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  • What to Do in Winter in Prince Edward County❄️
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What to Do in Winter in Prince Edward County❄️

Let the snow show flow! | Photo Credit: George Amaro

It’s beautiful any time of year in The County, but when old man winter takes his palette of white and begins to paint in snow, the results are truly magical. Get out here and explore the snow show!

Please note that public health travel advisories and health and safety orders are changing frequently during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please consult our COVID-19 Essential Info page for the latest updates.

Article by: George Amaro + Karen Orme

Hitting the ice in Demorestville. | Photo Credit: Daniel Vaughan

 

Lace ’em up.

Let’s begin with the most iconic of Canadian winter pastimes … skating. And no, we don’t have to say ice skating … we’re Canadian … there’s only one kind.

And like most Canadians, we don’t need a rink to lace ’em up … any frozen piece of water will do, and there’s plenty of that when you’re an island. But if you want something a little more structured, we’ve got that, too.

Local Rinks

We’ve got one in Picton and another in Wellington. Both are very active at this time of year with minor hockey, figure skating, shinny and public skating. Check the schedules.

  • Prince Edward Community Centre, 375 Picton Main Street.
  • Wellington District Community Centre (Lehigh Arena), 111 Belleville Street.

Additionally, Parsons Brewing has an epic covered ice surface that opens in the new year, along with tons of space for running around in the snow and a fire pit to warm up (and have some s’mores) by.

Local Teams

Get out and cheer on our local junior hockey teams! The Wellington Dukes, Junior A Hockey Club. and Picton Pirates, Empire B Junior C Hockey Club.

Note: as of 21 December 2021 recreational facilities in Prince Edward County are closed due to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

 

Walking on safe ice at Dunes Beach. | Photo Credit: George Amaro

Hit the trails.

County Parks

You can snap on the skis and snowshoes at many of The County’s parks and conservation areas, including Sandbanks, which features 10 km of trails, and Macaulay Mountain’s 11 km of paths. The 46-km-long Millennium Trail is a fantastic place to cross country ski, snowshoe or hike – just remember that the trail is part of, and shared by, snowmobilers. Of course, you can just hike any of the trails and beaches as well.

Please DON’T walk or climb on the snow volanoes as they’re dangerous and can collapse. | Photo Credit: George Amaro

Private Trails

Three Dog Winery’s 6 km of trails are open for free on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. —  and they can even supply snowshoes for free (no ski equipment). Guided, night-time snowshoe hikes are also available. Check with them for details.

Sugarbush Vineyards, a self-proclaimed garagiste winery, has a 2.5 km snowshoe trail though their sugarbush and vineyard. Snowshoe rentals are available, and include a wine tasting, hot chocolate and cookies. They’re open most weekends – check in advance.

Snowshoeing at Sugarbush Vineyards is a fun, family affair! | Photo Courtesy: Sugarbush Vineyards

 

Campbell’s Orchards, a 50-year-old County institution, boasts several trails for hiking, skiing or snowshoeing through their orchards. They have a limited number of snowshoes you can borrow (with a piece of ID). Check beforehand to confirm availability and hours of operation.

 

Snowmobiling is a very popular – and fun – winter activity in The County. | Photo Courtesy: Karlo Estates Winery

Make tracks.

Slip on a snowsuit, hop on the sled, and over the farm fields we go … and the forests, and the trails, and the pastures. The Prince Edward County Trail Riders groom and maintain about 220 km of snowmobile trails in The County. And, if you don’t already have one, make sure you get your Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail permit before you hit the white gold.

Thrill the hill.

Anything with a slight slope will do for tobogganing, really, but if you’re looking for a somewhat more exhilarating ride, try (at your own risk) Macauley Mountain Conservation Area and the “epic” hill at Delhi Park in Picton.

Rock on.

New members are always welcome at the 100+-year-old Prince Edward Curling Club. And don’t worry if you don’t have any experience, aspiring curlers can start their hall-of-fame careers with a six-week Learn to Curl program that is very chill and fun. The club is located at 367 Main Street in the Picton Fairgrounds between the Crystal Palace and the arena. Prince Eddy’s Brewery also hosts a regular league night.

