Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County used to be divided into smaller towns: Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington being the main population centres. The area is on the shores of Lake Ontario, and is known for beaches (including Sandbanks Provincial Park), farms on which visitors may pick apples and strawberries in season and a few local wineries.

History

Long settled by indigenous peoples, the county has significant archeological sites. These include the LeVescounte Mounds of the Point Peninsula Complex people, built about 2000 years ago.
The county was created by Upper Canada's founding lieutenant-governor John Graves Simcoe in 1792. It was named after Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent (the fourth son of King George III) who was commander-in-chief of British North America.
Shortly after the American Revolution, the Crown made land grants to some of the earliest United Empire Loyalists to encourage their settlements in Ontario and provide compensation for property lost in the Thirteen Colonies. The county was divided into three townships named in honour of three of George III's daughters.
For many years Prince Edward County has been closely associated with the wholly mainland Hastings County. Its longtime militia unit has been the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment (locally known as the Hasty Ps), whose most famous member was Farley Mowat. This noted nature author wrote And No Birds Sang about his experiences with the Hasty Ps during the Second World War's Italian Campaign.
In 1998, all of the former municipalities in Prince Edward County amalgamated to form a single-tier municipality as part of provincewide municipal restructuring. Each of the former municipalities is now a ward

By car

By far the most convenient way to get around in the County, cars can be rented in the nearby city of Belleville.
You can access the County from three main points off of Hwy 401 or Hwy 2.

• Coming from the West (Toronto), exit the 401 at Exit #522 Wooler Road in Trenton and travel south to Picton on the Loyalist Parkway (Hwy 33).
• Coming from the East (Ottawa), exit the 401 at Exit #566 and travel south into Picton on Hwy 49.
• A third (and closest) access point is Hwy 62 through Belleville and across the Bay Bridge. Belleville to Picton is approximately a half-hour drive (and a local 'phone call).

An alternative is to take Highway 33 from Kingston to the free Glenora Ferry and follow Hwy 33 to Picton. Kingston to Picton takes approximately one hour.

Bus or train

Accessing the County by bus or train can be difficult. The nearest intercity bus terminal served by major bus lines is in Belleville, as is the nearest train station. Cost for a taxi from Belleville to Picton is $70-85 (July 2018).
Deseronto Transit runs a limited local bus service from Belleville to Picton, and weekdays from Belleville to Napanee.

By boat

The County is almost an island and therefore a popular stop for boaters touring Lake Ontario. Harbours in Waupoos and Picton may rent a slip overnight; some of the waterfront campground and cabin sites offer boat launch, docking or boat rental.

The easiest and most popular way to travel around the County is by car, as many points of interest are separated by fair distances. It is possible to hire a taxi to drive you between points but this can be costly. While driving be alert and courteous of slow-moving tractors on County roads, as they often use main roads to travel between farms. Usually the driver will wait until it is safe and move to the side, allowing you to pass. Signs posted in rural areas remind drivers "Slow Moving Vehicles- Farmers producing YOUR food." Please don't honk or tailgate. Give space on the road to the many cyclists who travel County roads as there are no bicycle lanes on most roads.
Cycling is an environmentally friendly and increasingly popular way to see the area. To avoid busier main roads The County has many side roads that are well worn and paved in many cases. They offer fantastic views and a taste of the area that many visitors miss.

• Bloomfield Bicycle Company

  phone: +1 613-393-1060
  address: 225 Main St, Bloomfield
  Bike rentals, repairs, tours, maps.

• Little Bluff

  address: County road 13 past South Bay
  Staggering views from towering limestone cliffs overlooking Lake Ontario. Rock beach for swimming, picnic areas and firepits. Usually quiet and private.

• The Regent Theatre

  phone: +1 613 476-8416
  address: 224 Main Street Picton
  This theatre built in 1922 plays full length films and hosts local theatre and musical performances. The building is a historical landmark of the area and has been restored as close as possible to its former glory. Usually offers a family-friendly matinée through the summer, a great way to escape a rainy day on the beach!

• Prince Edward County Lavender

  phone: +613-399-1855
  address: 732 Closson Road
  Small lavender farm that hosts an annual lavender festival. Has several lavender fields and sells a variety of lavender-related goods.

Museums

• Ameliasburgh Museum

  address: 517 County Road 19, Ameliasburgh
  A museum and pioneer village, tour the many buildings (church, log cabin, barns, blacksmith shop, sap shanty, dairy and bee-keeping buildings) and gardens. Ameliasburgh Christmas in the Village in early December; Amelia’s Tea Room offers breakfast and lunch for special events.

