Prince Edward Vacation Rentals

Located on the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is a idyllic enclave of natural beauty, and boasts a rich history and thriving arts scene. Whether you're seeking bed and breakfast accommodation, or a self-contained house overlooking Picton Harbour, Prince Edward County vacation rentals will be your perfect home-away-from-home when you explore this delightful region.

Explore Prince Edward County's Cultural Scene: Arts Trails and Local History

Prince Edward County is an art lover’s paradise, with numerous galleries and studios scattered throughout its towns and villages. The Oeno Gallery, at Huff Estates Winery, hosts an outstanding selection of work in various media, as well as a unique four-acre sculpture garden. Adventurous visitors can also drive or cycle Prince Edward County’s Arts Trail and Barn Quilt Trail, stopping off at local studios to watch artisans at work or purchase a special memento.

Learn about the life of early settlers in Prince Edward County at Ameliasburgh Heritage Village. This fascinating and family-friendly complex includes a traditional log cabin, dairy, blacksmith shop, church, and general store. Located at South Bay, Mariners Park Museum is a place to learn about the county’s maritime heritage, and houses fascinating displays relating to shipbuilding, fishing, and rumrunning, as well as artifacts salvaged from local shipwrecks. Other popular destinations for history lovers are Macaulay Heritage Park, Rose House Museum, and Wellington Heritage Museum.

Water-based Fun and Carriage Rides

A Prince Edward County cottage rental is the perfect base for enjoying a family vacation. Sandbanks Provincial Park is a particularly popular destination for young families, and boasts three lovely sandy beaches: Sandbanks Beach, Dunes Beach, and Outlet Beach. In addition to swimming, youngsters of all ages will enjoy beachcombing, canoeing, snorkelling, and playing in the sand. There's also a playground and plenty of space for picnics.

More outdoor action can be enjoyed at the Westlake Willy Waterpark, which features gigantic, kid-friendly inflatable play equipment such as slides, trampolines, climbing towers, and obstacle courses. For an extra charge, you can also hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pontoon boats. Away from the beach, families can participate in an assortment of fun excursions at various locations, including wagon rides, horsedrawn carriage tours, and even haunted tours. During winter, sleigh rides are also available.

Best Excursions in Prince Edward County: Cycling and Pontoon Tours

Situated just a kilometre or two out of Picton, Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is an attractive destination for visitors of all ages. Lovers of all things quaint and quirky will enjoy Birdhouse City, a collection of over 100 exquisitely handcrafted birdhouses, most of which are miniature reproductions of historic local buildings. Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area also offers several great walking tracks, ranging from short, easy strolls to more challenging hikes on the escarpment. Other attractions include picnic areas, birdwatching opportunities, and trails suitable for off-road bikers and cross-country skiers.

With its gentle rolling hills, picturesque villages, and stunning views of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is ideal for a cycling getaway. If you haven't brought your own bike, they're available for hire at several locations on the island. A pontoon tour of sheltered Picton Harbour is also highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers. These unique guided tours take visitors to areas that are inaccessible by road, providing a special insight into the county's natural environment.

Music Festivals, Markets, and Traditional Fairground Fun

Taking place on the first weekend after Labour Day, Picton Fair is one of Prince Edward County's biggest and best annual festivals. With horse events, livestock shows, tractor pulls, and loads of fairground rides, it's a firm favourite with kids. For other wholesome family fun, be sure to check out the Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest, which is held every October in Wellington. This quirky community event features plenty of fun activities such as the legendary Pumpkinfest Parade, pumpkin weigh-in competition, market stalls, and live entertainment.

Prince Edward County is also the venue for several outstanding music festivals throughout the year, including the PEC Fest rock and blues festival held in Picton in June, and Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, which takes place in August. Other popular annual events that are held are the Prince Edward County Lavender Festival, Sandfest, PEC Yoga Festival, and the local Canada Day celebrations. Shopping enthusiasts should also check out the local produce and artisan wares that are purveyed on Saturday mornings, from May until October, at the Wellington Farmers' Market in the United Church parking lot.

Frequently Asked Questions