Ice fishing 101 … first, make a hole. | Photo Credit: @shelovestofish

Grab a cold one.

Walleye is the prize target at Fish Finder Charters, though perch and northern pike are also on the hook. The highly respected company, which will be celebrating their 40th season this year, rents eight insulated huts, so contact them well in advance to book.

At Merland Park Cottages, located on beautiful Picton Bay, you can rent winterized cottages, ice-fishing huts, and even your own, personal, experienced walleye fishing guide. The ice fishing season usually starts mid-January, and the huts are on the water until the end of February depending on weather conditions. Here’s some bedtime reading on what to bring ice fishing, and how to target winning walleye.

Fat bikes are a great way to explore The County in winter. | Photo Courtesy: Ideal Bike

Power the powder.

Fat bikes are a unique, and increasingly popular way to snow-trek The County’s beaches, trails, and yes, wineries and breweries. These fun and funky two-wheelers are available from Ideal Bike, and while their Wellington location is closed for the winter, they can set you up from their Belleville store. Just give them a shout and they’ll meet you in Wellington or deliver to where you’re staying in PEC.

Escape to The County to play and stay in a cozy B&B. | Photo Credit: George Amaro

Play and stay.

Prince Edward County is home to a diverse and beautiful range of overnight spaces and places. From charming and quaint hotels, motels and inns –– to eclectic and upscale B&Bs, with their ice-melting, hands-on hospitality, each is as unique as a snowflake. And best of all, you can experience them at low, off-peak-season rates, so they’re perfect for that winter wonderland escape! Check out where to stay.

 

Cozy the toesies.

Sure, fires aren’t exclusive to winter, but they’re probably a wee bit more enjoyable, because of the Cozy-Up-Factor … that’s a scientific term that measures the coziness of a fire in relation to how cold it is outside. (OK, so we made that up).

Marshmallows by the fire? Yes please at The Grange! | Photo Credit: Daniel Vaughan

Where to get fire-side comfort? Luckily, lots of places in The County have either an indoor fireplace to snuggle-up to, an outdoor bonfire to drink hot bevies around – or both. Here are just a few toasty-time treasures:  Slake Brewing (both), Drake Devonshire (both), Flame + Smith (both), Gillingham Brewing Company (outdoor) Kinsip House of Fine Spirits (outdoor), Midtown Brewing Company (both), Parsons Brewing Company (outdoor), Matron Fine Beer (outdoor),  The Grange of Prince Edward (indoor), Three Dog Winery (outdoor).

 

Escape to escape.

Escape to PEC has recently taken on a double entendre, thanks to the addition of Escape Camp Picton which operates out of a decommissioned World War II air base part of Loch-Sloy Business Park, and marries history, heritage and fun for a unique experience.

Escape Boredom

Board games and puzzles are a great way to shorten the long winter nights, and Books & Company is one of the best places to find the latest craze, or old faves. Bloomfield’s Green Gables Gifts & Greetings also has an excellent selection.

Celebrate County style.

There’s always a lot happening in The County. Be sure to check out our event listing for all of the details.

Take 10.

Here are 10 more great ways to do winter in Prince Edward County.

  1. Find warm comfort in delicious, wholesome food at any of The County’s great restaurants.
  2. Turn up the heat with some smokin’-hot live music at venues such as the Regent Theatre, Barley Room Pub, Acoustic Grill, and County Canteen to name a few.
  3. Check out a local gallery, because art knows no season.
  4. Warm up with a hot beverage … a delicious cocoa at Bean Counter Cafe, fresh-brewed coffee at Beacon, Bike + Brew, a pluck tea at Bloomfield Public House, or a mulled bevy at various wineries/cideries.
  5. Catch up on your reading … lots to choose from at Books & Company, or the local thrift shops.
  6. Take up a hobby like painting at Baxter Arts Centre, or learn to knit at Rosehaven Yarn Shop – hey, we can all use a funky, new scarf!
  7. Relax and rejuvenate at Bloomfield Beauty Co. or iFloat in The County.
  8. Hit the sauna at Wander the Resort, Lakeside Motel or at Wilfrid Boutique Farmhouse.
  9. Grab a camera and a photo tour with County Outings to immortalize all this winter beauty!
  10. Build a snowman. Make a snow angel … anywhere you please in PEC.