• Mariner's Park Museum

  address: 2065 County Rd. 13, South Bay
  Artefacts relating to local maritime history, from fishing and ship building through ice harvesting and rum running, include pieces recovered from shipwrecks by divers, the relocated False Duck Island lighthouse, Fort Kente and a huge row boat. Picnic area.

• Macaulay Heritage Park

  address: 35 Church St, Picton
  Beautifully restored home, gardens, a cemetery and a museum in a converted church. Tour near Christmas to see the house decorated with antique ornaments, listen to carols and try some hot apple cider from the large stone fireplace.

• Rose House Museum

  address: 3333 County Rd. 8, Waupoos
  A traditional farm house in newly posh wine region Waupoos. If you are touring wineries you will surely pass by the Rose House. Stop in for a tour of the quaint home and barns.

• Wellington Heritage Museum

  address: 290 Main Street Wellington ON
  Pays tribute to the Quakers that helped develop the area through displays and artefacts. Also includes an exhibit which outlines the importance of the canning industry to the development of the County (75 different canning factories operated between 1882 and 1996).

Prince Edward County is a very interesting place: the local rural culture is blending with the newer additions of artisans, wineries, spas and high end cuisine. As a result there is a wide range of activities, festivals and attractions available. These are some highlights;

• Bird WatchingPrince Edward County is a high traffic migration point for many species and a popular destination for bird watching. An annual birding festival is held in May.

• Yoga RetreatsYoga retreats are popping up all over Prince Edward County. Many offer group packages; most are in lovely, peaceful areas.

• Farm VacationsA new way to see the County! Hands-on experience at a local farm, accommodations and meals provided in some cases.

• County QuestWebsite for history buffs to download audio files, maps and everything for a self-guided historical tour of the area; choose a time period from a list of several. Tours can be followed by car, bicycle or on foot.

• Arts TrailA self-guided tour of local studios and art galleries, metal smiths, glass blowers, painters, photographers, potters and jewellery creators. Visit as many or as few as you wish, watch artists work to create beautiful pieces. The Red Barns offer hands-on experience; try your hand at woodworking, glass blowing, stained glass or pottery.

• Festival Players

  phone: +1-613-476-1991
  address: 289 Main St. Picton
  Festival Players of Prince Edward County is the region’s professional summer theatre company. For seven years, Festival Players has brought the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages of the County to life through the incredible power of theatre.

Parks and beaches

• Armoury Park

  address: Hill Street Picton
  To escape the hustle and bustle of Picton on a busy summer day, take your lunch to the park overlooking the Picton harbour. Sometimes known as "Yacht Club Park" or "Armoury Park" it is only about two minutes from Main Street.

• County Youth Park

  address: 375 Main Street, Picton
  Playground and public skate park constructed in 2009.

• Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park

  phone: +1 613-393-3319
  This provincial park is a nice picnic stop with great views of the bay and Glenora ferries. There is no admission charge. Aptly named, the park features a natural wonder: a freshwater lake high above nearby Lake Ontario that has a flow of clean water from no known source.

• Macaulay Mountain

  address: 224 County road 8, Picton
  A nice place to picnic, hike, mountain bike or bird watch. "Birdhouse City" is here; a grouping of many birdhouses constructed to resemble century homes. During the summer children's camps are run here so it may not always be a quiet retreat. In the winter be sure to try your hand at tobogganing the daunting hill! The Bloomfield Bicycle Company leads three club rides on the mountain bike trails, and that can be a good way to find one's way around the labyrinth of single-track.

• Sandbanks Provincial Park

  phone: +1 613-393-3319
  address: Picton,
  One of the most popular parks in Ontario, Sandbanks offers three white sand beaches, breathtaking views, staggering sand dunes, limestone cliffs, canoeing, kayaking, picnic areas and five campgrounds. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent on the Outlet river. For a special view paddle up the Outlet into East lake, take a right and you may see some of the swans that live in a quiet marshy corner of the lake. Sunrise or sunset are best. The park also has evening entertainment in the form of music, trivia challenges and plays. Also ask about the Mother's Day Easter Egg Hunt, Lakeshore Lodge Day and the Fall Getaway Fun Run. Winter is a nice time to visit the park, admission is free and Cross-country skiing is the main attraction.

Golf

• Picton Golf and Country Club

  phone: +1 613-476-1485
  address: 734 Hwy #49, Picton
  18-hole course, club and cart rental, renovated clubhouse, dining room and lounge. Stunning views of the Picton Bay and surrounding area.

• Wellington on the Lake Golf Course

  phone: +1 613-399-2357
  address: 157 Prince Edward Dr., Wellington
  A popular 9-hole course adjacent to a retirement-style housing development in Wellington.

