Your Ultimate Guide to Sunshine, Sips, and Sights

Summer in Prince Edward County has its own kind of magic—the kind that feels like a “Sunday kinda love” every day of the week. Hot summer days are when you’ll find enough visitors to make up a small city at iconic beaches. Festivals fill the calendar, boats bob in the harbours, and visitors from Ontario, Quebec, and even across the globe come to sip, savour, and soak it all in. 

This blog is your go-to guide for Summer things to do in Prince Edward County—packed with ways to make the most of the sunshine, the scenery, and the season. The County has a way of capturing hearts with its rich history, unforgettable experiences, and stunning natural beauty. Fair warning though: you might come for a visit.. but find yourself dreaming about staying for good.

Sandy Shores & Poolside Perks

When it comes to summer in Prince Edward County, beach days are a must. With some of Ontario’s most beautiful shorelines, you’ll want to pack your sunscreen, towel, and a good book. 

Known for its striking golden dunes and shallow waters, Sandbanks Provincial Park is perfect for a day of swimming and lounging in the sun. Skip the stress—lock in your day-use permit for Sandbanks to ensure your spot at this popular park. 

While Sandbanks Provincial Park is The County's marquee attraction, there are other beautiful provincial parks and conservation areas well worth a day trip, including North Beach Provincial Park, located between Consecon and Wellington, with the same soft, sandy beaches and clear, turquoise waters as Sandbanks. 

Wander the Resort welcomes non-cabin guests to access their private beach when booking a Spa experience. Spa guests enjoy first-come, first-serve access to beach lounge chairs, included with the cost of the Thermal Escape Pass and available during and after your 4-hour Spa Time slot. Please note: early beach access prior to your time slot is not permitted. Learn more.

At Lakeside Motel, enjoy a Miami-inspired pool with stunning views of Lake Ontario. Or hangout with friends or your special someone in a private lakeside cabana. Each comes with a stocked bar cart and bottle service.

At The Royal Hotel, pool access is available on a first-come, first-served basis in 2-hour time slots. With a $30 Day Pass, enjoy unlimited access to the pool, sauna, and gym from 6AM to 8PM. Book a lunch reservation and you’ve got yourself a full day of relaxation.

Sip Your Way Through The County 

From bold reds to crisp whites, refreshing ciders to small-batch brews, there’s always a glass worth raising in Prince Edward County.The staff behind the bar are passionate about what they pour and are eager to chat about what’s in your glass. Most spots offer tastings by the glass, along with a beautiful setting to sip and chill.

Wine Down in Wine Country

Home to over 40 wineries, The County is a paradise for wine lovers. Whether you’re into , Pinots, rosés, Chardonnays, sparkling, Pinots or beyond the wines here are exceptional. Take in the vineyard views as you swirl and sip your way through our signature cool-climate wines. Opt for a guided tour to discover hidden gems that may have slipped under your radar or rent a bike and explore the scenic wine routes at your own pace. Pick up a few bottles to impress your friends at your next dinner party!

Raise a Glass to Craft Brews & Ciders

The County’s beverage scene doesn’t stop at wine. Discover a growing number of craft breweries, cider houses, and creative makers pouring everything from mead and kombucha to small-batch sodas.

Local is our Lifestyle 

With over 200 years of agricultural heritage, Prince Edward County has deep roots in farming and you can taste it in every bite. “Farm Fresh” has never been closer than the dozens of County farm stands you might find while touring the island. In the summer, roadside farm stands overflow with just-picked produce, while local farmers’ markets serve up everything from handmade jams to wood-fired breads.

Cross off all your grocery list items, plus pick up some lunch at any of our weekly Farmers’ Markets, where you can meet the growers and makers. Stop by the Wellington Farmers’ Market or Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Market to browse seasonal fruits and veggies, baked goods, preserves, and artisanal treasures. Don’t miss the Picton Artisan Market on Fridays in The Armoury Square for even more local flavour and flair. You’ll meet the growers and makers who bring The County’s flavour to life.

In Prince Edward County, you can experience the joy of picking fresh, in-season fruits straight from a farm. From strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to apples, these treasures are grown with care by generations of farming expertise.  

We’re proud of our farming roots and grateful for the folks who feed us. Help us keep The County beautiful by respecting private property, staying on marked paths, keeping gates closed, and only picking your own when it’s clearly offered. A little resPECt goes a long way and ensures our food scene stays vibrant for seasons to come.

Hit the Water

It’s not just about the beaches — Summer in The County belongs on the water. Whether you're floating, paddling, or cruising, there are endless ways to make waves in PEC. 

