Kingston Or Prince Edward County: Which Itinerary Is Better
Choosing between Kingston and Prince Edward County can be tough for travellers exploring Eastern Ontario. Both destinations offer waterfront views, rich history, and great food and drink. Having said that they deliver completely different travel experiences. The “better” choice really depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for, and whether you’re travelling as a family, couple, solo, or with a group of friends.
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When I was planning my visit to the eastern part of Ontario, I had a difficult time deciding whether to visit Kingston or Prince Edward County. Ultimately, I decided to extend my time in the area and visit both. I’m glad I decided to do that, as the areas were so different.
After spending two days walking around Kingston, I was ready for a more laid-back getaway, and Prince Edward County delivered.
In this post, I’ll set out what you can expect at each destination which I hope will help you decide whether you want to visit Kingston, Prince Edward County, or both.
Kingston: History, Culture, And City Energy
Kingston is ideal for travellers who enjoy a mix of history and urban energy. Known for its limestone architecture, historic forts, and museums, the city offers plenty to explore year-round. You’ll find lively downtown streets filled with restaurants, cafés, and waterfront patios along Lake Ontario, all of which makes it a great base for a weekend getaway.
Kingston is also a more compact, walkable city experience. You can easily tour historic sites, take a harbour cruise, or visit nearby attractions like the Kingston Penitentiary or Fort Henry without needing to drive long distances between stops.
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Prince Edward County: Wine Country And Relaxed Escapes
Prince Edward County, on the other hand, is all about slowing down. It’s best known for its wineries, farm-to-table dining, and scenic rural landscapes. Instead of city streets, you’ll find rolling vineyards, sandy beaches, and charming small towns like Picton and Wellington.
The County, as the region is known as, is perfect for road trips, wine tours, and boutique stays. It’s less about packed itineraries and more about relaxing afternoons at wineries, exploring local shops, and enjoying long meals with a view.
Driver’s Tip: If you are travelling with children or younger people who aren’t 19 years old, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Prince Edward County unless you are visiting for the beach
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Kingston v. Prince Edward County: Which One Is Better?
If you prefer history, museums, and a lively city atmosphere, Kingston is the better fit. It offers more structure, convenience, and cultural attractions in one place. Kingston is definitely the better option if you’re travelling as a family with young children.Kings
If you’re looking for a slower-paced escape focused on wine, nature, and relaxation, Prince Edward County is the clear winner. The County is a premier destination to visit for a weekend away with the girls.
Ultimately, neither destination is “better”. They just cater to different travel styles. Many visitors even choose to combine both into one trip for the best of Eastern Ontario.
You Don’t Have To Choose – Do Both!
The good news is you don’t actually have to choose between Kingston and Prince Edward County, as you can easily experience both in one trip. They are just a couple of hours apart and they’re the perfect combination of exploring and relaxing for a longer Ontario getaway.
I found that a great plan was to start with 2 days in Kingston (I wish I had planned for 3 days). Enjoy exploring the historic sites, restaurants, and the waterfront before heading west towards Prince Edward County for a more relaxed escape. I spent 24 hours in Prince Edward County and for me that was enough time. If you want to explore all of the small towns, visit numerous wineries, or spend time at Sandbanks Park, I recommend staying at least two days in the County.
By combining both destinations, you get the best of Eastern Ontario in a single trip.
Are you in the midst of planning a vacation in Ontario, Canada? Let me help you out. As a life-long resident, the following are the platforms that I generally use when I’m road tripping around my beautiful Province:
🏡 Rentals: Ontario has every style of accommodation rental imaginable, to suit every budget and travel style. For my vacation rentals, I use VRBO. This platform provides a wide variety of accommodations for every budget.
🏢 Hotels: Sometimes, I prefer to stay at a hotel, especially if I’m just staying in the area for a night or two. My go-to platform for booking hotels in Ontario is always Booking.com
🚴♀️ Activities: Ontario has so many activities to offer that it’s often difficult to choose. My favourite platform to find activities in each area of Ontario is Get Your Guide
🚗 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 KINGSTON VS. PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
