Ontario has a region full of adorable small towns & vineyards to explore

Autumn is the best time of year to explore, and if you haven’t been out to Prince Edward County yet, this is your sign to visit this season! Since this area is generally busy during warmer months, fall is a chance to experience all the beauty that this region has to offer, only without the crowds.

There is so much to see, do, and experience in PEC. We’ll give you the highlights and let you choose your own adventure! This region may be known for its wineries — and don’t worry, we’ll get there — but there’s so much more that makes this area special.

The lush country scenery and 800 km of glistening shoreline will provide the backdrop as you stop at all the sights along the way.

In Prince Edward County, there are thee main historic towns to visit — Wellington, Bloomfield, and Picton. These towns are not too far apart and are easy to navigate. Each of them boasts a vibrant main street with artisan shops, boutiques, restaurants, inns, and cafes.

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If you’re after a more down-to-earth experience, there are plenty of antique stores and authentic farmers’ markets to check out, like the Hagerman Farms seasonal farm stand, which has farm-fresh produce and treats with adorable animals on site.

On a sunny day, you will be tempted to visit Sandbanks Provincial Park, home to pristine white sand dunes, inviting blue water, and hiking trails.

The “bounty of the County” is a saying for a reason — the food and drinks are top-notch.

For those looking for overnight stays, Wellington is home to two Drake Hotel Properties, one of which was just recognized by Condé Nast Traveller UK making its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. For a cute & quirky experience, The Drake Motor Inn is right in the centre of Wellington, and offers spacious rooms, self check-in, and is down the street from the award winning Drake Devonshire.

The Drake Devonshire, which placed 18th in the Readers’ Choice Awards, is a perfect getaway right on the lake, and has a beautiful restaurant on site that offers brunch and dinner.

Speaking of food, as mentions the County has some culinary gems to discover. And in the fall, from November 3rd to 19th this year, they host Countylicious, a must-try event for foodies. It offers set menus at local restaurants, including an epic dinner menu at the Drake Devonshire for $60.

A short drive from Wellington is the town of Bloomfield, which also has several restaurants to choose from. One favourite in the region is Flame + Smith, a sustainable restaurant that offers meals using woodfire cooking and a selection of unique cocktails.

Speaking of drinks, PEC is most famously known to most as a wine region, and you will find a huge variety of local wine-makers here where you can wander among the vineyards, sample some sips, and purchase a bottle to take home.

In Bloomfield, Huff Estates Winery offers wine tours, an Inn for overnight stays, as well as indoor & outdoor seating area is open for pizza from May to October.

And in Wellington, Rosehall Run is a beautiful vineyard, with a 150-acre farm, along with a tasting room and grocer.

Finally, if you’re looking to check out Picton, be sure to drop in at the Royal Hotel for a coffee or a meal. It’s on the town’s main stretch, which is also walkable and full of little boutiques.

If you are trying to get around between the towns, an app called Uride is available in the region now too.

So, have we convinced you to drive out to Prince Edward County this fall? It’s hard to believe that this paradise is only two hours east of Toronto!