Prince Edward County (PEC) Guide
We encourage you to check with the individual businesses regarding times of operation, as some businesses are closed or operate at a limited capacity during the winter. The County is massive, and this is a short list of all the incredible places and businesses found here. The list will be updated regularly, so check back often. Please note: no compensation was collected for sharing about these businesses. I am simply sharing (a few) of the places that make the County special wanted to support fellow small (and not so small PEC businesses). If you are interested in being featured on this PEC Guide, please contact hello@theurbanhealer.ca
Wellington Rotary Beach
Location:
Main Street and Beach Street in Wellington
Why Visit: beach, waterfront, swimming
WHY I LOVE IT:
The "heart rock" beach!! It is a tiny beach, but there's something extra special here. You can walk on the boardwalk, sit on the bench or have a lake dip. It's simple, it's small, it's sacred. Heads up for non-locals: there is a parking fee, bring cash.
The Millenium Trail
Location:
49km trail linking Carrying Place to Picton
Why Visit: trail, running, biking, cross country skiing
WHY I LOVE IT:
I love this trail so much in all seasons! This is a great activity for you to explore whether you are a walker, runner, biker (or cross-country skier!). You choose your adventure, distance or destination.
Sand Banks Provincial Park
Location:
3004 County Rd. 12 RR#1, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0
Why Visit: swimming, hiking, sand dunes, dog friendly areas, views
WHY I LOVE IT:
Sand Banks is huge so plan your trip accordingly, it does require an Ontario Parks pass that is pre-booked (especially in the summer), There are trails, there are dog friend beaches, there are sand dunes, there is a lot to explore.
Base 31
Location:
26-343 County Road 22 Picton, ON K0K 2T0
Why Visit: jewelry, events, custom creations, DIY
WHY I LOVE IT:
This is a former WWII air training base turned into events hub. They have everything from concerts, incredible food vendors, workouts, family events and more. Check out their website directly since there is way too much to even list!
National Air Force Museum of Canada
Location:
220 RCAF Road, 8 Wing/CFB, Trenton, ON, K0K 3W0
Why Visit: jewelry, events, custom creations, DIY
WHY I LOVE IT:
Yes, I am biased since my husband is in the Air Force but I will say this is an amazing museum to visit whether you are a parent or just curious for yourself. There is of 16 acre air park with real planes, some of which you can go inside and explore. It is such an important part of our history and heritage with a fun educational proponent.
SHOPPING
Nourish the Soul Metaphysical Store
Location:
102-172 Main Street, Picton ON K0K 2T0
Why Visit: spiritual healing, energy medicine, oracle cards, crystals, candles, education, books
WHY I LOVE IT:
I will say this is my favourite spiritual store I have ever been to! I adore the ladies who work there (shout out to Debbie and Micha!), they have a great selection for any and all your energetic needs (sage, crystals, oracle cards, specialty candles, sacred items, books, gifts). They also have special events, private healing sessions and are truly a wealth of knowledge and joy.
Anice Jewelry
Location:
310 Wellington Main Street, Wellington, ON K0K 3L0 Canada
Why Visit: jewelry, events, custom creations, DIY
WHY I LOVE IT:
Firstly, the beautiful owner Brittany is an actual angel on earth. She is the definition of joy! Secondly, she has the most stunning jewelry selection regardless what your style is. She also specializes on custom pieces (my engagement ring!!!), will give an old piece new love so you can wear it again and hosts workshops so you can make your own. It's a must when visiting Wellington.
Market in Wellington on Saturdays
Location:
15786 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield, ON K0K 1G0
Why Visit: farmers market, organic produce, local meat and cheese, food vendors, gifts and specialty items, community
WHY I LOVE IT:
This is a weekly market in Wellington at the Eddie on Saturdays 9-1:30pm (times subject to change). They have over 40 local vendors including fresh food, preserves, body care, gifts and more. (There is a Picton Market too that goes down on Sundays at 2 Ross Street in Picton).
FOOD
Harry's Burger
Location:
13633 Loyalist Parkway, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
Why Visit: GF options, patio, dog-friendly, open everyday, takeout
WHY I LOVE IT:
This is *the* engagement wedding burger! Firstly, the burgers and fries are insanely good (and non-greasy). They also have a great GF bun (hard to find) and offer puppy patties. Tigresa approves this message. Extra perk: they are open "late" (late for the County, that is) 7 days a week and have dine-in and takeout. My go-to is Plain Jane, no onions, garlic aioli with pineapple (don't knock it until you try it).
La Condesa
Location:
270 Wellington Main Street, Wellington, ON K0K 3L0
Why Visit: GF options, lunch, dinner, tequilaaa!
