How to Spend a Great Getaway & What to Do in Prince Edward County
Looking for a charming getaway filled with beautiful scenery from lakefront views that put the “great” in the Great Lakes, sand dunes, beaches, and stunning sunsets? Or how about hopping from one adorable downtown to another – dining and drinking at great restaurants and bars. Throw in a little shopping at cool, independent boutiques and stay at a Michelin-Key hotel.
If that sounds like the recipe to a great getaway for you, you’ll want to add Prince Edward County in Ontario to your radar.
We had the most romantic summer getaway here—watching lakeside sunsets, sipping cocktails poolside, wandering through sand dunes, and cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ontario. Add in charming towns like Picton, Wellington, and Bloomfield, world-class dining, and incredible local wines, and it’s the perfect destination.
If this sounds like your dream trip, we’re breaking down all the must-visit spots and how to plan the ultimate Prince Edward County getaway whether you’re looking for a weekend escape from Toronto or just looking for a great destination for a vacation!
Things to Do in Prince Edward County
Check out the View from Lake on the Mountain
Lake on the Mountain is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a literal lake perched on top of a mountain! If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop to enjoy the breathtaking views and nice breeze you get up here.
On one side, there’s the glassy lake, and across the road, sweeping vistas of the bay! There aren’t any hiking trails here that we’re aware of, but there’s a nice walking path around the lake.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities to do in Prince Edward County during the summer, this is the perfect spot with a nice breeze on a hot day.
During the summer, you can visit the seasonal Miller House Café for a delicious meal to go with the incredible scenery (if you sit outside). Or, if you’re in the mood to relax with a drink, the Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company is the perfect spot to sample local craft beer.
Also, the Rutherford-Stevens Lookout is another great spot nearby for lakeside views and nature walks.
Explore Downtown Picton
Talk about adorable towns! Picton is where we based ourselves during our time around Prince Edward County and we absolutely loved staying here!
You’ll find adorable shops lining Main Street and beautiful architecture and buildings.
Stop at Beacon Bike and Brew, which pairs perfectly brewed coffee with a laid-back atmosphere.
For book lovers, we recommend Books & Company. This independent bookstore is the perfect spot to enjoy a good book from a comfy chair. And make sure to spot the resident bookshop cat who’s always ready to greet visitors!
If you like shopping secondhand, City Revival is a consignment shop and one of the few clothing shops in town.
And Savon du Bois is an amazing soap store! Their handcrafted soaps come in incredible scents and are made with high-quality ingredients. Plus, they’re zero-waste and offer refills for the next time you’re in Picton!
When it’s time for cocktails, you need to check out The Russ & Co. It’s a cocktail bar inside an old theater and has such a cool vibe, like an old Hungarian hunting lodge! It’s from the same team behind Bar Duchess in Wellington (another eclectic bar you should visit if you get the chance).
Sandbanks Provincial Park
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the best things to do in Prince Edward County. The park is located on the southern shores of PEC, reaching into Lake Ontario.
Sandbanks Provincial Park’s claim to fame is that it contains the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, with towering sand dunes and 3 different sandy beaches that make for the perfect beach day.
Outlet Beach is a popular swimming spot for families, with its shallow waters and gentle slope. And Dunes Beach is where to go if you want to explore the massive dunes – this was our favorite spot to wander around.
If you’re not getting in the water, there are plenty of other things to do here. You can take on a variety of hiking trails that wind through the dunes, woodlands, and wetlands inside the park.
You can also go canoeing through the marshes or fishing at both East and West Lakes. Birdwatchers can visit the park’s visitors center to find out about birding opportunities during the spring and fall migrations.
And the perfect end to a day at the park is a meal of fresh oysters at Sand + Pearl in West Lake!
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to get a park pass! You can buy one onsite, but during the busy summer season, it’s best to get one online in advance.
If you’re using a rental car like us, and don’t have a license plate, enter “PARK or 0000” (just remember to update your reservation when you check in).
Check out Downtown Bloomfield
Downtown Bloomfield is one of the tiniest of towns we visited. If you’re looking for rural small-town charm and more places to shop, it’s one of the best places to visit in Prince Edward County!
We loved the gift shop, KOKITO. It has a modern general store feel with an eclectic mix of top-notch items from small brands and local artisans.