A magical winter sunset over Big Bay. | Photo Credit: George Amaro

 

Last Updated: 21 December 2021

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visitthecounty

Official tourism account. #PrinceEdwardCounty a rural community bursting with creative talent & natural stunners.

Prince Edward County 🍂🌾🍇🍻
🐝 Bees & Blooms 🌻⁠ ⁠ Slow down, stop and 🐝 Bees & Blooms 🌻⁠
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Slow down, stop and explore at an off-grid homestead with beekeeper Elis @curiousgoatgeneralstore. Deepen your connection with plants, pollinators, and your food, and make a balm to take home! The Bees and Blooms Adventure is kid-friendly and is perfect for private groups.! It features a snack of locally made bread and cheese, garden iced mint tea, and of course a honey tasting, or you can add on a field picnic for the full bees & "brunch" experience. ⁠
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If that sounds like a perfect outing for you, book your Bees & Blooms experience today or head to VisitPEC.ca/experience-the-county/ (links in bio) to explore other special County experiences designed to help you immerse yourself in our local art, agriculture, nature, and history.⁠
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Video by OneLook Productions.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #ExperienceTheCounty #BeesandBlooms #CuriousGoatGeneralStore
🐶 PEC Pups 🐕⁠ ⁠ Visiting PEC with your p 🐶 PEC Pups 🐕⁠
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Visiting PEC with your pup? There are plenty of pet-friendly activities that will ensure your stay is enjoyable for two and four-legged family members alike. ⁠
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🍺 Enjoy some floofy pours with your floofy friend at one of The County's breweries, like @MatronFineBeer, pictured here. You'll actually find a pup-friendly patio at every brewery in the area. ⁠
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🍷 You can also expect patios at almost all of your favourite wineries to welcome pups, and even some indoor tasting rooms, but you'll be in great company at @ThreeDogWinery and @LongDogWines, of course. ⁠
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🐶 If you want to make sure your dog gets out some of their energy before you head out for your day, take them to @TheSniffery for a sniffari! The pup-focused experience allows your dog to have an enriching solo off-leash session in a fully-enclosed area where they can run and sniff out delicious homemade dog treats. ⁠
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🥎 If your dog loves to play fetch and is happy around other dogs, then head to the dog park in Delhi Park in Picton. This large, enclosed area is big enough to be able to separate from the "pack" and even has a smaller enclosed area for small dogs and puppies. ⁠
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🐕 Go for an on-leash walk through a @QuinteConservation area like Macaulay Mountain or Massassauga Point. ⁠
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For even more pup-friendly ideas, be sure to check out our updated Pup-friendly PEC blog post (link in bio). 👆⁠
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📷 by @rockyoutofthering (shared with permission #YesVisitPEC) ⁠
Image description: Rocky, a black and white sheepadoodle, sits on the bench of a white picnic table, the yellow exterior wall of Matron Fine Beer visible behind him. He wears a red and black buffalo check bandana around his neck and there are two pints of beer on the table next to him, presumably for his pawrents. ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
🎙 Take in a Show 🎭⁠ ⁠ When visiting The 🎙 Take in a Show 🎭⁠
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When visiting The County, we recommend taking the time to book activities in advance wherever possible. One of the easiest things to do book in advance is tickets to a show! Whether you're after music, theatre, or comedy there are plenty of incredible performers ready to entertain you. Here's just some of what you can look forward to this season: ⁠
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🎶 If musicals are your thing, be sure to check out the much-anticipated @shatterboxtheatre production of @springawakeningpec. Spring Awakening is on from May 26 - 29 at Macaulay Heritage Park. ⁠
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🎤 If you're craving a concert, there are plenty to be had @theregenttheatre and @theeddiepec. From well-known acts to cool cover bands, you're bound to find something to fit your taste. ⁠
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😆 If laughter is your preferred medicine, take in the County Comedy Series @gillinghambrewing or follow @comedycountryfestival for news about their 2022 lineup and the return of #ComedyOnTheRiver. ⁠
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🎭 If you want a little bit of everything, be sure to check out @festivalplayers summer line-up, complete with comedy, theatre, dance, music, and performances by indigenous artists, there's a little something for everyone. ⁠
