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  • An Outdoorsy Weekend in Prince Edward County and Bay of Quinte
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An Outdoorsy Weekend in Prince Edward County and Bay of Quinte

This is the first of three itineraries developed in partnership with our friends at the Bay of Quinte Region.  Stay tuned for our upcoming Foodie and Wellness itineraries. 

Illustration of Laura Voskamp standing next to her lavender coloured bike.

Meet Laura

Laura Voskamp is a bike shop/cafe owner based out of Belleville (shoutout to The Brake Room), but she grew up in nearby Brighton, making her the perfect ambassador for the Bay of Quinte region. You’ll often find her cycling in BoQ and PEC while brewery hopping, fuelled by coffee, of course. This is her perfect outdoorsy weekend in PEC & BoQ.

 

A map depicting the PEC and BOQ regions, alongside all of the locations mentioned in the accompanying blog post.

 

Download The Outdoorsy Map illustrated by Kelly Panacci

 

Day One

Day One | An Afternoon in Brighton & Trenton

Lola’s Cafe | BoQ

Stopping for a coffee is the perfect way to start out your long weekend, making sure that you have the energy you need to enjoy every minute. Lola’s Café is located on the west side of Brighton, right on your route if you’re headed in from the Toronto area. This sunny spot will always have a place in my heart: it was one of my favourite haunts as a high school student! I don’t always get the chance to stop in at Lola’s now that I live in Belleville, but when I do, I always (ALWAYS) get a stack of their famous toffee shortbread cookies to take home. I’ve tried recreating these on several occasions, but there is just something magical about the ones they make at the cafe. Hot tip: make sure to bring a thermos to fill up with a warm drink to take to your next destination.

Presqu’ile Provincial Park | BoQ

Heading south out of downtown Brighton towards the lake shore, you’ll instantly feel quieted as you pass by marshes scattered with water fowl. I recommend timing your visit to coincide with golden hour at the park. It’s easy to find parking at Presqu’ile’s beaches during fall and winter afternoons, plus you can plan ahead by securing an Ontario Parks day use permit online. The park’s trails are open for hiking all year, and the 8km bike loop alongside the main road is the perfect length to get you moving on chillier days. The Lighthouse is an ideal place to stop for a spot of hot tea and dig into your stash of Lola’s shortbread cookies.

Presqu’ile is on Lake Ontario, the shoreline of which is known for incredible ice formations in certain conditions. If you hear rumours about ice volcanoes starting to crop up in the depths of winter, be sure to make a plan to visit the park! But please stay off the shore ice as this is known to be unsafe in winter – keep to the beach!

Alternate Routes

Coming into the area from the east? It’s definitely worth a stop at The Brake Room in Belleville for coffee, some delicious treats, and to pick up some cool bike accessories before your adventurous weekend. Follow that up with a walk at Potter’s Creek Conservation Area before heading to dinner. 

Tomasso’s Italian Grille | B0Q

All that fresh air is guaranteed to make you hungry! I love a good, comforting meal after spending time out in the elements, so after your afternoon walk I’d definitely head into Trenton for dinner at Tomasso’s Italian Grille before heading back to cozy up for the night. Tomasso’s is a favourite amongst Trenton locals: it’s been family-owned for generations and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Bonus: their dishes lend themselves well to take-out if you prefer to eat back at your accommodations. Keep it classic with one of Jim’s Pizzeria’s loaded pies and a Caesar salad, or try a baked pasta dish if you really want to lean into the comfort food season.

 

Day Two

Day Two – A Cross-Border Adventure

Trenton Deli & Bakery | BoQ

Make the most of your daylight hours and be sure to get up early the next morning to start exploring. Head into Trenton, where the Trenton Deli been a mainstay for close to 50 years in downtown. It’s another spot I hold near and dear: the deli was a weekly stop for my family while I was growing up. The authentic European deli moved to a larger location and opened a bakery in 2020: more to love!

It’s easy to kill a bit of time perusing their European treat section, where you’ll find snacks to throw in your bike bag for the day and more to take home and stash for later. After you’ve made your selection, sidle up to the counter for a made-to-order deli sandwich (my pick is the Dutchess!) to take along for your afternoon. You can also grab a fresh croissant for breakfast if you get here early enough! Once you’ve packed up your picnic, it’s time to head out of town for some more of that fresh, rural air.

