Prince Edward County has long been one of Ontario’s fave wine-country escapes, and it looks like the rest of the world is officially catching on! Condé Nast Traveler included the picturesque destination on its Best Places to Go in 2026 list, describing PEC as “a newer wine region with an old soul” and singling it out as an under-the-radar destination that’s gaining a foothold on the global travel scene.
Really, it’s not a surprise to anyone who’s spent a summer weekend hopping between PEC’s vineyards and historic communities, like Picton, Wellington and Bloomfield. The County is about a 2.5–hour drive from Toronto, and is filled with white sandy beaches, chic little restaurants and small wineries, all surrounded by gorgeous farmland and Lake Ontario shoreline.
It’s been a huge year for the region, with a wave of new restaurant and resort openings. One of the biggest is the Claramount Club: the waterfront hotel is set inside a restored Georgian estate dating back to 1906 on Picton Harbour! The property has been updated with modern amenities like an indoor pool and tennis court, and boasts guest exclusives, like countryside tours and scenic strolls along the boardwalk (so, the perfect spot for a weekend getaway). Then there’s Grant van Gameren’s Italian-inspired Rosetta restaurant. It opened on Picton’s main street this past spring, with a menu that celebrates the flavours of Prince Edward County through seafood towers, fresh pastas, oysters and grilled meats, all paired with classic cocktails.
Condé Nast Traveler name-dropped celebrated restaurants like Theia and Bocado, along with Darlings Pizza in Bloomfield, Stella’s Eatery and La Condesa, all of which it says rival anything you’ll find in major tourist centers!
Of course, food and drink are just part of the draw. Sandbanks Provincial Park is pretty hard to skip. It’s one of The County’s most famous summer stops, thanks to its sandy beaches, hiking trails and massive baymouth barrier dune formation! Pair it with a visit to Wellington or Picton for a full County day trip.
From there, head to Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park on County Rd. 7 (about a 20-minute drive from Sandbanks). The lake sits high above Lake Ontario, with scenic views toward the Bay of Quinte, Glenora Ferry and the north shore.
And then there are the wineries. Seriously, what better way to spend a warm summer day than sipping on rosé with gorgeous meadows as your backdrop? There are spots scattered across the County worth adding to your wine-country itinerary, and you can even book a wine tour to visit multiple estates without having to drive yourself.
Check out Lighthall Vineyards in Milford for its County-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine (although the really fun part is that the winery also makes its own sheep’s milk cheese on site!).
Another stop worth visiting is Huff Estates Winery. The tours include barrel tastings and inn stays (amazing, yes), but a major highlight of the winery is Oeno Gallery: the three-acre outdoor sculpture garden features 200+ works! More than 50 new pieces have been added this year, and the garden is open from dawn to dusk with free admission.
Or head east to Waupoos for The County Cider Company, Ontario’s first licensed cidery. Its outdoor restaurant pairs cider with wood-fired pizza and gorgeous views over the vineyard, orchards and Prince Edward Bay.
For something a bit more laid back (and perfect for date night), head to an old-school drive-in movie theatre in the heart of Prince Edward County. The Mustang Drive-In offers a nostalgic movie-going experience with double features shown on two giant outdoor screens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the season.
If it’s the beaches and small-town boutiques you’re after, then Wellington is another perfect spot to visit! Stay at the trendy Drake Motor Inn for a room that blends nostalgic charm with modern comfort, with retro-style exterior doors and terraces paired with bold, art-filled interiors. It’s just steps from the Drake Devonshire and Wellington’s stunning lakefront, making it the perfect place for a countryside adventure.
Then head to Base31 to check out an exhibit and perhaps a performance: the huge cultural hub sits on a former 70-acre WWII air-training base! Its Exhibition Hall houses Lancaster Bomber KB 882 and historical exhibits, while the site hosts concerts, markets and food events throughout the summer.
You can read Condé Nast Traveler’s full Best Places to Go in 2026 list here. If you’re still looking for small town travel inspo, check out these 10 underrated Ontario towns that are perfect for a summer day trip, as well as 5 of Ontario’s most unexpectedly fun bucket-list experiences to try before the end of summer!
