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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! 

 

Phone

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.)

A vintage car parked in front of a winery

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 group celebrates after their reservation for an escape room at Escape Camp Picton.

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)

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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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