You can road trip from Montreal to a storybook village with 3 sugar-sand beaches

Just a short road trip from the city, you can visit a village home to storybook streets and three white-sand beaches with gorgeous, clear blue water for a little taste of the tropics, right here in Canada.

Set in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Picton is a lively village with walkable streets, waterfront views, and a creative energy that makes it easy to explore on foot.

For those not in the know, Prince Edward County (or the County, as it’s affectionately referred to by locals) is one of Ontario’s top vacation spots, with a central location that makes it an easy weekend getaway spot from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

From Montreal, the village is about 3 hours and 45 minutes away, making it a doable weekend road trip spot.

Picton is the County’s most active hub, offering a central, well-connected base for exploration, with a balance of activity and leisure, and a storied past.

The charming downtown area offers shops, cafes, and galleries, with nature and parks nearby.

Stroll through Main Street in the heart of Picton, an area where historic architecture meets modern charm, to find boutique shops, quaint cafes, art galleries, and more.

You can spend hours here exploring the unique treasures found in each store, from handmade crafts to locally sourced products, and admiring the area’s old-world charm.

Picton also boasts a diverse dining scene, with everything from cozy bistros to fine-dining restaurants on offer.

You’ll even find one of the best seafood restaurants in the county here, The Blue Sail Seafood and Market Restaurant. The restaurant offers high-quality seafood, as well as a market where you can get fresh, in-house-smoked fish, frozen seafood, and other gourmet seafood items to enjoy at home.

The Picton Harbour Inn and The Lighthouse Restaurant is another must-visit spot. The restaurant is said to have the “best breakfast” in town, and offers the perfect place to sip a hot drink while taking in views of the water.

Picton is also the home of one of Ontario’s dreamiest provincial parks.

Set on the shores of Lake Ontario on the southern edge of Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Provincial Park feels like a tropical island getaway without the plane ticket.

The park is home to three long, sandy beaches that some say are among the best in Canada, with sugary, white sand and clear, turquoise waters like something right out of paradise. From Picton, it’s just a 15-minute drive away.

Outlet Beach, located in the East Lake sector of the park, is a great spot for families, with shallow waters. Lakeshore Beach, located in the Lakeshore day-use area off Lake Ontario, also has a gradual drop-off that’s great for swimming.

And Dunes Beach, located in the Dunes day-use area off West Lake, is where you’ll find huge barrier dune formations touted as the largest in the world.

While you’re in the County, a visit to some of the local wineries is also a must-do. The region is one of Canada’s most sought-after wine destinations, home to a unique microclimate and topography that give its wines a distinctive quality that you’ll want to try for yourself.

Visit classic spots like the Sandbanks Estate Winery or the Closson Chase Vineyards, both located just 20 minutes from town, to enjoy world-class and award-winning wines, vineyard tours, and special tastings.

With its blend of history, nature, and culture, Picton offers something for every type of visitor.

Whether you’re wandering through the town’s charming streets, trying local flavours, or spending a day in nature on the sands of a pristine beach, a visit to this underrated gem is always a good idea.

Prince Edward County website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.