WHY I LOVE IT:
Firstly, most of their menu is gluten-free (including the churros), they support the local food systems, and their drinks are off the charts. I am a tequila and mezcal girl through and through. This place also holds an extra special place in my heart; it is where I decided I would move to the County (perhaps after a few margaritas) and where I went for my first date with my hubby (and our first date as a married couple)—one thing I will highly recommend - LEAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT.
Bocado
Location:
252 Main Street in Picton, K0K 2T0
Why Visit: dinner, tapas style, farm to table
WHY I LOVE IT:
Listen, I have lived in Spain, and this is authentic Spanish food. Everything is seasonal, amazing for tapas-style group gatherings, and a great wine/cocktail selection. I recommend going extra hungry and being open to trying everything. They are a very popular spot, so reservations are highly recommended.
COFFEE OR SNACKS
The Bean Counter
Location:
172 Picton Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
Why Visit: matcha, GF treats/sandwiches, breakfast, lunch, patio
WHY I LOVE IT:
An amazing matcha latte, GF breakfast options, GF brownie. Excuse me, all my core needs are met! They also have takeout, a spacious indoor AND patio area plus lots of goodies like bone broth for takeaway.
The Good Place
Location:
153 Main St, Wellington, K0K 3L0
Why Visit: GF, vegan, vegetarian, open everyday, organic groceries, waste free solutions, eco-friendly
WHY I LOVE IT:
The local cute, organic, sustainable, eco-conscious vegetarian place. All towns need at least one. This is your spot whether you are craving some vegan GF treats, grabbing a smoothie or kombucha, organic groceries or sustainable beauty, cleaning or house products. They also have a to-go window so you can bring your fur child.
Citizen Frances
Location:
284 Bloomfield Main St, Bloomfield K0K 1G0
Why Visit: cafe, snacks/sandwiches
WHY I LOVE IT:
This is the cutest take-out spot for coffee, snacks and sandwiches. You will always be greeted with a smile, the lattes are perfection and they are super eco-conscious. It is also centrally located in Bloomfield, right between Wellington and Picton.
DRINKS
Kinsip Fine Spirits
Location:
66 Gilead Rd. Bloomfield, ON K0K 1G0
Why Visit: patio, distillery, tastings, silkie chickens
WHY I LOVE IT:
I do love a good gin… and if there is SILKIE CHICKENS roaming around, I am ALL in. They have a super cute patio, lots of cocktail and tasting options, a food truck for some yummy snacks and a swing to let your inner child play. Big YES energy!
Closson Chase Winery
Location:
629 Closson Road, Hillier, Ontario K0K 2J0
Why Visit: winery, tastings, daytime events, patio
WHY I LOVE IT:
The "purple barn" winery is more than a picturesque 30-acre vineyard; it offers amazing wine, great restaurants, lots of special events, and the most relaxing atmosphere. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to wine glasses, and theirs are the ones I love the most. It's all about the vibe and energy, and their experience is elevated and luxurious.
Waupoos Winery
Location:
3016 County Road 8, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0
Why Visit: winery, restaurant, cooking classes
WHY I LOVE IT:
This is your all-in-one stop - great winery, cider house across the street, incredible restaurant (the chef is such a great guy and can make many GF accommodations), a stunning winery, AND they have special events like cooking classes in the cooler months. Yes, this is where I took my husband for the cooking lessons.
Karlo Winery
Location:
561 Danforth Road, Wellington, ON, K0K 3L0
Why Visit: open everyday, wine tasting, brunch, vegan charcuterie, live entertainment
WHY I LOVE IT:
This winery is only closed three days of the year and always has special events on weekends in its speakeasy lounge—anything from boozy brunch to drag trivia! Massive bonus—they have a fully GF vegan charcuterie and often have live music and events.
Parson's Brewery
Location:
876 County Rd 49, Prince Edward County, ON, K0K 2T0
Why Visit: tapas, GF, local wine, brewery, outdoor games
WHY I LOVE IT:
I'm not a beer girl but I love this brewery (they have ciders, wine and cocktails too!). I love their menu, sitting at their family style benches with the twinkly lights and catching epic sunsets.
Stock & Row Cidery
Location:
114 Gilead Road, Bloomfield, K0K 1G0
Why Visit: GF cider, patio, tastings, outdoor games
WHY I LOVE IT:
Delicious, gluten free cider made from 100% Ontario apples with a super fun patio. This is a heck yes for those cider lovers; sipping as you are surrounded by the orchards. They usually have special events and outdoor games for those who are still a child at heart (with grown up drinks!).
