Prince Edward County Attractions
The County is best explored by car, though it’s also a great place to bike once you’ve arrived. You can visit wineries and restaurants on cycling tours or map your own itinerary. In fact, most of the tours in the region, from art to wine, are self-directed. It’s in keeping with the region’s independent, off-the-beaten-path character.
On the Trail for Art (and Tastings)
In addition to food and wine pros, the County is a busy community of artists. The Arts Trail initiative equips visitors with the routes they need to discover the County’s artsy side in leisurely, self-guided treks into the PEC countryside. Follow the Arts Trail and visit art studios and galleries to see beautiful paintings, sculpture, contemporary photography, pottery, blown glass, handcrafted jewelry, and more, all made by local artisans. Eight galleries in the area represent multiple artists, as well; the Oeno (https://oenogallery.com) is particularly cutting-edge. In addition to the Arts Trail, the County has a Taste Trail of wineries, breweries, restaurants, and farm markets that thread along the same roads as the Arts Trail—making for a delightful day of art and food appreciation. Go to artstrail.ca for the latest route maps and brief listings on each destination. Once on the road, you’ll find signs identifying both the Arts and the Taste trails. Take your time; this is slow grazing and gazing.
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By Chadsey's Cairns
Run by self-described viticultural cowboys, By Chadsey’s Cairns was one of the first wineries to pop up in PEC. Back in 1999, they planted 3,000 Riesling vines in an area that can be so abused by Ontario’s cold season, even the hardiest grapes can barely survive the harsh winters. To…Wellington - Winery
Hinterland
The staff aren't as effervescent as the scrumptious bubbly, but they’re forgiven after a flute (or two) of sparkling. The repurposed dairy barn is a charming spot to sip and learn the ins and outs of the charmant method of winemaking. But if the sun is shining, it’s best to sit out…Hillier - Winery
Karlo Estates Winery
Even if you aren’t a fan of oaked wines, tastings in this circa-1805 barn will have you falling for the charms of timber. The entire place is a carpenter’s delight, from the vaulted ceiling to the live-edge bar propped up by wine barrels. Better yet, for those who do like a bit of a…Wellington - Natural Attraction
Lake on the Mountain
It’s a small, sometimes turquoise-hued lake perched 60m (197 ft.) above the great Lake Ontario—and a local legend because its source remains a mystery to this day. Surrounded by a pretty park, a popular pub, some lovely country homes, and a small inn, the lake offers a grand view… - Winery
Norman Hardie Wines
A popular spot to stop for still-bubbling pizzas fresh from the wood oven (which rival some of Toronto’s best pies) and salad made from tomatoes grown a stone’s throw from the Gamay grapes. This modern winery doesn’t lean into any of the artifice of a faux-fancy tasting room—it’s a…Wellington - Winery
Rosehall Run Vineyards
The rich clay fields that feed the vines at this 150-acre estate winery sustain the standards cold-friendly grape varietals (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) as well as some surprises, like Tempranillo. The wines of owner and winemaker Dan Sullivan wines are some of the most refined being…Wellington - Beach
Sandbanks Provincial Park
It’s a short drive to this spectacular provincial park that includes the West Lake formation, claimed to be the largest freshwater bay-mouth sand-dune system in the world. In other words: It’s an amazing beach (some say the best in Canada). The water is shallow, the sand clean, and…Picton - Winery
Stanners Vineyard
This petite winery doesn’t kowtow to the touristy side of wine tasting. The no-frills tasting room is housed in a contemporary barn that doubles as a barrel room. The Stanners family isn’t there to upsell you with wine gadgets or appeal to every Tom, Dick, and Tracy with…Hillier