Come here if you’re looking for a special gift! Make sure to stop by Keep, their sister store that’s right next door, as well as The Wandering Albatross Bookstore nearby.
And if you’re into craft beer, head to All My Friends Beer Co. for a beer!
Spend Time in Wellington
Wellington is another town located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario offering plenty of variety for those wondering what to do in Prince Edward County.
During the summer, the most popular spot here is Wellington Beach. It’s a nice stretch of beach perfect for a beach day or swimming!
For shopping in Wellington, go to Oak Clothing Co. This surf shop-themed boutique offers a carefully curated selection of men’s and women’s apparel plus they have a little cafe inside too!
And don’t miss dinner and sunset views at the restaurant at the Drake Devonshire! They keep a fresh seasonal menu using local ingredients. Just make sure to book a table in advance as its a popular spot and see if you can get a table with the lakefront views for an epic sunset.
Afterward, stop by Bar Duchess for cocktails. Like its sister bar in Picton (The Russ & Co.), it boasts maximalism decor and moody atmosphere that makes it the perfect end to a day of activities in Prince Edward County.
Spend a Day by the Pool at Lakeside Motel
A pool day at the Lakeside Motel is perfect if you’re looking for unique summer activities in Prince Edward County!
This modern and chic yet casual hotel offers day passes for visitors to soak up the sun by their stylish outdoor pool, complete with comfy loungers and poolside cocktails! For an upgraded experience, you can also rent a private cabana for the day.
It’s a relaxing stop for those enjoying a long weekend in Prince Edward County, we spent a few hours here before having lunch at their restaurant overlooking the lake.
The motel’s prime Lake Ontario waterfront location means stunning views are part of the package. You can enjoy them from the onsite restaurant or chairs down on the waterfront.
Go Wine Tasting
The wine scene in PEC is a true highlight, especially around the Hillier area, where you’ll find some of the region’s best wineries.
We recommend a visit to Trail Estate Winery. We stopped here and loved the funky wines and their refreshing natural approach to wine making.
Trail Estate Winery has a committed vision for sustainability, using low-intervention methods from vineyard to bottle. They focus on organic and regenerative practices that enhance biodiversity and the very health of the soil that the grapes grow out of.
Every step of their process is done with intention, from hand-picking and hand-processing the grapes to fermenting with only wild, non-select yeasts! This dedication results in wines that are a pure reflection of the land and its unique characteristics.
Hinterland Winery is another must-visit, especially if you’re a fan of sparkling wine. They’re the County’s first winery focused solely on sparkling wines, and it’s exciting to hear their staff talk about their passion for quality.
They prioritize authenticity over trends, letting the quality of their grapes and the character of each growing season take center stage.
Get a Day Pass to Wander the Resort
While you’re looking for relaxing places to visit in Prince Edward County, don’t overlook the Beach Club at Wander the Resort.
You’ll find the glamorous resort in all of its minimalist glory on the shores of Lake Ontario. It’s full of sleek lines, natural materials, comfy spaces, and cozy amenities to make the most of your weekend in PEC.
And even if you don’t stay here, you can enjoy Wander with day passes to the Beach Club! Soak in the ultra-relaxing spaces with stunning lake views while you lounge by the water or take a dip in the pool.
This was my favorite place that we visited and the restaurant here is REALLY good, too.
The food at Gather is the brainchild of Executive Chef Justin Daniel Tse, who creates one-of-a-kind dishes by sourcing as many ingredients as he can from within Prince Edward County.
And the ambiance at Gather is just as impressive as the food, with a cozy yet upscale vibe. When you make reservations, pay attention to opening times, which change depending on the season.
Eat at Harry’s Charbroiled
We sampled Harry’s Charbroiled in Picton and now it might be one of our favorite fast-food burger joints of all time! It should definitely be at the top of your list of eateries to visit when planning things to do in Prince Edward County.
Originally a family-owned diner that began in Toronto’s Parkdale neighborhood in 1968, Harry’s was revitalized in 2019 by renowned chef and restaurateur Grant Van Gameren.
Giving the iconic diner a modern twist while keeping its old-school charm, Van Gameren then brought Harry’s to PEC with a food truck in the summer of 2021. This was such a success that he then permanently opened the secondary Picton restaurant in 2022.
And half the fun of visiting the Picton burger joint is the experience. It’s located inside a wonderfully retro building that feels frozen in time!
