Are you planning a getaway to The County in 2022? Got your heart set on a visit full of wine, sand dunes and farm-to-table feasts? We’re looking forward to welcoming you and we want you to have a great visit.  And a little advance planning will go a long way. That’s why we’ve made the visitor checklist.

While all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and summer travel is back on, we continue to advise visitors to travel safely and with respect for the local community in mind. Following the checklist below will help you get to a relaxing, stress-free vacation in whatever way the global pandemic allows.

✔️ Like, follow and subscribe to Visit The County’s channels for planning tips, travel alerts and info on what’s new.

✔️ Plan to stay awhile. There’s too much to explore in a day!
Day trips can be hectic and disappointing when visiting a popular destination like The County as pandemic restrictions and wait times can cause delays. Stay over and go slow!

✔️ Book your accommodations in advance. Last minute availability is rare in The County.
Book your stay now if you have your heart set on a visit in 2022. Many accommodations are booking into fall and winter already.

✔️ Make reservations wherever possible. Spontaneity is fun, but we don’t want you to be disappointed.
A planned vacation is a stress-free vacation! Book dinner reservations, experiences, tastings and tours to ensure you get to do what you want. Explore our blog for itinerary inspiration.

✔️ The Provincial Parks beaches require reservations. Don’t head to Sandbanks or North Beach without a day use vehicle permit already in hand.
Even if you have a Provincial Park season’s pass, you’ll still need to obtain a day parking pass up to five days before your planned visit to guarantee access to Sandbanks or North Beach. Read more on the Provincial Parks website. Already reserved to camp at Sandbanks? Don’t worry about booking a daily vehicle permit.

✔️ Get the app. Want to enjoy craft beer, cider, spirits or County wine? Plan your vino vacation with the PEC Wine Explorer App (which includes cider!) or skip the lines and avoid the crowds by booking a tour.
We hope that in Summer 2022 we’ll be back to more “normal” operations, but it’s worth keeping in mind that some craft beverage tasting rooms are by-appointment-only and some are only operating as bottle shops right now. 

✔️ Engage on social. Once you’ve made your County bucket list, be sure to follow those businesses on social media (Instagram is likely your best bet)!
This is where businesses will post any last minute changes to operations that may affect your itinerary. If the last two years have taught us anything it’s that life is unpredictable!

✔️ Come when it’s quieter: midweek, Spring, Fall and Winter offer an escape from the crowds.
If you can, avoid the summer weekends and come when there’s more time and space for you to escape, relax and unwind!

✔️ Explore beyond the beach. Find a quiet corner of The County or a hidden gem when you get off the beaten path.
There is so much more to The County than Sandbanks.

✔️ Plan to visit responsibly. COVID-19 precautions have lessened, but are still worth keeping in mind in 2022.

Stick with your group, wear a mask if you want to, and stay home if you’re feeling sick.