Events

• Art and music festivalsThe Prince Edward County Arts Council runs a juried art show, jazz festival, a music festival, studio and gallery tours, and photography shows. The studio tour is free and self-guided (guide brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce in Picton and throughout the County). All events are very popular and have affordable or sometimes free admission.

• County FairAnnual traditional county fair (early September) with livestock shows, baking competitions, midway rides, demolition derby, tractor pull, taffy, mini-doughnuts and lots of food.

• Great Canadian Cheese Festival

  address: Crystal Palace, Picton fairgrounds
  Early June, two days. Artisan and farmstead cheese show with cheeses from across Canada.

• Maple in the County

  phone: +1 613-393-2796
  Sugar shack shindig with maple-themed meal and live entertainment; a one-weekend Taste the County festival backed by several local maple sugar shacks.

• Music on the Mountain

  address: Lake on the Mountain
  Annual free all-day music festival in early September that draws lots of local talent. Great music, beautiful scenery, BBQ and kids' stuff.

• Terroir... A County Wine Celebration

  address: Crystal Palace, Picton fairgrounds
  Annual wine-tasting event. You must be 19 or older to drink alcohol in Ontario, and to attend the event. Held early June.

• AntiquesAntique shopping could lead you on an accidental tour of the County as dozens of shops are found in various nooks and crannies. With many shops, Bloomfield is a good starting point.

• County Markets

  phone: +1 613-393-3283
  Wellington Farmers' Market (245 Main St.) Sa 8AM-1PM, Picton Artisan Market (116 Main St.) Su 9:30AM-2:30PM.

In Bloomfield

Bloomfield is filled with small boutiques offering everything from clothing to antiques to sweets and is also a haven for artists, hosting many of the stops on the Arts Trail. Bloomfield is home to perhaps the world's funkiest bike shop, the Bloomfield Bicycle Company.

• Green Gables

  phone: +1 613-393-1494
  address: 286 Main St, Bloomfield
  Quilts, linens, lace, lamps, pictures, home fashions, collectibles, candles, cards, jewellery and accessories.

In Picton

Picton is the largest town in the County and offers many stores and boutiques. For clothing try Jimodi or Beach Bum. Popular boutiques include Gilbert & Lighthall (housewares, art, jewellery), Allison's (bed and bath, art, stationary) and Kelly's (amazing jewellery, funky knick-knacks, clothing). Picton also has grocery stores, pet stores, pharmacies, a guitar shop (Strum) and a Canadian Tire for camping supplies. Free parking available on Mary St (turn right at Bean Counter).

• Books and Company

  phone: +1 613-476-3037
  address: 289 Main St, Picton
  New and used books, music, Wi-Fi. Frequently hosts readings and other events. Miss Lily's Café adjacent (try the almond croissant!) Walking distance from quiet, shady Benson Park for those who prefer reading outdoors.

• Giant Tiger

  address: 20 Elizabeth St, Picton
  Canadian regional chain with bargain clothing, food, housewares. Popular with folks headed to the beach because it has everything needed for the day - water toys, sunscreen, snacks, towels.

• Ideal Bike

  address: 172 Main St, Picton
  Sales, rentals, repairs, accessories. Road, mountain, BMX.

On the farm

Local farms and orchards invite you to pick your own apples or strawberries in season; berries are usually ripe before Canada Day and the various types of apples are ready between August and October. Local produce is also available in the farmers' markets seasonally.

• Campbell's Orchards

  phone: +1 613-962-3751
  address: 1633 Rednersville Rd. (County Rd #3), RR1 Carrying Place
  Fall corn maze, spring and fall wagon rides, annual Easter egg hunt, apples in season, maple sugar in season. Christmas and seasonal baskets, group tours. Various pick-your-own fruits and vegetables are in season at different times from June to October.

Wine and cheese

A vibrant wine industry has sprouted from grapes planted in Prince Edward County over the course of the past decade. The official designation of DVA Prince Edward County was established in 2007, with over 40 wineries open locally.

• Black Prince Winery

  phone: +1 613-476-4888
  address: 13370 Loyalist Parkway, Picton
  Picton's only winery and a pioneer in the area, Black Prince has been making well-priced wines from local grapes for over 10 years and is a fierce supporter of the local art scene.

• Black River Cheese Factory

  phone: +1 613-476-2575
  address: 913 County Road 13, RR#2 Milford
  Local cheddar, mozzarella and speciality cheeses, seasonal baskets.

