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St. Jacques
Prince Edward County
The sandy shoreline in Sandbanks Provincial Park.
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Terry Culbert
Prince Edward County
After winter's thaw, Prince Edward County opens up to a growing number of attractions and things to do.
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Linda Horn
Prince Edward County
Vintages are found in every corner of the region.
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Dwayne Brown Studio
Prince Edward County
Find your own home away from home while camping.
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Dwayne Brown Studio
Prince Edward County
Waterfront camping is available in Sandbanks Provincial Park come late April.
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Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation
Prince Edward County
Local wines can be tasted throughout the region.
By Steve Fennell
A visit to this South Eastern Ontario region in the spring means enjoying rural, scenic nature and visiting a series of attractions to kick-start your RVing season.
Prince Edward County has become a hot spot among RVers in recent years for its country touring, choice of RV parks, rural attractions, and activities all year. Come spring, after winter's thaw, The County begins to bloom – not only in its agricultural community – but in the growing number of attractions and things to do.
Located just south of Hwy 401 two hours east of Toronto and consisting of a detached peninsula surrounded by Lake Ontario, the communities of The County are easily accessed from Trenton or Belleville, and it's best to plan your destinations – as there are many.
Camping, Beaches, and Parks
Most – if not all – of the RV parks in Prince Edward County are closed during winter's chill. That doesn't mean you can't still use your RV this time of year. Places such as Sandbanks Provincial Park or the series of conservation areas offer numerous trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ice fishing, too, is a favourite pastime as many die-hard anglers can be seen on the Bay of Quinte fishing for walleye, while members of the Prince Edward County Trail Riders Snowmobile club blast along the 220 km designated trails. So, if you own a sport utility trailer – or any RV for that matter - with your sleds or gear stowed away – you will be set for winter adventure.
Come spring, the action continues with a myriad of activities and places to visit as many of the RV parks ramp up for the new season. Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the first to open for overnight camping and is very popular among RVers. Sandbanks is renowned for having the largest freshwater sandbar and dune system in the world, making it a well-known beach paradise along the shores of Lake Ontario.
The park encompasses three beaches, Outlet, Dunes, and Sandbanks. While Outlet and Dunes are the most popular with their rentals shops and series of facilities, Sandbanks is more secluded (but without the extra services). Although cooler weather still prevails in April or early May, the beaches are perfect to admire sunsets or enjoy long strolls.
A series of campgrounds are featured in the park and include Outlet (A&B), Cedars Campground, Richardson's Campground, Woodlands Campground and the new (as of 2017) West Lake Campground, which is specifically for RVs. Each offers diverse settings and range from tent-only sites to full-service, pull-through spots that can fit the largest of rigs. Some common services among all five campgrounds include showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities (except Richardson campground). Make sure to book your reservations in advance. Other Provincial Parks in the area include Lake of the Mountain and North Beach. While they are day-use only, they do provide secluded areas for picnics and family gatherings.
Many other RV park options are available in or around the county and with too many to mention, it's best to visit www.prince-edward-county.com/cat/campgroundrv-parks. The website will help you find a park that's best for your budget, your rig, and your lifestyle.
Arts, Agriculture, and More in Prince Edward County
The largest community in Prince Edward County is Picton, and with its location overlooking Picton Bay, anglers swarm to this area every year. Visit Ontario.ca to learn about the regulations and the open seasons for each species in the region. If your visit clashes with a closed season (especially in the spring), don't despair. Picton and The County offer lots of action on land, too. Its downtown area is lined with many galleries, artisan boutiques, and restaurants, while there are a series of museums and historical sites to visit.
Admire the life-size bronze statue of Canada's first Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald, that commemorates his early years of law in the community, or visit Macaulay Heritage Park, an 1850s period home and historic church that exhibits the area's history. You may also want to visit The Rose House Museum, which was built in the 1800s and owned by five generations of the Rose Family. Both are open from Victoria Day to Labour Day.
More attractions that open for Victoria Day weekend can be found in Ameliasburgh, approximately 28 km (17 miles) from Picton. There's the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village, a fascinating historic site that includes a full pioneer village that dates back to 1868. You can also travel the 20 minutes south to Wellington to visit the Wellington Heritage Museum.
One the biggest highlights practically any time of the year is Prince Edward County's deep agricultural history. Wineries, quaint restaurants, craft breweries, and market farms are more than happy to share their expertise. The best way to discover all of the flavours of The County is to drive The Taste Trail, which leads along scenic, two-lane country roads in and around Wellington, Bloomfield, Picton and beyond.
For starters, head west along the Loyalist Parkway (Hwy 33) from Picton to Bloomfield where you can visit The Waring House on Sandy Hook Rd. This 19th-century inn features period rooms and the on-site Barely Room where you taste local wines, cider, and craft beer. It's also home to Amelia's Garden where you can experience fine dining and its locally-sourced menu items.
Another popular spot in Bloomfield is Angeline's Inn and the Hubb Eatery & Lounge on Main St. Sip Premium Cider from Waupoos-based County Cider Company, or try some cool, local craft beer from Picton-based Barley Days. If you're impressed with these beverages, both (and many other) breweries offer tours of their local facilities.
Further North – via Hwy 62 – on Hwy 1, is Huff Estates Winery and Inn next to Oeno Gallery. Or, continue west (along Hwy 1) through Hillier to visit the heart of the wine country as the scenic, rural route will bring you back around to the tail end of Loyalist Parkway where you can visit and tour more than 20 wineries. Select wineries offer seasonal events and feature small eateries or retail stores.
If you appreciate the fine arts, The Prince Edward County Arts Trail follows a similar route, and it's where you can discover many artists' galleries, studios, and workshops.
Prince Edward County offers many great places to enjoy with your RV. While select businesses, attractions, and RV parks commonly open in and around Victoria Day in May, there's still plenty to discover, enjoy, and savour come spring, while getting an early jump on your 2018 travels.
Spring 2018 Events in Prince Edward County
- March 24 - 25 - Maple in the County - www.mapleinthecounty.ca
- April - Spring Countylicious - www.countylicious.com
- March 31 - April 1 - Waterfall Tours - www.prince-edward-county.com/event/waterfall-tours/
- April 19 - 21 - Prince Edward County Authors Festival - www.pecauthorfest.com
- April 28 - County POP Community Music Festival - www.countypop.com
- May 13 - Terroir Wine Celebration - www.countyterroir.ca
For more information on Prince Edward County visit www.visitpec.ca
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