 

Trenton Deli Sandwich in Cross Section | Laura Voskamp

The Duchess, Laura’s favourite sandwich from Trenton Deli & Bakery. Photo by Laura Voskamp.

 

Lower Trent Conservation & Trails and the Old Bank Cafe | BoQ

Just outside of Trenton is a collection of under-the-radar trails that connect the towns of Batawa, Frankford and Glen Miller. If you’re hiking, try the 1.5km Bleasdell Boulder loop. A bike will get you a bit further: you can start at the trailhead on Lock Road and follow this route up to the Old Bank Cafe in Stirling for a warm up. Pedal back down along the Trent River and stop for your sandwich on the waterfront before you get back down to the parking lot. Try this route I drew up on the Ride with GPS app if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Cycling in BOQ in Fall | Laura Voskamp

Hitting the cycling trail in Fall – it’s just as beautiful in Winter, I promise! Photo by Laura Voskamp.

Millennium Trail & Bloomfield Public House Market| PEC

If you want to squeeze in another few hours outdoors, the Millennium Trail is a perfect way to take in the County. The Trail connects with the main County artery, Loyalist Parkway, both north and east of Consecon as well as in Wellington and Bloomfield. The Trail is great for folks planning to bring fat bikes to the County, but as long as the snow isn’t too deep, most bikes with tires over 35mm will be totally comfortable riding on it.

Park in Wellington and head East toward Bloomfield on the multi-use trail. It’s fairly flat and very well-packed, so even though your round trip will be 20 kilometres, it’s a relatively easy ride and you won’t have to worry about any car traffic – though be sure to keep an ear out for snowmobiles in winter and leave room for them to safely pass. Plan your trip to stop in Bloomfield at Bloomfield Public House Market for a warm drink and a snack (check their open hours and be sure to factor in riding time) and then hop back on the trail to head back to the car.

Alternate Routes

If craft beer is what you’re craving mid-ride, you can also stop at Matron Fine Beer which is located just off the trail in Bloomfield. Grab a floofy pour and warm up next to their fire pits before hopping back on the Trail. Don’t forget to grab some cans to take home!

Midtown Brewing Company | PEC

A winter visit to Midtown Brewing Company is a standard for PEC + BoQ locals. Once your cheeks are rosy from a winter trail ride, you’ll know it’s time for an order of Midtown’s famous fries + a pint of oatmeal stout (my favourites) followed by whatever seasonal features the kitchen crew has going for the night.

 

Day Three

Day Three – An Easy Sunday

Picton Explore + Macaulay Mountain Hike | PEC

You’re guaranteed to sleep well after all that time outside yesterday, so take your time in the morning. I suggest calling ahead while you’re getting ready to order your breakfast from The Vic Drive-In in Picton: the breakfast sandwich isn’t messy, so it’s perfect for enjoying in Benson Park tucked just behind Main Street or as you walk down the street for some window-shopping. If you have the time though, the Vic is the most fun place to enjoy a dine-in experience!

 

Picton Main Street in Winter | Laura Voskamp

Picton Main Street is endlessly charming in Winter. Photo by Laura Voskamp.

 

Once you’ve scoped out all the windows and finished your sandwich, pop into the shops that strike your fancy. Head into Books & Company where you’ll find a great selection of field guides to amp up your outdoor education. And don’t miss Beacon Bike + Brew, where you can pick up some well-curated pieces to add to your cycling kit and grab another cozy drink before driving to the edge of town for a hike. Park at the bottom of Macaulay Mountain and head up! The trails wind their way up the hill (find the different trail ratings on AllTrails) and in the winter months you’ll be able to see even more of Picton from each vantage point.

Fina Vista Farms Visit | BoQ
When you’re ready to wind your way back out of the County, point yourself north west: destination, Fina Vista Farms. My 🔥 Hot Take 🔥 is that winter is the best season for so many outdoor activities, and horseback riding is one of them. You won’t have to deal with any of the annoying parts of summer trail rides, (read: bugs and humidity!) just dress in your warmest layers and cross your fingers for a light dusting of snow while you ride!

