Jun 25, 2021
7 min. read
A few days in Prince Edward County only scratches the surface of what this beautiful area along Lake Ontario offers. Bring a big appetite and don’t be surprised if you want to stay forever. But before you head out, be sure to check about regional travel policies and health and safety protocols.
Explore around Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington
Start with a tour of the Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves in Belleville, a geological marvel of rock formations and fossils that date back 450 million years. After, make tracks to Parsons Brewing Company for unique pints—Rizbal Mango Lassi Sour anyone?—that pair well with nibbles from the globally inspired menu.
Enjoy a walk with an alpaca at Noble Beast Farms or learn about sheep rearing at Farm 77. Stop at the lush lavender fields of Millefleurs for that Instagram-perfect picture. Polish off the six-course chef’s tasting menu at Merrill House, a boutique hotel where you can bunk for the night.
Taste local flavours
Drench fluffy pancakes with county maple syrup at the quaint Saylor House Café for breakfast. Learn about bee colonies and sample seasonal honey at Curious Goat General Store—don’t leave without picking up some fresh honey to take home. Next, head to Black River Cheese and fill a picnic basket with award-winning local cheeses and snacks for a day at Sandbanks Provincial Park, where you can hike, swim and canoe through the marsh.
Swing by Sandbanks Estate Winery for a tasting—be sure to sample their signature Baco Noir. Visit the tasting room at The County Cider Company, which is housed in a 1840s renovated barn, to try their craft ciders made with crisp apples. Prince Edward County’s first winery, Waupoos Estate Winery, also has stunning views. What goes with wine better than cheese? Fifth Town stocks a variety of cheeses made with goat, cow and water buffalo milk.
Bike through wine country
Rent a bike at Closson Road Cycles and hit the Millennium Trail to explore wineries on the lakeside route, including Lacey Estates and Hinterland. Stop for a seasonal soda and a paper cone of chef Jamie Kennedy’s crisp, golden French fries tossed with thyme before making the trek to Terra Estate Winery with sweeping views of Consecon Lake.
After dropping off the bikes, drive south to East and Main Bistro for some hearty roast beef and mushroom pot pie. Walk off your meal with a stroll over to the Drake Devonshire for a seat on the bay-facing patio and raise a glass—of local wine, of course—to your trip around The County.
Get expert advice
Looking for more ideas in Ontario? Visit caasco.com/hiddengems or speak with a CAA Travel Consultant who can help plan your ideal trip. Visit CAA Travel or call 1-800-992-8143 to start planning.
Image credit: Tourism Prince Edward County