Midtown Brewing Co
Location:
266 Wellington Main St, Wellington, ON K0K 3L0
Why Visit: lunch, dinner, patio, brewery, local wine
WHY I LOVE IT:
This is our go-to for drinks on the patio or grabbing some pub food. The patio catches the most sun, so you can enjoy the extra Vitamin D while you fill your belly. Their pizzas look and taste great (not GF, sadly), but they do have a great burger + fries AND a seasonal menu that keeps things fresh. I am not a beer drinker (obvi), but their cider and wine selection is both local and always hits the spot. We've had many dates here - especially on those "I don't want to drive to get groceries, and there is no Uber Eats here" nights. It's spacious, has great service and is our local pub down the street and my comfort food go-to spot.
Decanter Boutique and Wine Bar
Location:
270 Wellington Main Street, Wellington, ON K0K 3L0
Why Visit: local wine (drink, learn, buy), specialty gifts, goodies for charcuterie
WHY I LOVE IT:
If you want local wine, cider, snacks or anything for a charcuterie board - go here! The co-owners are so knowledgeable and welcoming, it's a PEC must stop. You can go and buy whatever your little heart desires or sit your cute butt down and enjoy a glass of wine. I promise you will leave both more wine-educated and perhaps a little tipsy, in the best way.
STAY AWHILE (and GRAB A BITE)
The Royal
Location:
247 Picton Main Street Picton, Ontario K0K 2T0
Why Visit: brunch, lunch, dinner, cafe, cocktails, patio, boutique hotel
WHY I LOVE IT:
Ahh, The Royal. Where do I begin? It is located in the heart of Picton. It is a building dating back to 1879; it has the most spectacular customer service (I don't say this lightly, just wow. Whether you are grabbing a to-go latte, having dinner or hosting your wedding, they make sure you feel extra special for all of it). They have a cafe with a to-go option (sadly, no GF treats but their coffee is bomb - Cherry Bomb that is). There is a cocktail bar and lounge, excellent for a little break from walking or doing some work with a different view. I love their restaurant, especially in the summer to sit outside on their back patio. They have spa services including a stunning sauna and gym. Oh ya, anddd they are a hotel. If you want the royal experience ;) stay here. Why it's extra special to us? Well, I created my dating profile wine drunk with my bestie, then had my wedding reception and dinner in the SAME room I created the dating profile. A beautiful moment of the Universe being cheeky as there was a last-minute change in location for the dinner. Full circle moment that made me giggle and tear up.
*During the summer months, the Royal offers free yoga on Sundays from 10-11am. No registration required, open to all levels, kids and pets welcomed, BYOM.
The Drake Devonshire
Location:
24 Wharf St, Wellington, ON K0K 3L0
Why Visit: brunch, lunch, dinner, views, old school photobooth, boutique hotel
WHY I LOVE IT:
I've loved the Drake since my Queen West Toronto days, so naturally, I fell in love with the PEC location as well. What I didn't realize is how many times I have been to this Drake before I really even knew of Wellington. I even have a picture of me (many pictures, actually) standing in the water, thinking how incredible it would be to live here one day since this beach is so special. Funny how life works out and how the Universe is always listening! The added perks of this location are the views! You will forget you are in Ontario and feel like you are somewhere in the Caribbean. I also love the overall vibe of the building since it is ultra fun and eclectic, the food never disappoints regardless what meal you are coming for and they have an old school photo booth to snap some pics. If you are staying in the County, this is also an amazing spot to spend the night as well as the Drake Motor Inn.
The Cape
Location:
347 Picton Main Street, Picton, ON, K0K2T0
Why Visit: luxury accommodations, breakfast in bed (GF available), weddings and events
WHY I LOVE IT:
A stunning mansion built in 1863 on main street Picton. This is my favourite accommodations in the County! This space has the most grounded, divine energy! The staff go beyond to ensure you have a beautiful stay, they have the most thoughtful touches with local goodies and they have an epic (GF if needed) breakfast in bed. This place holds an extra special place in my heart since I got ready for my wedding, took our pictures here and stayed the night after the ceremony. It made our special day extra special and memorable.
Wander The Resort
Location:
15841 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield, ON K0K 1G0
Why Visit: luxury cabins, lakeview, pool/sauna day pass
WHY I LOVE IT:
This is the perfect spot to get away for a girl's trip or a little family staycation. Their luxury cabins will not disappoint. They think of all the little details to make your stay extra special, showering you with local goodies and treats. The cabins are on a lakeside property. There is a beautiful pool, barrel sauna, and they are currently building a Nordic Spa. They also have an exclusive restaurant. Gather and have day passes if you want to just pop in for the day.