The County FAQ hub

PEC offers something special in every season! Spring and fall are great for fewer crowds, while summer is lively with festivals and beach days. Even winter has its charm, especially if you’re into cozy getaways, snowshoeing, or quiet wine tastings by the fire. Check out our When to Visitpage for a season-by-season guide to making the most of your time in The County. 

Cell service can be spotty—download maps and info ahead of time.

Things move to their own rhythm out here—business hours shift with the seasons, and no two spots are exactly the same. Many shops start opening around mid-April, but some may pop up earlier (or later), depending on the weather, demand, and general County vibes.

Your best bet? Check their websites or their social media channels, or give them a quick call before heading out. Some spots are open year-round with seasonal hours, while others are more of a warm-weather fling. Save yourself the guesswork—call ahead!

We get it, it’s frustrating when you’re ready to explore but the “Closed” signs are out, especially Monday to Wednesday. Many local spots are independently run and take a couple days off to rest and recharge (just like you’re here to do!). Weekends are busy, so mid-week is often their only chance to catch a breather. Your best bet? Plan ahead, double-check hours online, and when in doubt, give them a call.

Winters in Prince Edward County are calm and cozy, with a mix of peaceful snow-covered landscapes and crisp, chilly air. Temperatures often hover around -5°C to -15°C, and the wind off Lake Ontario can make things feel a bit colder. But that also means it's the perfect excuse to warm up by a fireplace, sip on local wine or cider, and enjoy the quieter, slower pace of the off-season. It’s a great time to explore the local arts scene, take a wintery hike, or try snowshoeing. Need inspiration? Head to our Embrace Winter blog post for a roundup of things to do when visiting. 

Life in Prince Edward County moves at a gentler pace, with room to breathe, think, and connect. You’ll trade fast-paced chaos for open skies, creative energy, and neighbours who look out for each other. From blooming lilacs and ever-changing lakescapes to vibrant villages and quiet corners, each part of The County has its own charm. Whether you're drawn by the creative buzz, the stunning landscapes, or just the simple joy of knowing your neighbour’s name, The County has a way of turning strangers into locals—and locals into lifelong champions of community life. Here are 25 Things to know about building a new life in The County.

If you're driving from Toronto, it's about a 2.5-hour road trip. Just head east on Highway 401, take exit 522 (County Rd 40/Wooler Road), then follow the signs to Highway 33 (Loyalist Parkway) to Prince Edward County.

Coming from Ottawa? It’s about a 3-hour drive. Head south on Highway 416, then take Highway 401 West to County Road 33. Once you’re on Highway 401, take exit 566 (Highway 49) and follow County Road 49 right into The County.

Most visitors find driving the easiest way to get around here. But there are a few other ways to get from point A to point B in Prince Edward County. Check out our Getting Around page for more options to help plan your trip!

Yes! Bicycles are allowed on the Glenora Ferry, making it a great option for cyclists exploring the region. And the best part? It’s free and runs frequently during the day. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and runs every 30 minutes year-round, with departures every 15 minutes during peak season. 

There are public parking lots in Picton, Wellington, and Bloomfield, with street parking rules that vary by location — so be sure to check the signs. Please avoid blocking driveways or parking in unmarked fields. Prince Edward County manages approximately 360 parking spaces, including 125 convenient on-street Pay and Display spots and 119 spaces in the Market Lane municipal lot. You’ll also find limited free parking at the municipal lots on Mary Street and at 55 King Street. Paid parking is managed through the Passport Pay app. Click here for full parking details.

 County Transit is a public service to provide quick, easy, safe and affordable transportation for residents and visitors to Prince Edward County. County Transit is for everyone of all ages and abilities. Seasonal shuttle services are also available. Check out our Getting Around page for details.

Yes, The Uride app gives you safe, reliable, and affordable rides. Download the App here:  https://www.uridetech.com/

Taxi services are limited in the area. For local transportation, we recommend The Taxi Guy and Buttons Shuttle Service. Pre-booking is highly recommended to ensure availability, so be sure to contact them in advance.

For additional private transportation options, check out the Guided Tours & Private Transportation on our Getting Around pagefor more transportation information.

In Consecon, there is parking at Salem Road, as well as a rustic toilet, bike rack and bike repair tools. In Hillier, there is limited trail parking at the entrance point at Station Road. In Wellington, leave your vehicle at the gravel parking lot next to the Wellington & District Community Centre. The Trail is located just north of the Community Centre. East of Picton, there is parking at White Chapel, just south of Parsons Brewing.

In Bloomfield, leave your vehicle in the parking lot at the former Pinecrest School at 27 Corey St. In Picton, you'll find a free municipal parking lot on Mary St. at Elizabeth St. (behind the Bean Counter Cafe). From there, it's a small hop to the Trail entrance by the LCBO/Agrarian Market. Consult this Google Map for trail details.

Trail update for summer explorers: Parts of the Millennium Trail are temporarily closed, but no worries—we’ve got a handy map to help you navigate the detour. View the map outlining current closures and detour routes.

