How To County Like You Mean It

When to Visit

Honestly, there’s no bad time to visit Prince Edward County. Every season in Prince Edward County is truly magical

Late spring (May–June) is a sweet spot. The weather’s warming up and you can beat the summer crowds.

Summer (July–August) is when things really come alive—think beach days, patio drinks, and a full calendar of events. It’s peak tourism season, so be ready for a livelier vibe and a bit more company.

Early fall (September–October) The weather’s still mild, the leaves start to show off, and there are fewer people around. It’s also prime time for harvest festivals and winery visits.

Winter is all about the cozy vibes—think fireplaces, quiet getaways, and snowy walks. A perfect excuse to slow down and sip something warm.

No matter when you come, there’s always something happening. Want to plan your trip around an event? Check the event calendar on the Visit The County website to see what’s coming up. Still not sure what season fits your vibe? Browse our When To Visit page for a closer look.

Getting to Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is about a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto, mostly along Highway 401 and County Road 33—it’s a pretty easy and scenic trip by car. There are three main ways to drive in: through Belleville, Tyendinaga, or Trenton. All of them will get you into The County just fine.

If you’re not driving, you can hop on a bus or train to Belleville or Picton. Just a heads-up though—once you’re here, having a car makes getting around way easier since everything is pretty spread out.

Flying in? The closest airport is in Kingston. From there, you’ll still need to grab a rental car or catch a ride into The County. Take a look at the Plan Your Visit page to figure out the best way to get here. Once you’ve arrived, our Getting Around page will help you navigate The County with ease.

Where to Stay
 

Prince Edward County is filled with cute B&Bs, plenty of short-term rentals, and a handful of stunning boutique hotels. Where you stay can really shape your visit. The County is larger than it seems, and it can take almost an hour to drive from one side to the other. If you want to be close to the action, staying near Wellington is a great choice. It puts you within easy reach of wineries, Sandbanks, Bloomfield, and Picton. One thing to keep in mind is that accommodations fill up quickly, especially in the Summer and on long weekends. If you want the best selection, it’s smart to book a couple of months in advance. Planning ahead means you’re more likely to snag that perfect spot. Not sure where to start? Take a look at our Where to Stay page to find the right fit for your trip.

What to Do
 

Bring your girlfriends, your partner, your kids, your parents—or even your dog. There's something here for everyone, big or small. Make your County to-do list and set the pace that suits you best. Want the buzz of a bustling Main Street? Whether that's the lively speed of Main Street or the slow and steady roll of a tractor, you can "do" the County your own way. If you’re all about arts and culture, treat your senses to live music, theatre, and art shows. Catch performances in dreamy vineyard settings, cozy heritage theatres, or with a cold pint at the local pub.

Into hands-on experiences? Roll up your sleeves for an art workshop, help out with a vineyard harvest, or dive into County life with a farm tour or agricultural adventure.

More of a history buff? Step back in time at one of six local museums, where you’ll find exhibits on Indigenous heritage, maritime treasures, and pioneer life.

Feeling active? Reconnect with nature while hiking, cycling, canoeing, or casting a line along The County’s 800 km of shoreline. You can roll right onto the beach thanks to accessible mats at Sandbanks, or hop on a bike and ride the scenic Millennium Trail.

And don’t forget to check out our event listings! There’s always a festival, fair, or something fun happening around here.

For more ideas that fit your style, check out our Things To Do tab in our navigation bar.

Create an Itinerary
 

Depending on how much time you have, you can either take it slow and spend time exploring one area each day, or you can try to see more in a condensed time. Visit The County has pre-made itineraries created by locals ready for you! 

Plan Your Route (a.k.a. Everything’s Far, But Worth It)
 

Prince Edward County isn’t huge, but it feels big when you’re zig-zagging around bays, lakes, and winding roads. From one end to the other, it’s about an hour’s drive—and that’s without stops for cheese, cider, or an impromptu antique hunt.

Getting from A to B often involves looping around water or taking the scenic route (which, let's be honest, is half the fun). But it does mean your day trips and tastings need a bit of planning. You don’t want to book a vineyard tour at 11 AM and realize it's on the complete opposite end of The County from your breakfast spot.

So plan your route, space things out, and give yourself plenty of time to roam.

Where to Eat
 

Visiting The County means tasting The County—plain and simple. Sure, a lot of places talk about being seasonal and farm-to-table, but around here, we actually live it. Many restaurants have their own farms, and chefs regularly head out to meet with local growers to see what’s popping out of the ground that week. Menus shift with the seasons, so no matter when you visit, you’re in for something fresh, local, and seriously delicious. 

And don’t worry about packing anything fancy. From food trucks to white tablecloths, as long as you’ve got a shirt and shoes, you’re good to go. In addition to our incredible sit-down spots, some of The County’s most exciting food is popping up in unexpected places. We’ve got food trucks parked in fields, chefs taking over kitchens for a night, and creative new concepts popping up faster than you can say, “What’s for dinner?” It’s like a delicious game of whac-a-mole—and you’ll want to try them all.

From farm stands to vineyard patios to scoops of ice cream, great food and drink are always just around the corner in The County. So take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy every bite.

What to Pack (and a Few Things You’ll Wish You Had)
 

Let’s be real: The County might be laid-back, but a little prep goes a long way. You’ll be exploring places to sip, parks, beaches, and maybe even a vineyard or two, so leave the stilettos at home unless they’re just for the 'gram.

If the beach is calling your name (and it will), pack a swimsuit. Sandbanks is a show-off when it comes to sun and sand, so don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and your coolest sunglasses. You’ll thank us later when you’re basking like a pro.

The weather here likes to keep you on your toes, so check the forecast and throw in some layers—especially for those crisp evenings or surprise rain showers that weren’t in the plan.

And yes, bring a camera or make space on your phone. You’ll be snapping pics non-stop—trust us.

Take a Deep Breath—You’re on County Time Now
 

Look, we’re not trying to send you into a full-blown trip-planning spiral. You don’t need to map out every bathroom break or worry about whether you’ll be vigorously biking between wineries (unless that’s your thing—then pedal on, champ). And no, you don’t have to read 47 online reviews before picking a place to eat. Your brain deserves a break too.

Prince Edward County is all about slowing down and soaking it all in—no pressure, no panic, no need to “do it all.” This isn’t a checklist kind of trip. It’s a vibe.

So let’s ditch the idea that every minute needs to be filled with something “productive.” Maybe your big plan is wandering into a winery, lounging on a beach, or discovering your new favourite artist at a roadside gallery. Perfect.

Take your time. Take a sip. Take a nap if you want. Follow a few of our handy tips and let The County work its magic. 

Check our [FAQ Page] for more travel tips!