Explore > Ontario > Ontario Spotlight
spotlight header

Places Welcoming You

gs logo Niagara Falls KOA
Niagara Falls, Ontario
gs logo Quinte's Isle Campark
Cherry Valley, Ontario
gs logo Scott's Family RV-Park Campground
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Prince Edward County

Wine and water pair nicely in a foodie paradise

Situated on the coast of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa, Prince Edward County is a place where culinary delights blend with flavorful wines and artists’ galleries sprout like mushrooms. To top it off, the scenic shores of the lake provide plenty of sheltered harbors and golden sand dunes to explore.

This rural community boasts nearly five-hundred miles of lake shoreline, and many of the thousands of beach lovers who visit flock to Sandbanks Provincial Park to play among picturesque sand dunes. It also has the world’s largest fresh water sand bar and dune system. Here, fun and affordable adventure is at your disposal, along with a few surprises.

Dwayne Brown Studio

Summertime and…

Living is easy when it comes to the abundance of things to do in Prince Edward County. And with an ample supply of fine restaurants and welcoming wineries, the region is a hot spot for foodies and wine buffs.

You can either drive or take a bicycle along the Taste Trail and Wine Route. Here, local food favorites, most of which are farm to table, are paired with regional wines. There is also the Arts Trail, which meanders along a compelling itinerary, dotted by artists’ workshops, galleries and studios. The creative work is no doubt inspired in part by the beautiful surroundings.

Add to it all a bevy of options for shopping, entertainment, outdoor pleasures and other pursuits, and there’s no wonder that Prince Edward County is fast becoming a top-tier destination, drawing people from all over the world.

Prince Edward and the Outdoors

Golfing, cycling, boating, hiking and birding are just a few of the nature experiences in store for you at Prince Edward County. Sandbanks Provincial Park is where you’ll find plenty to do or an inviting spot to do nothing at all. The park lives up to its reputation as a place that welcomes its visitors to take on watersports, go fishing, explore its dunes or just spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch, basking in the warmth of the Ontario sun.

The scenic backdrop of surrounding crystal-blue water will sweep you away, along with miles and miles of beachfront. Sandbanks has three beaches: Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach and Dunes Beach. Add to that a fascinating mix of plants and wildlife, trails and a convenient playground.

Could there be anything better than sailing, windsurfing, boating, sailboarding, canoeing or paddle boarding on fresh lake water? Try it all on Lake Ontario. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request, and there are onsite rentals for almost anything else needed, including canoes, kayaks, surf bikes and even fishing equipment.

Ready to cast a line? East Lake and West Lake are great for largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, perch and other kinds of pan fish. Nearby is the Bay of Quinte, which has earned a reputation across North American as the best spot for catching pickerel. The eastern part of Lake Ontario is home to a variety of fish species, including Chinook salmon.

Take a hike to West Point for birdwatching. Cycling is another great way to explore the park and so, too, is hiking. Staircases will take you up the steepest of the sand dunes. The Cedar Sands Trail is an interpretive trail detailing the ecology of the park’s renowned sand dunes. There are viewing platforms overlooking the Outlet River and the Baymouth sand dune complex.

Open Invitation to Come Celebrate

Prince Edward County has a festival for just about every occasion, many of which are held in the summer. Check out Sandfest, Theatre in the Park and Lakeshore Lodge Day. An annual juried arts show highlights the work of county artists, including paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculpture and glass.

As Canada Day celebrates that nation’s birthday, Prince Edward County does the same. Which one is older? If you guessed “the County” you’re right, but did you know that Prince Edward County is 75 years older than Canada? That means the county 225 years old.

A sweet floral scent permeates the air during the Prince Edward County Lavender Festival. This two-day event, held just in time for when lavender is in full bloom, is a chance to experience not only the smell of lavender but also its taste, as it’s used in local cuisine. Live music and other attractions cap this event, among many you’ll remember following your visit to Prince Edward County.

For More Information

Prince Edward County

800-640-4717

www.prince-edward-county.com

Ontario Travel

800-668-2746

www.ontariotravel.net