• Long Dog Vineyard & Winery

  phone: +1 613-476-4140
  address: 104 Brewers Ro, Milford
  Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Gamay grapes are planted in the vineyard. Apr/May Sep/Oct: Sa Su noon to 5PM. Jun-Aug: daily noon to 5PM.

Prince Edward County's food scene is an interesting mix of urban flair and rural simplicity.

• Taste TrailA self-guided tour of culinary hot-spots, restaurants, ice cream shops, wineries and cheese factories. Brochure includes a map and site descriptions (downloadable, or pick up a paper copy when you get into town).

Groceries

• Grocery ChainsMetro, No Frills and Sobey's in Picton are standard grocery stores offering pre-prepared meals as well as typical basic goods.

• Farmer's StandsThroughout Prince Edward County, from spring until late fall, vegetable stands offer a taste of the County with local produce and local flavour. Some offer firewood, baked goods or maple syrup. Perfect for campers looking to take a dozen ears of corn back to the site or day trippers looking for a snack on the go.

Fast food
For familiar food in a hurry Picton has a McDonald's, KFC, Subway and Tim Horton's. All are on Main St. Subway has a patio that is popular in the summer.
Pizza

• CJs

  address: 19 Elizabeth St. Picton
  CJs pizza is typical County pizza - thick, crusty and really cheesy. Great panzerotti. At lunch time, a slice and a pop can be had for $3.

• Prince Edward Pizza

  address: 130 Main Street Picton
  Similar to CJs pizza but a bit cheaper. Offers lunch time slices as well (11AM-2PM) at around $3. Rent a movie at Town and Country right next door and make a night of it!

Mid-range restaurants
These places offer casual fare at decent prices;

• Schooners Fish and Chips

  address: 72 Main St. Picton
  Great fish and chips in a casual, homey atmosphere. Eat on the patio overlooking Main Street when the weather allows. Try the clam chowder!

• Angelo's

  address: Main Street Picton
  Casual dining room, takeout and delivery. Angelo's makes classic Greek, Italian and Canadian food but is especially known for their pizza.

• The Club Café

  address: 6 Stanley Street, Bloomfield
  Healthy breakfast and lunch is made from scratch daily, year round. Giant muffins, soups and outstanding sandwiches. Free WiFi.

• Blumen Garden Bistro

  phone: +1 613-476-6841
  address: 647 Highway 49, Picton
  Closed Feb-Mar. Casual fine dining, Fabulous International in-house prepared dishes, Large garden patio, Reservation highly recommended,

Cafés

• The Bean Counter

  address: 172 Main Street Picton
  A stop on the taste trail thanks to the dozens of flavours of amazing gelato (which is handmade on site!) the Bean Counter also has great drinks and snacks. Cozy atmosphere with couches and comfy chairs as well as tables, a great place to meet friends!

• Miss Lily's

  address: 289 Main Street Picton
  Newly opened in Spring 2008, Miss Lily's is adjacent to Books and Company, a fantastic book store. The décor is chic but accessible and the prices are reasonable. Free Wi-Fi is a bonus! Get there early or all the good sandwiches might be gone as they are pre-made on site.

Pubs and lounges

• The Barley Room Pub

  phone: +1 613-476-7492
  address: Picton
  It is at "Warings Corners" and part of the hotel/restaurant/special events mecca known collectively as "The Waring House". The Barley Room is a favourite pub locals and has great food that is sophisticated but simple and affordable. Great specials and usually some live music on the weekends. They feature local ingredients in the food and offer many local wines, ciders and beers. Patio is great in the summer (screened in to prevent bugs)and can be used into the fall when the heaters are on.

• Coaches Pub and Grill

  address: 297 Main Street Picton
  Offers typical pub grub at good prices. Has three dining areas- the back patio, the bar and the front dining room. The patio is nice but overlooks a parking lot. Always busy on a Friday night, a popular local hang out.

• The Acoustic Grill

  phone: +1 613-476-2887
  address: 172 Main Street, Picton
  Offers pub grub with an upscale twist. Prices are affordable and there is almost always live music showcasing local talent. Small place but very popular and usually busy.

• Currah's Lounge

  address: 252 Main Street, Picton
  Currah's Café is popular typically busy on a weekend evening. For something slightly less formal try "The Lounge" behind the restaurant. Comfy chairs and couches, a pool table and dart board make it a mellow hang out. Offers food from the restaurant menu. Try the Olivini Tapenade!

Hotels and resorts

• Angelines Inn

  phone: +1 613-393-3301
  address: 433 Main St, Bloomfield

• Claramount Inn and Spa

  phone: +1 613-476-2709
  address: 97 Bridge Street, Picton
  Spa, heated indoor/outdoor pool, suites, full breakfast. Clara's Restaurant (open 5:30-9PM) overlooks Picton Bay.

