Picton

Referred to by locals as “the County,” Prince Edward County juts into Lake Ontario south of Belleville, serving up splendid vistas at every turn. First settled in the 1780s, the area has an island-like sense of remoteness, although increasingly more people are discovering its charms. On the scenic Bay of Quinte, Picton is the main town, with many well-preserved old buildings, a lovely harbor, a couple of good museums providing insight on the area’s unique history, and some excellent places to eat, drink and shop. Artists and artisans have been coming to the County for years, drawn by its inspiring surroundings. More recently, big-name chefs ...

Referred to by locals as “the County,” Prince Edward County juts into Lake Ontario south of Belleville, serving up splendid vistas at every turn. First settled in the 1780s, the area has an island-like sense of remoteness, although increasingly more people are discovering its charms. On the scenic Bay of Quinte, Picton is the main town, with many well-preserved old buildings, a lovely harbor, a couple of good museums providing insight on the area’s unique history, and some excellent places to eat, drink and shop. Artists and artisans have been coming to the County for years, drawn by its inspiring surroundings. More recently, big-name chefs eager to serve locally grown food and wines have been opening restaurants here. Nearby, Sandbanks Provincial Park is a gem in Ontario’s parks, and ideal for vacationing families. All told, Picton is a perfect base for discovering everything that the County has to offer. The Glenora Ferry is one of the most delightful ways to get there, and it’s free.

About the Expert

Joanna Ebbutt is the author or editor of three Insight Guides to Toronto and Canada, and coauthor of Off the Beaten Track: Western Canada. She has been writing about travel for three decades, including chasing the aurora borealis in Northern Ontario.