And there you have it! The perfect outdoorsy weekend in PEC & BoQ is complete!

 

Looking for more inspiration for exploring the region? Read more of our blog and check out the regional itineraries over at bayofquinte.ca. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next itinerary in this joint initiative with the Bay of Quinte.

 

Thanks to our friends at Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board and RTO9 for making these joint itineraries possible. Also thank you to local artist Kelly Panacci for providing her talent for the illustrations on this project.

 

 

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Visit The County is the DMMO for #PrinceEdwardCounty, a rural community bursting with creative talent & natural stunners.

Prince Edward County ❄️🍷🍽️🍁
❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠ ⁠ ❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠
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We're going to let you in on one of our best-kept secrets: winter in Prince Edward County. Sure, it's colder and quieter, but for us those are just added benefits that make for some unforgettable experiences. For the uninitiated that may need some convincing, so head to our blog to discover our complete bucket list for an incredible winter experience in The County.⁠
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Link in bio 👆️⁠
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Note: this bucket list might not be accomplished in a single weekend getaway, but maybe that calls for making a PEC winter getaway a tradition. Or better yet, book a longer stay to enjoy a whole week of winter fun in The County. Discover unique and luxurious accommodations on our website at visitthecounty.com/stay⁠
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🥾 Hit the Trails 🥾⁠ ⁠ There's nothing li 🥾 Hit the Trails 🥾⁠
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There's nothing like a walk in the forest after a snowfall. Luckily, Prince Edward County has lots of options to get you breathing that winter air between brunch, wine tasting, and your next indulgent County meal. ⁠
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🦉 Macaulay Mountain Conservation area is a great stop for a walk after spending the morning in Picton. With access from Macaulay Heritage Park, this @quinteconservation area has a large trail network that allows for you to customize your routes. Be sure to download a map from the Quinte Conservation website  and wear appropriate footwear as the path can be wet in places in mild weather, though with a fresh cover of snow it's a dream! If you're looking for an easier stroll or if you just want to take a look at one of The County's loveliest community arts projects, be sure to check out @birdhouse_citypec.⁠
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🌲 Sandbanks Provincial Parks really shows off in winter with six trails to choose from of varying lengths and difficulty. From snow on the beach on Dunes Trail to quiet, riverside moments on Cedar Sands, you're bound to stumble upon countless magical "are we in Narnia?" moments for your memory bank. Head to the Ontario Parks website to learn more about accessing @sandbankspp in Winter, and don't forget these crucial safety tips: ⁠
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1. Stay off the lake. Shore ice can be very precarious and it's not worth the risk. ⁠
2. Start your walk with plenty of time before dark to help ensure you get back to your car safely. ⁠
3. Dress appropriately. Winter boots. Layers. Gloves and hats. This is no place for sneakers! ⁠
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❄️ The Millennium Trail runs the length of The County and is just as much a major artery through the area in winter as it is in the warmer months. Cross country skiing, fat biking, walking, and snowmobiling are just a few ways you can enjoy this public linear park. ⁠
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Image Description: Yellow and green arrows mark a trail in Sandbanks Provincial Park during winter. The path ahead is covered in snow and lined with snow-frosted pine trees. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC
🍳 Brunch Season 🍳⁠ ⁠ When you have a day 🍳 Brunch Season 🍳⁠
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When you have a day of wintery outdoor adventures planned, there's no better way to start your day than with hearty brunch. Luckily, winter in Prince Edward County is brunch season, with many spots offering seasonal brunch menus in addition to our already popular brunch offerings. Here are some delicious brunch experiences you will want to have this winter: ⁠
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🥓 @creekside_cafe_pec won our hearts with their stunning brunch menu when they opened last summer, and the good news is that they're still at it this winter, and with new menu items to boot. Brunch starts up again this Saturday, so don't miss it! ⁠
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🛏️ Come for the weekend and stay for the brunch starting January 15 at @jacksonsfallscountryinn. Not staying at the inn? That's okay - you're invited too! Just be sure to make a reservation in advance. ⁠
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🍾 Head to @karloestates for their bubble brunch every Sunday - all-you-can-eat vegan pancakes, handcrafted sparkling wine, and a cozy barn setting - what more could you want?⁠
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🍺 Run to @parsonsbrewing to experience their seasonal brunch menu before enjoying a wintery pint by the fire and a skate on their outdoor rink (weather permitting). ⁠
