not simply stretches of sand; they’re an invite to experience nature’s magnificence. From family-friendly spots with light waves to secluded shores that promise serenity, there’s a seaside for each customer. Heat summer time days see them buzzing with exercise, from sandcastle constructing to seaside volleyball. Because the solar units, they rework into tranquil landscapes, with the waves taking part in a mild lullaby.
Dunes Day Seaside on the park is beautiful because of these dunes, one thing you don’t typically see within the Canadian panorama. Simply outdoors of Sandbanks Provincial Park is Wellington Seaside, which is smaller than the opposite seashores and supplies a extra intimate expertise. North Seaside Provincial Park has its personal sandy locations. The world has paved trails and in addition a big space for individuals to picnic in. No matter which seaside you select, you’re going to discover a calm ambiance because the area attracts principally households and {couples}.
Go to the Wellington Farmers’ Market
To get an actual style of Prince Edward County, you’re going to need to take a look at the Wellington Farmers’ Market. The market supplies you with a single place from which you’ll be able to take a look at items from all around the island, together with wines from any winery that has partnered with the market and the native produce. You’ll discover all the pieces from baked items from artisan retailers to hand-crafted jewellery and antiques.
Prince Edward County Arts Path
Prince Edward County is an artist’s paradise. Search for the blue Arts Path indicators round Prince Edward County to seek out galleries and meet the artists. The county attracts a few of Ontario’s greatest artists who’ve chosen to reside right here. You’ll see the county of their work, and it’s possible you’ll even change into an artwork purchaser after visiting the galleries. See extra right here.
Artwork occurs in Prince Edward County. Galleries are in all places, exhibiting work from native artists, from conventional to avant-garde. The Arts Path, just like the Style Path, takes you on a curated tour of the galleries and introduces you to the artwork scene of the County.
Go to the Oeno Gallery
The Oeno Gallery is a serious artwork vacation spot in Prince Edward County and a major participant within the Canadian artwork world. One of many highlights of the Oeno Gallery is its sculpture backyard. Set amidst the vineyards of Huff Estates Vineyard, this out of doors house options large-scale sculptures in a peaceable pure setting. It’s a uncommon expertise to walk by these sculptures and ponder the artwork and the great thing about the environment.
Boat Excursions and Fishing
If you wish to take part in a extra enjoyable exercise on the water, then there are many boat excursions available. There’s something spectacular about being out on that water simply because the sunrises in addition to when it units. There are a number of fishing and angling charters obtainable if you wish to spend a peaceable morning fishing in Lake Ontario. Take a crusing journey to see the shoreline with Keep and Sail or West Lake Watersports has fishing boat and pontoon leases.
Chook Watching
Prince Edward County could be very standard for fowl watching because of the sheer variety of fowl species you’ll find there. A few of these species embody the Blue Jay, Track Sparrow, Pink-winged Blackbird, Turkey Vulture, Pink-breasted Merganser, American Goldfinch, Nice Horned Owl, and the Sandhill Crane, simply to call just a few. In case you’re an avid fowl watcher, then seize these binoculars and head out, you’re sure to see just a few fowl species you’ve by no means seen in actual life earlier than.
Macaulay Mountain Conservation Space
Macaulay Mountain Conservation Space is a nature lover’s dream; the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Space covers over 400 acres and has pure magnificence and historical past. Hikers can stroll on many trails, from simple to difficult. One of many highlights is Birdhouse Metropolis, which has over 100 birdhouses. With picturesque picnic spots and an abundance of wildlife, it’s a spot the place nature’s symphony performs uninterrupted.
LeVescounte Mounds
The LeVescounte Mounds are close to the decrease Trent River, and the mounds close to the south shore of Prince Edward County are considered historical burial grounds. In addition to human bones, archaeologists have discovered copper pans and jewellery within the excavated websites.
Some individuals who have visited the location of those mounds have mentioned they felt fully nonetheless within the areas across the mounds. There are lots of locations to go to in Ontario, however this is without doubt one of the few the place you possibly can rise up shut and private with historical mysteries.
What You Have to Know Earlier than Visiting
The place is Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County, which can also be recognized round right here as “The County,” – is a peninsula on the japanese shores of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Montreal.
It’s a couple of 2.5-hour drive from Toronto Pearson Worldwide Airport, 3 hours from Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier Worldwide Airport, and three.5 hours from the Montreal-Trudeau Worldwide Airport.
Why is Prince Edward County So Common?
I might describe Prince Edward County like an escape from the town – it’s rural, it’s a small city, and it’s acquired a seaside in addition to a ton of eating places and wineries. Because it’s situated between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, Prince Edward County is a good weekend getaway for guests from these cities.
How do you get round Prince Edward County?
You’ll positively want a automotive to get round Prince Edward County. The small cities are related by nation roads that do have public transportation, however many locations outdoors of the cities are usually not. You can rent a taxi, however that might value you an arm and a leg.
In case you’re doing a DIY vineyard tour, you would rent a non-public automotive or bus for the day. There are additionally vineyard excursions that may take you in a non-public car. Or you would be part of a motorcycle tour and see the wineries by bike.
The Ultimate Phrase
As you possibly can see, there are many issues to do in Prince Edward County which is why this makes for an ideal day journey from Toronto. If you wish to tour greater than a single winery, it is perhaps a good suggestion to spend the night time at a cute rental cottage. If in case you have any feedback about this weblog publish, we might love to listen to from you. And should you’ve acquired feedback in your private favourite place within the county, please share them with us, and we’ll move them on to our readers.