Road Trip From Kingston To Prince Edward County
If you’re looking for one of the easiest road trips in Ontario, let me introduce you to a short road trip from Kingston to Prince Edward County that I recently did.
At just over an hour without stops, you could easily make the trip in one go. But where’s the fun in that? I always believe the journey is just as memorable as the destination, and this route proves exactly why.
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The drive from Kingston to Prince Edward County is not the most scenic or exciting road trip in Ontario, but if you get off the highway, you’ll find charming waterfront towns, hidden beaches, local cafes and incredible views. There are plenty of opportunities to slow down and explore during this Ontario road trip.
In this blog post, I’ll share how to make the most of this short road trip, stops to make along the way, and tips to make the drive more enjoyable.
Kingston To Prince Edward County Road Trip
- Why I Love This Road Trip
- Different Ways to Get from Kingston to Prince Edward County
- Stops Along The Way
- Arriving in Prince Edward County
- Kingston to Prince Edward County Road Trip Tips
- Can You Visit Kingston and Prince Edward County In One Trip?
- Can You Visit Kingston And Prince Edward County In One Trip?
- Ontario Road Trip: Kingston To Prince Edward County
Why I Love This Road Trip
The road trip from Kingston to Prince Edward County is short (roughly 95 kilometres) but it’s like visiting two completely different worlds.
When leaving Kingston, you’re leaving behind historic buildings, beautiful waterfront views, and a lively downtown. Before long as you’ll roll into Prince Edward County, where you’re greeted by rolling farmland, vineyards, and quiet country roads.
Different Ways to Get from Kingston to Prince Edward County
The quickest route follows Highway 401 west before turning south toward Picton. The drive takes around one hour, depending on traffic.
Even though you’re travelling one of Ontario’s largest highways, there are plenty of exit ramps so you can explore areas along the way.
Glenora Ferry (Scenic Route)
If you’re not in a hurry, you can choose to take the Glenora Ferry.
The short, free ferry ride across Adolphus Reach adds something special to the journey. It gives you an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and arrive in Prince Edward County by boat. This is the most scenic way to arrive in Prince Edward County.
Once you arrive, you’re only a short drive away to Picton.
Stops Along The Way
Downtown Napanee: Napanee is about the halfway point of the road trip. It’s the ideal spot to stop to stretch your legs, take a short stroll along the river, browse the local shops, and grab a coffee before continuing toward The County.
Lennox & Addington County: One thing I’ve learned when road trippin across Ontario is not to overlook the smaller communities. This is where you’ll find quaint local bakeries and cafes, antique stores, seasonal farm stands, country markets, and scenic back roads.
The Big Apple: No road trip from Kingston to Prince Edward County is complete without a stop at The Big Apple, located just off Highway 401 in Colborne, Ontario, about 45 minutes west of Kingston. This iconic roadside attraction is impossible to miss thanks to its giant apple-shaped landmark. I always make time to grab one of their famous apple fritters before continuing my journey.
Driver’s Tip: Beyond the bakery, you’ll find a country market, mini-golf and a petting zoo. This makes The Big Apple the perfect spot to stretch your legs – especially if you’re travelling with children. Caution! It gets extremely busy on weekends and during the summer months!
Arriving in Prince Edward County
The moment you arrive in Prince Edward County, you’ll know it. There will always be another winery, another beach, another boutique, or another bakery that’s worth visiting.
Some of my favourite things to see and do once I reach Prince Edward County include Picton, which is the hub of The County and close to Sandbanks Provincial Park. Wellington is a must visit, which is the best place to stay if you plan on exploring the vineyards.
Kingston to Prince Edward County Road Trip Tips
To make the most of your road trip from Kingston to Prince Edward County, you might want to follow a few of the tips that I learned:
- Leave early so you have plenty of time for spontaneous stops.
- Keep your gas tank topped up before leaving Kingston.
- Bring a cooler if you plan on buying local wine, cheese, or fresh produce.
- Download offline maps since cell service can be spotty in some rural areas.
- Visit during weekdays if you prefer quieter wineries and fewer crowds.
- If you’re visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park in summer, reserve your day-use permit in advance.
- Don’t rush!
Can You Visit Kingston And Prince Edward County In One Trip?
You can absolutely take a road trip from Kingston to Prince Edward County in one trip, but you definitely should spend time at each destination to explore. The contrast between Kingston and Prince Edward County complement each other perfectly.
I recommend spending 2 to 3 days exploring Kingston’s historic downtown, waterfront, and attractions before driving to Prince Edward County. I recommend spending at least 24 hours in Prince Edward County to explore the wineries, beaches, and relaxing countryside. However, it is definitely possible to make your home base in one area and do a day trip to the other area.
Because the drive is only about an hour, it’s easy to enjoy both destinations without spending too much time in the car. The beauty in this is that you can easily experience two completely contrasting destinations in the same trip.
Ontario Road Trip: Kingston To Prince Edward County
From Kingston to Prince Edward County, the drive is filled with charming communities, scenic countryside, and hidden gems if you veer away from highway 401. This trip reminded me that Ontario is full of incredible places that can often be found just off the main highways.
If you’re planning your own Kingston to Prince Edward County road trip, my advice is simple: don’t rush it. Pull over when something catches your eye, chat with the locals, and enjoy every stop along the way – oh – and be sure to stop at the Big Apple!
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🏢 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
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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 FOR AN ONTARIO ROAD TRIP
