Discovering Picton: A Charming Getaway in Prince Edward County

Picton, Ontario, nestled in the heart of Prince Edward County, is a delightful town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a foodie, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking a tranquil escape, Picton is the perfect weekend getaway destination. Picton’s rich history dates back to 1786 when it was founded by loyalists. The town’s heritage is evident in its well-preserved architecture and landmarks. One notable site is the Regent Theatre, an art-deco movie house that hosts a variety of plays, musicals, and art film screenings throughout the year.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Picton
When to visit the County
What to do in Picton, Ontario

Photo of a row of businesses on Main Street in downtown Picton.

View taken from a hammock. The end of the hammock is tied to a tree, with trees in the background on a blue sky day

Where to stay in Picton

Rent a campsite at Sandbanks Provincial Park
Stay at Lake on the Mountain Resort for cottage style accommodations with views of the lake
The June Motel is a renovated retro motel turned Instagram-worthy retreat with patio lounging and curated PEC vibes
Tiny Stays in Deseronto is about 20 minutes from Picton, with four unique and perfectly styled tiny homes

Airstream Airbnb in Prince Edward County with a wood porch attached to the front. The porch is covered and has string lights. The sky is lit up during sunset with pinks, blues and purples.

When to visit the County

Peak season is the summer months between June to August where many people spend the weekend or a longer staycation. Bachelorette and bachelor tours are incredibly popular during the summer in PEC so expect crowds. The Sandbanks Beach opens at 8 AM and is closed by 8:30 AM when it hits capacity for the day. Grape harvest season in September/October and there’s a county wide celebration near November. Travelling during the shoulder season (before June/after August) is a great time of year to visit the County.

Summer (June–August) is peak season, and still worth it to visit! Great for beach days and winery hopping, but expect crowds! Parking is relatively hard to find so wander in the early mornings, and find a cute patio for the afternoon.

Fall (September–October) is perfect for wine harvest, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn colors.

Spring & Shoulder Season (May or September) is a peaceful time to visit with more availability and ideal hiking weather. The beaches aren’t yet crowded, and downtown Picton is still not as busy yet.

Arrive at Sandbanks Beach early! Gates often close by 8:30 a.m. due to full capacity, and most people stay for the entire day.

What to do in Picton, Ontario

Unique Attractions

Picton is home to some quirky and unique attractions. Birdhouse City, for instance, features over 100 handcrafted birdhouses, each modeled after historic buildings and landmarks . It’s a whimsical spot close to Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area.

Sign for Birdhouse City in Picton. Birdhouse City is a 1 km2 park with 100 birdhouses that represent local and Ontario businesses and community icons.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore. Sandbanks Provincial Park, located nearby, is renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and dunes, making it a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and birdwatching. The Millennium Trail offers a scenic route for walking or biking through the county’s picturesque landscapes. Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is a quiet spot near town with scenic forested trails and picnic areas.

Beaches

There are four beaches in the County. The parking fills up so quickly in the summers so I recommend getting there first thing to get a parking spot. You can no longer park on the side of the road (it’s a very hefty fine).

Lakeshore Beach: Most popular for sunbathing and swimming.
Outlet Beach: A family-friendly option with shallow waters.
Dunes Beach: Dramatic sand dunes and peaceful surroundings.
Wellington Beach: Close to town and a great spot for sunset views.

Woman in a white button up and blue jeans standing on a beach with crashing waves in the background and a tree

Photo of people on the Sandbanks Dune beach on a bright sunny day

Local Restaurants

There are so many amazing farm-to-table restaurants, it’s hard to list them all! I’ve given a few places that I know and love, but there are many more to try. I hope you enjoy wherever you go!

Grab picnic supplies at the Agrarian Market off Lake Street in Picton and eat it at the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area down the road
Flossie’s Sandwich Parlor for the best sandwich and side of fries in Prince Edward County.
Acoustic Grill for a delicious burger and fries, with classic music
Parson’s Brewing has fantastic farm-to-table food. If you’re lucky, there might be a local farmer’s market on the property!
Slicker’s Ice Cream is a classic and the #1 place everyone recommends, for good reason! Their ice cream is made fresh daily in small batches and they have a ton of fun flavours to try. The Picton location sells cones, milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches while the Bloomfield location sells cones.

Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries

There are a few places in Picton to discover:

Parson’s Brewing
555 Brewing
Prince Eddy’s Brewing Co.
Black Prince Winery

Shopping, Art and Theatre

Support local artisans and score unique finds at:

Early Grey: Modern boutique in Picton.
Mary Street Vintage: Curated second-hand and vintage gems.
Andara Gallery & Arts on Main: Stunning art pieces and creative works.
Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Market: Open seasonally with local produce, flowers, and small-batch products.
Mustang Drive-in Movie Theater to catch a movie under the stars! Open Wednesday to Sunday in peak summer.