Make The Most Of 24 Hours In Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County has become one of Ontario’s most popular getaway destinations, and after spending a day exploring its charming towns, wineries, beaches, and local food scene, it’s easy to see why. Often referred to simply as “The County,” this region on the shores of Lake Ontario offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and small-town charm. Even if you have 24 hours in Prince Edward County, you can get a taste of this popular region of Ontario.
1 Day In Prince Edward County
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Prince Edward County, and Picton in particular, is a popular road trip destination in Ontario. While you could easily spend an entire weekend here, it’s surprisingly possible to experience many of the highlights in just one day. If you’re planning a quick escape, here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Prince Edward County.
24 Hour Prince Edward County Itinerary: Quick Reference
10:00 AM – Breakfast and explore downtown Picton
12:00 AM – Winery visits and tastings
2:00 PM – Lunch at Broken Stone Winery
Afternoon (Alternative to wine tasting) – Sandbanks Provincial Park
5:00 PM – Check into accommodations
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:30 PM – Explore Wellington
9:00 PM – Call it a night
Start Your Morning In Picton
I was coming to Prince Edward County after spending a couple of days in Kingston, so I didn’t arrive until close to 10:00 AM. This still gave me plenty of time to enjoy the Region, if only for 1 day.
If you only have one day in Prince Edward County, I recommend beginning your day in Picton, the largest community in Prince Edward County. The historic downtown is lined with beautiful 19th century buildings, independent shops, cafés, and local businesses.
Grab coffee and breakfast at one of Picton’s cozy cafés before taking a stroll through the downtown streets. I enjoyed wandering through the local boutiques and admiring the historic architecture before the crowds arrive. The slower pace here is a refreshing change from city life and immediately puts you into vacation mode.
If time allows, take a quick walk along Picton Harbour to enjoy views of the waterfront before heading to your next stop.
Visit Local Wineries
No trip to Prince Edward County would be complete without visiting at least one winery (okay may 4 🙂 ). The County has earned a reputation as one of Ontario’s premier wine regions, particularly for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
One of my favourite parts of visiting Prince Edward County was driving along the scenic country roads and discovering wineries tucked among rolling vineyards. Many wineries offer tastings, outdoor patios, delicious food, and beautiful views that make it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the vineyard landscapes alone are worth the visit. The combination of limestone-rich soil, open countryside, and lake views creates a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Ontario.
Driver’s Tip: If you’re visiting Broken Stone Winery, be sure to order their pizza for lunch
Spend the Afternoon at Sandbanks Provincial Park (alternative to wine tasting)
If you don’t want to spend the afternoon at the wineries or are travelling with children, then Sandbanks Provincial Park is the perfect alternative to spending the afternoon wine tasting.
Known for having some of the world’s largest freshwater sand dunes, Sandbanks features beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters that attract visitors from across Canada.
If you’re visiting during peak season, consider reserving your park pass in advance, as the park can reach capacity quickly.
Discover County Road Hidden Gems
One of the best parts of Prince Edward County is what you find between the major attractions.
As you drive through the County, you’ll encounter roadside farm stands, lavender fields, cider houses, antique shops, and local markets.
Don’t be afraid to take the scenic route and explore some of the quieter backroads. The landscapes are beautiful year round, particularly during summer and autumn.
Check In To Accommodations
Most of the wineries close at 5:00, which is the ideal time to check in to your accommodations. I opted to spend the night in Wellington. After visiting both Picton and Wellington, I’m glad I did. The majority of the wineries are closer to Wellington which made driving much easier. I also loved the small town vibe and beach front of Wellington.
Our accommodations, the Newsroom Suites, was located right in the middle of town. Restaurants and cafes were directly across the street and the beachfront path was less than a block away. It was the perfect location for exploring Wellington.
Driver’s Tip: If you are visiting Prince Edward County for the wineries, I recommend staying in or near Wellington. If you plan on visiting Sandbanks Park, I recommend staying in Picton. Regardless of where you stay, book your accommodations well in advance (at least several months), as accommodations book up fast.
BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
Enjoy Dinner
As evening approaches, choose a restaurant with outdoor seating and enjoy one final taste of Prince Edward County after an afternoon of sampling its wine.
Many restaurants offer patios overlooking vineyards, farmland, or the waterfront. The combination of local ingredients, excellent wine, and stunning scenery creates a dining experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the County.
After a day of wine tasting, we opted to dine right in Wellington. There are a couple of restaurants located right in town, but we decided on Midtown Brewing Company. They had a large outdoor patio which was bustling with activity, and it was directly across the street from our hotel.
Explore Wellington If You Only Have 24 Hours In Prince Edward County
After dinner, we explored the small village of Wellington, which is considered to be one of Prince Edward County’s most picturesque communities.
Wellington’s charming Main Street is filled with boutique shops, galleries, and cafés. The waterfront boardwalk offers beautiful views of Lake Ontario and made for a pleasant evening stroll. The perfect way to end a perfect day.
Grab Breakfast And Coffee At a Cute Cafe
There are two cafes on the main street in Wellington. The Creekside Cafe was right across from the hotel I was staying at, but unfortunately it didn’t open until after we left. The menu appeared to be quite extensive, serving up a full breakfast.
So before heading out, we walked a block to Rise Coffee House for our morning coffee and a scone (best scone ever!) before we hit the road to head to our next adventure.
Is 24 Hours Enough in Prince Edward County?
While a single day won’t allow you to see everything Prince Edward County has to offer, it’s certainly enough time to experience many of its highlights and wineries. With an abundance of wineries, charming towns, beaches and local cuisine, the County packs a remarkable amount of variety into a relatively small area.
Prince Edward County has a way of drawing people back with its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and endless opportunities for discovery. After my first visit, I immediately started planning a return trip. Next time, I’ll book a wine tour so I can explore more of the region’s wineries 🙂 .
If you only have 24 hours in Prince Edward County, focus on enjoying the journey rather than trying to see everything. Wander the small towns, sample local flavours, relax by the water, and embrace the slower pace that makes this destination one of Ontario’s most beloved getaways.
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🚗 Car Rentals: Ontario is so massive that’s it’s literally impossible to explore everything without a vehicle. Although I do have my own car, there have been times that I’ve rented a vehicle – especially for longer road trips. When in doubt, I’ve used Booking.com to find the best deal on rentals.
💰 Insurance: When travelling abroad, I purchase my medical insurance through Advisor Max, as well as my cancellation and trip-interruption insurance. Advisor Max is also the ideal company for visitors to Ontario, or any part of Canada, to purchase their travel insurance.
SAVE 24 HOURS IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
