Ottawa is waking up, and so is the urge to get out of town — and if you haven't made a pilgrimage to Prince Edward County yet, spring 2026 is your sign to finally go.
Known affectionately as "The County" among Ontario road-trippers, Prince Edward County sits about two hours west of Ottawa along the north shore of Lake Ontario, and it has quietly evolved into one of the most compelling weekend destinations in the province. This spring, it's hitting its stride like never before.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Go
Prince Edward County has always been a slow-burn kind of place — the kind you discover once and then can't stop thinking about. But 2026 feels different. A new wave of boutique accommodations, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisan producers has given the region a fresh energy that sits perfectly alongside its timeless shoreline charm.
For Ottawans who've spent the past few winters dreaming of somewhere prettier, The County delivers on every front: rolling vineyards, sandstone cliffs at Sandbanks Provincial Park, heritage downtowns in Picton and Wellington, and a food scene that punches well above its weight.
Stay: Boutique and Beyond
Gone are the days when your only option was a highway motel. The County now offers everything from converted century farmhouses to design-forward inns and glamping setups tucked into the trees. Booking a couple of nights here rather than just a day trip is the move — mornings in The County, with fog lifting off the bay and coffee on a porch, are genuinely restorative in a way that's hard to replicate back in the city.
Eat and Drink Your Way Through It
The County's wine scene has matured significantly, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from local producers winning national attention. But it's the food ecosystem that might surprise first-timers: think hyper-local menus driven by what's in season, cheesemakers, oyster bars, and bakeries that draw weekend lineups before 9am.
For Ottawa foodies used to Hintonburg or the ByWard Market, The County feels like a natural extension — just with better parking and fewer condos under construction.
Creative Culture at Every Turn
Beyond the food and wine, The County has built a genuine arts identity. Galleries, artisan studios, and live music venues dot the main streets of Picton and Wellington. It's the kind of place where you stumble into a textile artist's studio between wine tastings and walk out having bought a wall hanging you didn't know you needed.
Several Ottawa-area artists have even set up summer residencies here in recent years, drawn by the light, the landscape, and the creative community.
Getting There from Ottawa
It's an easy two-hour drive — hop on the 416 South to the 401 West, exit near Belleville, and you're practically there. Perfect for a Friday afternoon departure or a Saturday morning start. No flights, no complicated logistics — just an open road and a long weekend waiting.
As spring finally loosens its grip on Eastern Ontario, a County road trip is one of the best things Ottawa residents can do for themselves right now.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