• Huff Estates

  phone: +1 613-393-1414
  address: 2274 County Rd.1, Bloomfield
  Winery, gallery and country inn.

• Manse Boutique Inn

  address: 10 Chapel St, Picton
  Seven rooms, outdoor pool. Two-night minimum on summer weekends.

• Queen's Inn

  phone: +1 613-476-8618
  address: 145 Main St, Picton
  Eight-room boutique hotel. Two-night minimum on summer weekends. Wifi.

• Waring House

  address: 395 Sandy Hook Rd, Picton
  Restaurant, inn, conference centre, spa & cookery school. CAA/AAA discount.

Motels

• Sportsman Motel

  phone: +1 613-476-2424
  address: 12351 Loyalist Parkway, RR 4 Picton
  On Picton Bay, refrigerator in room, some units have kitchenette. No smoking, no pets. Picnic area.

Bed and breakfast

• Duck and Loon B&B

  phone: +1 613-476-8167
  address: 630 Highway 49, Picton

• Lavender Farm B&B

  phone: +1 613-399-1855
  address: 732 Closson Rd, Hillier
  Boutique open 11AM-5PM daily in high season (May-Oct), weekends only off-season, closed winter.

• Moonlight on the Lake

  phone: +1 613-399-5253
  address: 410 Huyck's Point Road, County Rd 20 Wellington
  Spa packages available at extra cost.

• Suites on the Lake

  phone: +1 613-399-1717
  address: 229 Main St, Wellington
  No pets, no kids under 12. Two night minimum on weekends.

• Thyme Again Gardens

  phone: +1 613-394-1139
  address: 403 Smokes Point Rd, Carrying Place
  Organic farm with bed-and-breakfast.

Cottages and short-term rentals

• Baycrest Lodge Marina

  phone: +1 613-476-5357
  address: Big Island, Demorestville
  Boat rental, fishing charters, marina facilities and service. Cottages and lodge.

• Cherry Lane Campground and Cottages

  phone: +1 613-476-6922
  address: 89 Sandy Lane, Cherry Valley
  BBQ, swimming pool, docking and boat launch, playground, wi-fi, cottages with kitchen, satellite TV. Linens/towels not included.

• Loyalist Farms

  phone: +1 613-476-4939
  address: 1238 County Road 17, RR 2 Milford
  Farmhouse rental (4-6 persons max). Fruits, vegetables, jams and preserves for sale.

• Sunrise Cottage Resort

  phone: +1 613-399-3914
  address: 15841 Loyalist Parkway, RR#2 Bloomfield
  Inquiries 8AM-10PM only. Cottages, boat rental, charters. wi-fi, outdoor pool.

Campgrounds

• County Shores

  phone: +1 613-476-7290
  address: 2281 CR 15, RR2 Picton
  Boat and camp trailer rental, boat storage, playground, coin-operated showers, hunting/fishing licences, store with bait, tackle, ice, coffee, groceries, farm produce, marine and RV supplies.

• Edgewater Park

  phone: +1 613-393-2831
  address: 191 Winns Drive, Picton
  Trailer park and camping resort, pontoon boat rental. May-September. No pets.

• Johnson's RV Park

  phone: +1 613-476-5285
  address: 3235 County Road 13, South Bay, RR3 Picton
  Two bedroom cottages, deck, BBQ, RV hookups, shower, laundry, docking in harbour, ice, bait, swimming, fishing.

• Lake Consecon Resort

  phone: +1 613-399-5518
  address: 5430 County Road 1, RR 2 Consecon
  RV parking and dump station. Boat docks, boat launch ramp, store, playground, outdoor pool, showers. Store with ice cream, ice, bait and firewood. Fishing boat, canoe and paddleboat rental.

• Log Cabin Point

  phone: +1 613-393-5255
  address: 146 Outlet Rd, RR1 Cherry Valley
  Motorboat, paddleboat and bicycle rental, fishing licences, campground and cabins.

• Smugglers Cove

  phone: +1 613-476-4125
  address: 3187 County Rd 13, Picton
  Serviced RV sites, showers, washrooms, bunk house, cottages, general store, playground, beach, boat launch, canoe rentals. Hall seats eighty.

• Prince Edward County Libraries

  phone: +1 613-476-5962
  address: 208 Main Street, Picton
  Wi-fi and public-use computers; branches in Picton, Wellington, Bloomfield, Milford.

• Trenton and Belleville
• Napanee
• Kingston and the Thousand Islands