Overnight RV stays and camping are only permitted at designated campgrounds. Please book an approved campground in advance of your visit. Overnight camping, including RV stays, is not permitted in Quinte Conservation areas, on private land that is not zoned for camping (such as farm fields, forests, or residential properties), or in municipal lots and other public spaces.

For information about parking tickets, visit the Parking Ticket info page. Please note that parking tickets must be paid or appealed, regardless of where your license plate is registered.

We recommend using PlugShare to find local charging stations across The County. Many accommodations also offer EV charging, so be sure to check out our Where to Stay page to find places that have you covered!

Each tab in our "Things to Do" section in the navigation bar now also includes a filter for EV charging stations!

You bet! Fido doesn’t have to miss out on the beach day fun—but there are a few leash laws to sniff out first. At Sandbanks Provincial Park, your pup can prance along a designated stretch of Outlet Beach (on-leash, of course). North Beach has a bay-side spot that’s paw-approved too. And over at Wellington Rotary Beach, dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed and not causing chaos. So yes, tails can wag—but follow the rules and pack the poop bags.

Skip the stress—lock in your day-use permit for Sandbanks or North Beachahead of time. These beaches are super popular (for good reason), and you’ll need a reservation to get in—book up to 5 days before your visit.

Want to stay in the know? Parks and conservation areas post alerts online (check their sites!) and Sandbanks Instagram page. For all the latest tips, detours, and ways to make the most of your time here, check out the Summer Hub

Sandbanks was full? Don’t worry, it happens. But hey, there’s still tons to do around here! Check out our Things to Do This Summer blog for all kinds of sunny inspo. Still wanting some water time? Check out our list of spots for fishing, boat charters, splash pads, and other ways to cool off and have a good time.

Absolutely! Besides Sandbanks, you can also check out North Beach and Wellington Rotary Beach. Just a heads-up—services might be limited, so pack like a pro. 

Hate to be the buzzkill, but cracking a cold one in public parks and beaches is a no-go. No open booze, or you could get slapped with a fine. Want to toast to the view? Better do it back at your rental, not on the sand. And while we're at it, let’s talk trash: leaving your garbage behind isn’t just gross—it’s disrespectful to the land, the wildlife, and everyone else trying to enjoy the beauty of The County. That chip bag or ice cream wrapper? It doesn’t disappear into the sunset. Pack out what you pack in, or be prepared to face fines—and some serious side-eye from locals and fellow visitors. Let’s keep The County beautiful.

Sandbanks Provincial Park and Wellington Beach both offer accessible mats and beach chairs to help with access to the water.

Rentals are available through the Woodyard Rental Concession located within Sandbanks Provincial Park.

If you’re camping at Sandbanks or another properly zoned campground you are welcome to have a campfire at the designated fire pit area on your campsite as long as there is no burn ban in effect. You can check the current burn status at thecounty.ca—there’s an alert right at the top of the page if one’s in place. Fires aren’t allowed on municipal property or at Quinte Conservation Areas. 

Thinking of lighting up a cozy campfire at your rental? Hold your marshmallows — there are a few things you need to know first. Even if there’s no burn ban in place, campfires in fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, or chimneys at rental accommodations still require a burn permit. You must have written permission from the property owner, and both the burn permit and permission letter must be available at all times during your stay. When setting up your burn permit account, make sure to select the “I/We rent this property” option and enter your host’s email. They’ll be notified and can approve or deny your request.

Once you have the green light, you still need to call 1-833-376-1011 to activate your permit every single time you plan to start a fire. One activation doesn’t cover your whole stay. And if you don’t activate that permit before lighting up? That’s a no-no, and it’s against the law in The County.

Whether you’re planning to cruise the quiet roads on two wheels or paddle along the county’s beautiful waterways, you’ve got options.

To make it easy, check out our Outdoor Activities page and head to the Rentals filter. You’ll find a list of places that offer bike, kayak, and other gear rentals, plus all the info you need for making reservations. It’s a great resource for booking in advance.

Yes, ATVs are permitted on the Millennium Trail, except during the winter months. Riders must always yield to pedestrians and cyclists and follow posted trail rules to ensure a safe and respectful experience for all users.

Check out our Cycling page for itineraries and rental spots to get you rolling. For trails, the Millennium Trail is a go-to—it's a 46 km multi-use path that runs right through The County, connecting you to small towns, wineries, breweries, and tasty pit stops along the way. For summer 2025, a small portion of the trail is closed in the village of Wellington. The detour begins at Belleville St. / County Road 2 and is signposted to zigzag you through the backstreets of Wellington to Consecon Street, where the trail re-opens.

Looking for more of a road ride? We have short scenic spins, that even end with a cold pint or an ice cream cone (which, let’s be honest, is half the fun).

If you’re staying overnight, plenty of local spots are used to hosting cyclists and may offer things like secure bike storage. You can also check out Ontario By Bike for a list of bike-friendly accommodations.

Trail update for summer explorers: Parts of the Millennium Trail are temporarily closed, but no worries—we’ve got a handy map to help you navigate the detour. View the map outlining current closures and detour routes.