But the star of the show is, of course, the charbroiled smash burgers and classically golden, salty fries that draw in both locals and visitors alike. And Harry’s Charbroiled also has vegan and gluten-free options on the menu.
Go Antique Shopping
If you love antique shopping as much as we do, you’ll love the vintage scene here! It was hands-down a highlight for us when it comes to what to do in Prince Edward County. Here are a few of our favorite stops:
MacCool’s Reuse
MacCool’s Reuse stood out as a favorite for me! It offers a mix of restored furniture, antiques, and unique collectibles.
You’ll find everything from mid-century modern pieces to retro glassware, West German pottery, art glass, and quirky hardware. The shop specializes in breathing new life into old pieces using reclaimed materials for repairs, as well as creating stunning new pieces.
County Traders
County Traders is another essential stop in PEC. This is more like your classic sprawling antique mall.
They offer a wide selection of furniture, as well as a variety of smaller antiques, collectibles, and more.
Base31
Base31 in Picton offers a more contemporary twist to your antique-hunting day. Situated on a historic WWII air training base, this up-and-coming event venue and shopping hub is constantly evolving and growing.
It’s worth checking out what events are currently lined up here when you’re planning places to visit in Prince Edward County! There’s always something going on here, whether it’s a concert, trade show, or pop-up shop.
You can browse onsite galleries, artisan shops, and antique vendors. There are also different guides offering a variety of tours, both of the historic base and the surrounding county.
And make sure to check out The Commissary, an open-air food and drink hub at Base31 that features chefs-in-residence creating inventive dining options, unique cocktails, and more.
Prince Edward County Lavender Farm
You’ll find the Prince Edward County Lavender Farm near Hillier, amongst the vineyards and farmland in the region.
The farm is at its peak in late June and early July when the rows of purple lavender are in full bloom, creating a dreamy backdrop for a summer weekend in Prince Edward County!
When you visit, you can stroll through the fields, learn about the different varieties of lavender, and enjoy the peaceful space. If you’re curious about how lavender is grown and harvested.
The farm also has a gift shop where you can purchase lavender-infused products, including essential oils, sachets, culinary lavender, and skincare items
Whether you’re taking photos in the fields or sampling lavender-flavored treats, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for what to do in Prince Edward County.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay while you explore PEC, we recommend The Royal Hotel in Picton, where we stayed. This property even has a been designated as a Michelin-Key Hotel.
Located on Picton’s Main Street, The Royal Hotel is an ideal place to stay during a weekend in Prince Edward County. Originally a high-end railway hotel in the Gilded Age, it’s been restored by a local family, combining modern features with its historic charm.
Choose from refined rooms and suites complete with walk-in showers, private balconies, and top-of-the-line amenities. Guests can also enjoy the exclusive pool deck, full spa & sauna, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
The hotel is conveniently close to the county’s many wineries, shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a great jumping-off point for exploring the area!
More Things to Do Nearby Prince Edward County
While you’re researching what to do in Prince Edward County, consider these nearby destinations that are worth a short drive!
Loyalist Trading Co.
Loyalist Trading Co. is a fantastic spot for unique finds. It’s located in the town of Bath, Ontario, about a 30-minute drive from Prince Edward County.
The shop is packed with vintage treasures, locally crafted goods, and carefully curated antiques. It’s the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind keepsake or something to brighten your home!
Kingston + 1000 Islands
Or for a day of adventure, head to Kingston and 1000 Islands. You’ll find Kingston about an hour by car from the heart of Prince Edward County, nestled right where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River.
It’s an electric city full of history and charm worth its own visit! For this trip, start by exploring the waterfront, where you can visit the Kingston Public Market.
Or enjoy a stroll down Princess Street, home to many of the city’s small businesses, bakeries, pubs, and coffee shops.
From Kingston, hop on a cruise to explore the 1000 Islands, one of Canada’s most stunning natural wonders!
During your tour, you’ll learn about the many hidden cottages and fascinating historic sites, including Boldt Castle. Or you can go kayaking or paddleboarding for a more up-close look at the tiny islands.
Spend the afternoon on the water, then return to Kingston for a refined meal at the historic River Mill Restaurant. You’ll enjoy riverfront views and a menu full of locally-sourced dishes and wines.
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