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a dreamy way to spend a hot summer day. Glide across calm waters on East Lake, West Lake, Black River, or Lake on the Mountain. Prefer kayaking? Rent one from our Outdoor Activities page or the Parks Store at Sandbanks Provincial Park and North Beach Provincial Park. Black River, in particular, offers a peaceful, sheltered paddle — perfect for birdwatching, spotting blue herons, and soaking in the serene sounds of nature. At just six kilometres long, it’s a relaxed round-trip paddle ideal for beginners and casual adventurers. 

Set sail on a sunset cruise or reel in a catch on a fishing charter. Local operators like Happy Sailing and Dunes Boat Tours offer unforgettable experiences on the open water — from scenic views to secret fishing holes. 

Known for its top-notch fishing, The County is a dream for anglers. Charter a boat and spend the day chasing bass, pike, or pickerel in Lake Ontario’s sparkling waters.

Discover the Arts & Culture Scene

With endless shorelines, stunning sunsets, and picturesque landscapes at every turn, it’s no wonder that Prince Edward County has become the inspiration for so many artists. The County is a vibrant hub of creativity, brimming with visual arts, live performances, and hands-on craftsmanship.

Explore Local Art Galleries

Step inside some of The County’s most beloved galleries, including Oeno Gallery, where you can stroll through gardens filled with stunning sculptures. Visit Mad Dog Gallery and ANDARA Gallery, where you'll find everything from contemporary sculpture to bold landscapes and fine photography. 

For an immersive art experience, follow the Arts Trail and visit studios where you can meet the artists and see the magic happen. In The County, creativity is everywhere—from tucked-away studios in South Marysburgh to gallery spaces with big island energy. Every medium you can imagine is represented, from paint and pottery to textiles and metalwork. 

Browse Artisan Shops

Discover locally made treasures, from handcrafted pottery and textiles to one-of-a-kind jewelry. Don't miss Melt Studio & Gallery, where contemporary art and artisan goods meet in a stunning rural setting.

Catch a Show

The stage is set for a memorable night out. Enjoy live theatre with County Stage, offering professional Canadian performances rooted in local stories and place. Or take in a concert, play, or film at the historic Regent Theatre — a cultural gem that’s been entertaining County audiences for over 100 years. Originally built in the 1830s and transformed into a theatre in 1918, The Regent still boasts one of the largest stages in Eastern Ontario.

Nighttime Fun

Go old-school at one of Ontario’s last remaining drive-in theatres. The Mustang Drive-In is a summer must for families, couples and pals of all ages and stages. It's an experience on its own that's sure to create some long-lasting memories. What's better than staying up late on a hot summer night, eating the best snacks and catching the double feature? Nada!

Get ready to dance the night away at The Hayloft Dancehall, a true County staple. This historic, 100-year-old barn is the place to be for live music and unforgettable entertainment during the summer months. Plus, with free shuttle buses running between The Hayloft and Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington all evening long, getting there has never been easier!

Embrace the Great Outdoors

If you love nature and adventure, PEC has plenty to offer.

Cycle the Millennium Trail

Hop on your bike and cruise The County’s iconic Millennium Trail — a 46-kilometre stretch that winds past vineyards, forests, wetlands, and charming hamlets. Perfect for seasoned cyclists or casual cruisers, it’s one of the best ways to experience the land, up close and personal. Want a little help with your route (or rental)? Local tour operators have you covered.

Hike & Wander

Swap pavement for paths at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area, where forest trails, rocky climbs, and scenic lookout points reward you with gorgeous views. Home to the beloved Birdhouse City, this conservation area is perfect for a challenging hike or a hamstring-busting bike ride—nature, nostalgia, and leg day all in one spot.

For dramatic cliffside vibes, Little Bluff Conservation Area offers rocky shores and sparkling water vistas — ideal for a mindful walk.

Go Birding

With its diverse habitats and location along major migration routes, The County is a birder’s dream. Head to Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory and keep your binoculars ready for sightings of herons, warblers, hawks, and maybe even a rare migratory visitor.

Relax by the Water

With 800 km of shoreline, there’s no shortage of lakefront beauty. Paddle along calm bays, take a dip, or just sit back and soak in the serenity with your feet in the water.

Get swinging at the tennis courts of Prince Edward County! With four courts at Benson Park, Bloomfield, Wellington and North Marysburgh, tennis season is strong in The County. 

Catch a Sunset (Seriously, Don’t Miss It)

Here’s the thing about The County—it delivers a show at every single evening. Like clockwork, the sun dips below the horizon, often lighting up the sky in shades of pink, gold, and fire-orange. Sometimes it sets over the water, sometimes behind a vineyard or a rolling field—either way, it’s magic.

Stop & Smell the Flowers

In July, lavender season begins. Visit a lavender farm for rows of purple blooms, dreamy photo ops, and that unmistakable Provencal fragrance. Visit Prince Edward County Lavender, where you will discover a quaint little store with homemade lavender products. At Violet Hill Lavender, you'll find various lavender cultivars blooming at different times throughout the summer, creating a stunning array of vibrant colours. The farm, overlooking a picturesque vineyard, adds a touch of tranquility and beauty to the landscape. 

