Weekend getaway from Toronto · #2 of 10
Prince Edward County
Ontario's laid-back island wine region: 40-plus wineries around Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington, pick-your-own farms, and the huge dunes and swimming beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Prince Edward County is the ultimate breezy getaway from Toronto - all vineyards, farm stands, and cute lakefront villages. Spend day one tasting your way through the wine loop, then hit Sandbanks' epic dunes on day two.
Getting there
This scenic route drops you straight into Wellington and Bloomfield, turning your drive into an instant road-trip wine tour.
A pinch quicker if you are heading straight to Picton - take this route home to catch some fresh views.
Day 1 - The wine loop
Charming villages, winery crawls, and farm-fresh eats- 18:30 AMDrive
Drive out the 401 to the county
Escape Toronto early and exit at Wooler Road. You will hit the Loyalist Parkway, which is the absolute prettiest way to cruise into the county.
📍 Trenton, Ontario
Tip · Start early! Tasting rooms and beach parking fill up fast on Saturdays.
- 211:00 AMSight
First stop: Wellington by the lake
Stretch your legs in this cool lakeside wine village. Grab a coffee and wander past local galleries right on the shores of Lake Ontario.
📍 Wellington, Prince Edward County
- 312:30 PMFood
Lunch in Bloomfield
This tiny, lovely strip of bakeries, cozy bistros, and antique treasures is the perfect pit stop to refuel midway through the loop.
- 41:30 PMFood
Ice cream at Slickers
Hop in line at this cult-favorite spot. You absolutely have to try their famous campfire cream ice cream - it is a total rite of passage.
📍 Slickers County Ice Cream, Bloomfield
- 52:30 PMActivity
Winery tasting at Black Prince
With over 40 wineries, start with this friendly Picton pioneer. They have been pouring great, easy-drinking local bottles for over a decade.
📍 Black Prince Winery, Picton
Tip · Pick two or three spots max so you can actually chill; the drives are short.
- 64:00 PMSight
Browse Picton's Main Street
Picton's main drag blends historic charm with hip boutiques and galleries. Grab some gourmet picnic supplies here for tomorrow's beach trip.
📍 Main Street, Picton
- 77:00 PMFood
Dinner in Picton
Enjoy dinner in the county's culinary hotspot. The chefs here work wonders with local ingredients from surrounding farms and vineyards.
Tip · Spots are cozy and fill up fast, so reserve your table well in advance.
Day 2 - Sandbanks and farm stands
Giant dunes, lazy beach hours, and farm-stand treats- 89:00 AMSight
Morning at Sandbanks' dunes
Arrive early to hike these massive freshwater sand dunes - the largest of their kind in the world - before the crowds roll in.
📍 Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County
Tip · The park sells out fast on summer weekends, so lock in your day-use vehicle permit online ahead of time.
- 911:00 AMActivity
Swim at the beach
Find your perfect spot along these gorgeous, shallow sandy shores. The water is absolutely perfect for swimming by late summer.
📍 Sandbanks Beach, Prince Edward County
- 101:00 PMFood
Picnic lunch in the park
Unpack your picnic spread at a shady table in the park, conveniently tucked just behind the sand and waves.
- 112:30 PMActivity
Pick-your-own farm stop
Stop by local farms to pick fresh strawberries or apples, or grab whatever fresh produce was harvested this morning from a roadside stand.
Tip · What is in season depends on the month: think sweet strawberries in early summer, and crisp apples in the fall.
- 124:00 PMFood
Cheese and cider for the road
Follow the Taste Trail to load up on artisan cheeses, crisp local ciders, and tasty road snacks before heading home.
- 135:00 PMDrive
Drive home via Hwy 49
Steer onto Hwy 49 for an easy, scenic loop back to the 401 and Toronto, wrapping up an amazing weekend.
📍 Picton, Ontario
Tip · Head out by mid-afternoon to beat the heavy Sunday cottage traffic back to the city.
Where to eat
Incredible small-batch scoops in Bloomfield. Yes, there is a queue, but it moves fast and is so worth it.
With dozens of spots to visit, starting at this laid-back Picton pioneer is a fun, zero-pretension introduction.
Map out a route through local cheese shops, cideries, and stands to build your ultimate afternoon picnic.
When to go
Prime beach weather! The park gets packed, so secure a permit online and head out early.
Stunning golden colors, apple picking, and grape harvest vibes - plus fewer crowds.
Fresh strawberries, newly opened tasting rooms, and peaceful village streets before the summer rush.
Super cozy, but many wineries and eateries shorten their hours, so call ahead.
Good to know
- Lock in your stays and dinner reservations early - this place gets extremely busy in the summer.
- Snag your Sandbanks day-use vehicle permit online a day in advance to secure entry.
- Pick a designated driver for your tasting tour; those country roads demand a sober navigator.
- Public transit is virtually non-existent out here, so you will definitely need a car.
