Ottawa's Favourite Road Trip Just Got Even Better
Ottawa locals have long known that some of Ontario's best weekend escapes are just a few hours down the highway — and Prince Edward County keeps proving why it's worth the drive. Nestled on a limestone peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario, roughly halfway between Ottawa and Toronto, "The County" has quietly transformed into one of Canada's most beloved artsy, wine-forward destinations.
The drive from Ottawa clocks in at about two and a half hours via Highway 7 and 15, making it a very doable Friday-to-Sunday getaway. And once you arrive, it's clear the journey is absolutely worth it.
Wine Country Worth the Drive
Prince Edward County now boasts over 40 wineries, many of them perched on rolling farmland with sweeping views of the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. The region's unique limestone-rich soil produces cool-climate varietals that have earned serious recognition — Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are particularly celebrated here.
Some of the most beloved stops include Norman Hardie Winery, Huff Estates, and Trail Estate. Many offer tasting rooms, outdoor patios, and locally sourced food to pair with their bottles. Visiting in summer or fall means you'll often catch live music drifting across the vineyard.
An Arts Scene That Punches Above Its Weight
Beyond the vines, The County has cultivated a thriving creative community. Picton, the county seat, is lined with independent galleries, ceramic studios, vintage shops, and café-bookstores that would feel at home in any major city.
The area regularly draws artists and makers who've swapped city life for the slower rhythm of rural Ontario. Events like the County's art walks and studio tours give visitors a peek behind the curtain at the local creative scene — a perfect counterpoint to a wine-country afternoon.
Lakefront Fun for Every Season
Sandbanks Provincial Park is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation here, featuring some of the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world and wide, swimmable beaches on Lake Ontario. In summer, the park fills up fast — booking ahead is essential, especially for Ottawa families making it a camping trip.
Beyond Sandbanks, kayaking the bay, cycling the county's quiet back roads, and hiking along the shoreline keep active visitors busy from spring through fall. Winter visits offer a quieter, more intimate version of the same landscape, with cozy winery visits and uncrowded country roads.
How to Plan Your Ottawa Getaway
If you're driving from Ottawa, give yourself a full weekend — there's simply too much to cram into a day. Accommodations range from boutique hotels in Picton to farm stays and lakefront cottages scattered across the county. Booking well in advance for summer and long weekends is strongly recommended, as The County's popularity has surged in recent years.
For Ottawans craving a change of scenery without a long journey, Prince Edward County delivers something that's hard to find closer to home: big-city quality in a genuinely unhurried, small-town setting.