What are you in the mood for? There’s something for every craving and every budget. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a full-on feast, you’ll find plenty of local favourites worth checking out. Hop over to our Restaurants pagefor all the tasty options, plus the best way to get in touch with each spot. 

Depends on your vibe—The County’s full of gems, from boutique family-run spots to bigger names with swoon-worthy views. Some places lean into organic wines, others are all about food pairings, and a bunch have killer patios for sipping in the sun. Your best bet? Scroll through our wine page and breweries page, their websites or check out their vibe on Instagram to see what speaks to you. 

Short answer: yep, probably. Especially in peak season (think spring through fall), reservations are the way to go. Got a bigger group? Definitely call ahead.  Some wineries take walk-ins, but a lot of spots are on the smaller side and fill up fast—especially on weekends. Whether it's a winery or a cozy restaurant, it's best to check if they can fit you in. Ask about group size limits, fees, cancellation policies—whatever helps make your visit smooth. The County moves at its own pace, but booking ahead means more sipping, less scrambling.

Prince Edward County is the perfect place for a family getaway! Here’s a quick guide to some of the best attractions, plus this page showcases all of the family-friendly spots—from where to stay, eat, and all the fun stuff in between.

There are plenty of fun programs for young kids at local libraries, museums, and nature centres. Be sure to check out their websites for the latest schedules and upcoming activities!

You can pick up maps at our Visitor Information Centreswith various printed materials. You’ll find a bunch of different ones from various organizations to help inspire you!

Prince Edward County is working to become more inclusive and accessible for all visitors. A great place to start is AccessNow, a free browser- and app-based resource where businesses can self-identify their level of accessibility. Visitors can also leave reviews and feedback on locations to share their experiences. 

On the Public Washrooms PEC Map, public toilets are marked in green (barrier-free) and orange (low-barrier) to help you quickly identify facilities that best suit your needs.

Our accommodation operators listed on our 'Where To Stay' have also identified if they have barrier free rooms. 

Public washrooms are available in Picton, Wellington, and at parks and beaches. Check out our map of public washrooms. There, you'll find info on washroom facilities and port-a-potties (which are typically available from early spring to Thanksgiving). Please do not answer the call of nature by "going" on nature. 

We don’t handle bookings ourselves, but for last-minute stays, head to the business listings on our Where To Stay page to find a spot that fits your vibe. Summer gets real busy, so book early to lock in your ideal place (and that dreamy patio reservation). Lots of accommodations fill up fast and might have a two-night minimum—so the more time you give yourself to plan, the better.

Pro tip: if your dates are flexible, try visiting mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) or in the Spring, Fall, or even Winter. It’s quieter, easier to book, and you’ll still get all The County charm without the summer crowds. 

Prince Edward County’s got a little something special in every corner—think wineries, breweries, cideries, cool art galleries and studios, and the kind of charming small towns that make you want to wander with a coffee in hand. There’s Lake on the Mountain for scenic views, farmers’ markets and roadside stands for local goodies, and a whole lot of great spots to eat, sip, and shop.

Want to get the most out of your visit? Build your stay around what you love. Browse our Things To Do tab to get you started.

Looking for something a little more meaningful? Try booking a small group experience. It’s a great way to meet the folks behind the scenes—artists, chefs, growers—and hear their stories. Some experiences even support local causes, like community beautification. Head to our Experiences pageto learn more.

Explore our Rainy Days in The County blog for a curated list of cozy indoor activities and experiences—perfect for making the most of The County, no matter the weather!

Looking to snack like a local? You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, and more at our markets and roadside stands. It’s a great way to meet the folks who grow your food. Browse our Market Stands and Stores page for the freshest finds.

Definitely. The County’s full of charming little shops—think vintage treasures, handcrafted goods, local art, and quirky souvenirs you actually want to bring home. Check out our Shopping page to start your treasure hunt.

Yep! Whether you’re into wine, food, history, or just want to explore without worrying about directions, there’s a tour for that. Browse our Tour Operatos page to see what fits your vibe.

The County’s got a thriving arts scene—studios tucked into barns, modern galleries, pottery, textiles, paintings, and more. Whether you're window-shopping or collecting, it’s worth carving out a little time to explore. Take a look at our Galleries & Workshops page to see what catches your eye.

Our nightlife has a cozy charm. You’ll find live music at local pubs, wine bars serving County vintages,breweries hosting trivia nights and comedy shows. Some great spots to explore: The Hayloft Dancehall, Base31, Russ & Co, The Acoustic Grill,
Vic Social,Bar Duchess

In the summer, outdoor movie nights and sunset beach walks are a must. And year-round, stargazing is spectacular thanks to the lack of light pollution. Sandbanks under a full moon is a whole vibe. Curious what’s on while you’re here?

Check out our Events page for the latest happenings—you never know what fun you’ll stumble into. 

You can explore your genealogical roots at The Marilyn Adams Genealogical Research Centre, a dedicated facility offering access to historical records, family histories, and other resources to help you trace your ancestry.