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🍳 Check out the new breakfast menu at @thecountycanteen featuring deliciousness such as an epic breakfast burrito and an indulgent breakfast poutine. ⁠
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🥞 They're available all year round, but we'd be remiss not to mention the decadent brunches at @drakedevonshire, @theroyalhotelpicton, and @pictonharbourinn. ⁠
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📅 Visiting in February? Don't miss brunch @stellaseatery and @bermudapec to help lift you out of your deep winter blues. ⁠
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Image description: Patrons enjoying brunch at Creekside Cafe. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
✨ 2023 ✨⁠ ⁠ Gliding into the new year like ✨ 2023 ✨⁠
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Gliding into the new year like... ⁠
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With the holidays behind us we're looking forward to a winter filled with outdoor adventures, delicious culinary experiences, and cozy moments inside stunning accommodations. ⁠
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Have you booked your winter getaway to Prince Edward County yet? Head to visitthecounty.com today to start planning. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
⁠❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠ ⁠ #3 Gettin ⁠❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠
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#3 Getting Cozy on an Outdoor Patio⁠
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Sure, it's great snuggling up indoors next to a fire, but there's something equally as great about embracing the chill, bundling up and enjoying some locally-crafted beverages by the fire pit. Whether @gillinghambrewing or many of Prince Edward County's wineries, breweries and cideries, this is an essential part of the winter experience in The County. Bonus: it's family and pup-friendly, with space for kids to enjoy the snow and the ability for pups to join you on your County outings. ⁠
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Have you booked your winter getaway to PEC yet? Start your planning at visitthecounty.com today!⁠
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Image description: A couple smiles as they cheers with another couple @gillinghambrewing on their patio in wintertime. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC #WinterTravel
🌟 All is Bright 🌟⁠ ⁠ Happy Holidays from 🌟 All is Bright 🌟⁠
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Happy Holidays from Prince Edward County! We hope you and yours are staying safe and enjoying a beautiful time together while sipping on PEC wine, noshing on locally-produced goods, and opening County-made gifts. ⁠
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As for us? We're reflecting on another year of beautiful memories made in The County, and looking forward making more in 2023. We hope you'll join us! ⁠
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What PEC adventures do you have planned for next year? Let us know in the comments! ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #VisitPEC
⭐ Holiday Hours ⭐⁠ ⁠ Spending the holidays ⭐ Holiday Hours ⭐⁠
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Spending the holidays in PEC? Wondering what's open and closed over the holiday period? Be sure to check out our Instagram story highlight for an ever-growing round-up of 2022 holiday hours from Prince Edward County shops, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and more. ⁠
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Don't see a business mentioned in our highlight? That's great! It's very likely they are open and running as normal. But it's always best to reach out before making the trip to be sure - follow them here on Instagram, check out their hours on their website, or give them a quick call to confirm. ⁠
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🌨️ Please note these hours are subject to change, especially with the expected inclement weather, so be sure to stay tuned in if you're thinking of going out, and adjust plans if necessary. Stay safe out there! ⁠
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Image by OneLook for Visit The County⁠
Image description: An arial shot of a frozen Picton Harbour in Prince Edward County under a blanket of fresh snow with blue sky on the horizon. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠ ⁠ #2 Skating a ❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠
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#2 Skating at Parsons⁠
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One of the great things about Prince Edward County in wintertime is that there is plenty of fun to be had for the whole family, and one of these hubs for winter family fun is @parsonsbrewing, where kiddos and kiddos at heart can take to the covered rink, sip hot chocolate and make s'mores by the fire. Stick around for their delicious food menu (or come early for Sunday brunch!) and of course their extensive list of handcrafted beers. ⁠
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To have this winter experience, be sure to follow @parsonsbrewing for updates about the opening of their winter rink. This experience is of course subject to the weather! We're 🤞 for colder temps so we can enjoy the rink for as long as possible! ⁠
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Have you booked your winter getaway to PEC yet? Start your planning at visitthecounty.com today!⁠
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Image description: A boy skates on the rink on a chilly January day at Parsons, his parents looking on. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC #WinterTravel
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