Don’t miss it—Waupoos’ hollyhocks. Every July, County Road 8 bursts into colour with towering blooms that stretch as far as the eye can see.

If you’re sunflower-obsessed, head to Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe in Cherry Valley, where you’ll find rows of golden blooms (typically mid-July to mid-August) and 36 flavours of Kawartha Dairy ice cream to help you cool off. Or check out Sunnydale Farms in Waupoos, a seventh-generation family farm known for its gorgeous sunflower fields, County-grown beef, and roots that run deep in PEC soil.

Experience The County’s Events & Festivals

Summer in Prince Edward County is festival season — and you’re invited. From live music under the stars to lavender fields in full bloom, summer brings a full lineup of events that showcase The County’s vibrant arts, food, and cultural scenes. Looking for exact dates and event details? Check out our Events Calendar to start planning your trip.

Take a Scenic Drive & Discover The County’s Small Towns

Sometimes the best way to experience The County is with the windows down, music up, and no set destination. PEC is dotted with charming towns and villages that are perfect for a leisurely day of exploring. Take a horn trip around The County’s East Peninsula. Think winding roads, quiet bays, hidden beaches, and rolling farmland.

Wander off the beaten path with these unexpected stops worth exploring

Eat Your Way Through The County

With so many restaurants, cafés, and food trucks, the only question is: what are you craving today? In The County, flavour is always in season. Many local spots embrace farm-to-table dining, showcasing seasonal ingredients grown just down the road. 

From wood-fired pizza ovens to smokers sizzling just outside the kitchen door, fire is central to how we cook—and eat. Whether it’s a lakeside grill session or a rustic meal cooked over coals, outdoor cooking is part of The County experience.

Talented chefs are crafting unforgettable dishes using local and Indigenous ingredients at restaurants that are as inventive as they are delicious. Heard about that hot spot everyone’s talking about? Be sure to book early—tables fill up quickly! Plus, many of these restaurants offer excellent to-go menus, so you can enjoy your meal at the beach, park, or even at your County accommodations. 

And let’s not forget about our exciting food pop-ups and kitchen takeovers! If you’re in The County during high season, you’re bound to encounter makeshift kitchens at wineries, breweries, or other local gems. Expect everything from fresh oysters at a winery to chefs taking over brewery kitchens. 

 Step Back in Time

Time travel is easier than you think! The Museums of Prince Edward County offer a surprising snapshot of what life was like culturally in the past; explore heritage houses, lighthouses and more while learning about this one-of-a-kind area.

 Shop Local

The County is bursting with charming shops waiting to be explored—whether you're hunting for curated boutiques, local makers, or one-of-a-kind treasures. You’ll find everything from second-hand clothes and kids’ toys to books, household items, eco-friendly products, art, jewelry, music, sewing, and knitting supplies. For those with a love of the past, Prince Edward County is a treasure trove of vintage and antique shops. From vintage furniture to quirky knick-knacks, the possibilities for a fun treasure hunt are endless.  Each shop boasts its own distinctive vibe, shaped by the passionate local entrepreneurs. Park nearby, slip on your comfy shoes, and wander at your own pace. 

Unique County Experiences

A trip to The County isn’t just about exploring—it’s about experiencing. It’s also about stepping away from your phone, soaking in nature, and connecting with the incredible people you’ll meet along the way—artists, makers, farmers, and so many colourful characters who will make your visit unforgettable.

The true magic of The County lies in the experiences. These moments turn into memories that you’ll cherish long after you’ve left. They’re the stories you’ll share with loved ones, the things that no Instagram post can fully capture. Whether it’s bonding with locals, discovering something new, or reliving a nostalgic moment, these experiences root you to this place.

From hands-on cooking classes to intimate, off-the-beaten-path activities with local guides, these experiences will immerse you in the heart of The County’s art, agriculture, food, beverage, nature, and history. Look for the Education & Workshops tab on our Events Calendar, explore our Experience tab, and discover Sustainable Experiences that connect you to the land and its people. Whether you're after a creative workshop or a more sustainable, nature-based adventure, we’ve got something special waiting for you.

Plan Your Perfect Summer in The County!

Sometimes, the best moments happen when we slow down and enjoy the little things. In Prince Edward County, life moves at a relaxed pace, where simplicity and meaningful connections are key. Take the time to chat with the locals who call this place home. They have stories to share and insights that you won't find in any guidebook.

It's in the small acts—the friendly conversations and peaceful sunsets—that you’ll discover what makes this place special. Embrace the simplicity and let The County's charm guide you.