Reserve Now, Relax Later
reservation res·er·va·tion/rezərˈvāSH(ə)n/noun: an arrangement whereby something, especially a seat or room, is booked or reserved for a particular person
All indications point to a busy summer 2022 in Prince Edward County. Even though things are returning to some sense of normal, it is still essential to pre-plan your visit.
While capacity limits are back up and most COVID-19 restrictions have been removed, reservations remain a good idea wherever possible. The County is a buzzing place, and not just because of the local bees!
Call ahead
While we do our best to keep on top of opening hours, it continues to be best to check in with businesses themselvesCheck social media posts, or direct message, email or call to make sure that your destination is open and check whether a reservation is needed.
RELATED: Insider tips for a summer County holiday
Make a dinner reservation
Don’t wait to be hungry before you find a place to eat. If you’ve booked a place to stay this summer, start locking in your dining reservations. You can try OpenTable or calling/messaging restaurants directly with your dates. Some restos take reservations only, while others first-come first-served. Even if planning for a meal of takeout or curbside pick, call ahead – many restaurants sell out early, especially on weekends. Lack of planning may result in unnecessary hangry. (Also, see our map of picnic areas, in case dining out means literally eating outside.)
That’s a 1969 Cadillac right there!
Book a Tour
Make a reservation for a Vintage Car Wine Tour! Join Sam Grosso for a bespoke wine tour in the vintage car of your dreams. The former owner of Toronto’s Cadillac Lounge has found a new calling and will take you on a 4-winery tour in a beautiful automobile from his fleet of vintage cars. Bring your fave playlist and rock the tunes in chauffeured style! For more tour options – including horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, luxury vehicles or taxis – click through to our blog on tours.
Or have County vintages come to you. Sommelier Jay Whiteley will arrive at your door with everything needed to take you on a private wine tasting adventure in the comfort of your holiday home. He’ll lead you through a 90-minute tasting of six of The County’s finest wines and share the stories behind the wines and the history of winemaking in The County.
Book Some Beach Time
If you’ve booked a stay here, you’ll need to plan your days because attractions, including Provincial Parks and Conservation Areas, are expected to continue to be hot spots throughout the summer. Book a day-use permit for Sandbanks or North Beach Provincial Parks. This can be done up to five days in advance of your trip, and guarantees entry. (On a hot, sunny weekend in July, August or September, don’t even consider heading to Sandbanks or North Beach without a permit in hand! The beach closes when full and every season, thousands of vehicles are turned away.)
Please note that for the 2022 summer season, entry to the Wellington Rotary Beach will be $10 per person, 7 days a week in July and August. Entry to Little Bluff Conservation Area comes with a $15 parking fee that can be paid at the gate or through Pay by Phone. Free entry at Wellington Rotary Beach returns September 30th and parking at Little Bluff returns to standard rates after Labour Day Weekend.
During peak summer months, beaches and outdoor spaces are especially busy and thousands of unprepared visitors are turned away every day. Do not head to the beach without a reservation (where possible) and checking these channels in advance:
- Sandbanks and North Beach – Check SandbanksPP on Twitter
- Wellington Rotary Beach – Check Prince Edward County on Twitter or Facebook
- Little Bluff and other Conservation Areas – Check Quinte Conservation for closures and other information.
RELATED: 2022 Visitor Checklist
Experience The County
Get to know The County on a deeper level by spending time with farmers, foragers and artists who are keen to share their love of land and local.
The Bloomin’ Welly Alpaca Trekk shows guests what they wouldn’t normally see on a farm tour, encouraging visitors to connect with the land and the animals and see how they work together. There’ll be plenty of time to spend with the alpacas, and guests will also be encouraged to keep a keen eye for how Noble Beast Farms works to create a welcoming environment to native flora and fauna, and give back to the land.
Bees and Blooms, offered by the Curious Goat General Store, lets guests see the world through a bee’s eyes, highlighting how the hive works together and pollinates the plants that put food on our tables. Guests will taste honey collected through the season, make their own bee balm, and plant or harvest from The People’s Garden, depending on the season. Guests have the option of adding a County-proud charcuterie-forward brunch.
Equine Soul Session invites guests to slow down at Heal with Horses, a non-profit therapeutic centre. Guests will walk back to a clearing in the woods, where they’ll be introduced to tree meditation and horse activities, including delivering a massage to the horses using special grooming gloves and special techniques. This is a powerful experience, surrounded by these huge but gentle beasts! This is about horse encounters, country food and quiet walks.
PAUSE at Melt Studio Gallery. Pause starts with the Japanese tradition of shin-rin yoku or forest bathing. You’ll be led on a meditative nature walk by a local herbalist who will help you to connect to nature, identifying local plants, and teaching you about their medicinal and healing properties. The idea is that you will feel a sense of calm and clarity that will inspire a piece of art that you create yourself. After your nature walk, you will then return to Melt studio, where you will compose a collage encaustic painting under the guidance of Susan Wallis, an experienced encaustic artist. You’ll create an original art piece using items collected during your walk.
Courtesy @ComedyCountryFestival
See a Show and Take in Some Tunes
Entertainment is back in The County! There are shows galore planned for this year, from live music and comedy to the Festival Players’ chockablock season. Check out our event listing for a full round-up of reservable activities for your visit.
Go for a Float
See the sights of Picton Harbour with Captain Larry or Captain Mike at Picton Harbour Pontoon Boat Tours. There are plenty of sailing and charter options available if you’re aiming to get on the water. Check out our blog on ways to go beyond the beach.
For kayaking and canoeing, make a reservation with Cabin Fever Kayaks or PEC Kayaks and refer to our blog on where to canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard for where to get on the water.
Ready to ride. Photo credit Diamond J Ranch
Ride a Horse
Book a trail ride with Diamond J Ranch. Enjoy a scenic mountain ride through fields and woods overlooking Picton Bay. They cater to families and groups, and inexperienced riders are welcome. Pony rides are available for the little ones. Farm tours can also be booked at Lamb’s Quarters Farm in Picton and Campbell’s Orchards on the shores of the Bay of Quinte.
Tee up a wine tour
Hoping to set up a tasting tour of County wineries or cideries? Download the new Wine Explorer app from the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association. The app can match your personal wine preferences with bottles on offer at local wineries. It also includes detailed profiles, as well as lists of unique – and bookable! – wine activities and elevated tastings. Discover which wineries will welcome your dog.
A successful escape in a historic air force base | Photo courtesy of Escape Camp Picton.
Escape Camp Picton
If you truly want to escape, we’ve got you covered! Escape Camp Picton, located at The County’s authentic WWII era gunnery training school, is launching an outdoor escape room in 2021, plus two indoor escapes for you and your bubble. This unique escape room takes inspiration from its location – blending heritage, history and an unforgettable game experience.
Looking for more ideas? We have lots of trip planning information here.
By Sue Hierlihy (Updated April 2022)