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To learn more about these events, book tickets in advance, and to discover even more happenings in PEC head to VisitPEC.ca/Events.⁠
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📷 Courtesy of Festival Players⁠
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Image description: A performer sits in the centre of a wooden, outdoor stage, blue lights shining down from above. Above the image in the lower right corner is a text overlay which reads "take in a show." ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
🐦 Spring Birding Festival 🐦⁠ ⁠ The annua 🐦 Spring Birding Festival 🐦⁠
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The annual Spring Birding Festival @peptbo is back and in person this year. With one weekend already under their belt, there's still much to look forward to including guided walks in Traverse Woods, webinars, banding demonstrations and more. Check out our event listing or visit peptbo.ca for more details. ⁠
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What is Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory?⁠
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PEPtBO is a volunteer-run charity committed to increasing the appreciation, knowledge, and understanding of birds by collecting data through spring and fall banding programs, a daily census, observation surveys, and research projects. It is located within the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, one of the first sites in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Protected Areas Network to protect habitat for migratory passerine birds (songbirds). It is part of the globally significant Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird Area. ⁠
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📷 by @pauljwildlife⁠
Image description: A yellow warbler grips a small branch, beak open in song. The bird and branch are in focus while the background is blurred to make its bright yellow plumage that much more bright and impressive-looking.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #PEPtBO #SpringBirdingFestival
🍓 Market Season 👩‍🌾⁠ ⁠ It's that ti 🍓 Market Season 👩‍🌾⁠
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It's that time of year again! Farmers' Market season kicks off this Saturday, May 14 with The @WellingtonFarmersMarket, Farmers' Market at The Eddie.
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Also this weekend, @PictonTownHallFarmersMarket gets started on Sunday with a fantastic selection of local growers and makers. The Picton Town Hall Farmers Market will take place every Sunday from 10am - 2pm through October 15th. It's the perfect first stop before a Sunday Stroll on Picton Main Street. ⁠
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Next weekend, you'll have even more markets to choose from! The new @WellingtonCommunityMarket hosts its first market at the new proprietors at Wellington United Church. This not-for-profit market will feature a wide variety of food and artisan products every Saturday from 9am - 1pm through Thanksgiving Weekend. ⁠
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Image credits & descriptions: ⁠
1 / The red barn at The Eddie surrounded by early spring flowers, the location of The Wellington Farmer's Market on May 14. Image courtesy of The Eddie Hotel & Farm.⁠
2 / The @paper.kitefarm market stall at Picton Town Hall. Image Courtesy of Picton Town Hall Farmers Market⁠
3 / Market in full swing at the Wellington United Church, the location of the new Wellington Community Market. Image by Johnny CY Lam. ⁠
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🌊 Book in Advance ⛱⁠ ⁠ Daily Vehicle Perm 🌊 Book in Advance ⛱⁠
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Daily Vehicle Permits are back at Sandbanks and North Beach @ontarioparks for 2022. If you visited last year you will be familiar with this process, but if you're visiting for the first time or need a refresher, read on. ⁠
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Daily Vehicle Permits must be booked in advance for day-use access to The County's Provincial Parks and can be booked up to 5-days in advance of your visit. Guests will be turned away at the gate if sold out, so we highly encourage you to take advantage of this service to avoid disappointment.⁠
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Fun Fact: Sandbanks was sold out approximately 60 days between mid-June and August. North Beach was sold out 30 days. ⁠
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If you are a season's pass holder you still need to book a Daily Vehicle Permit in advance, but this will be free of charge. For non-season's pass holders regular rates apply daily. They are available for booking at North Beach 5 days in advance of its opening on June 11. Daily Vehicle Permits are already available for booking at Sandbanks. ⁠
⁠
Do: ⁠
✅ Book up to 5 days in advance online at reservations.ontarioparks.com ⁠
✅  Secure a permit for each vehicle that will be visiting the park. ⁠
✅ Reserve whether you plan on visiting the beach or walking the trails. ⁠
✅ Book a Daily Vehicle Permit even if you are a season's pass holder. ⁠
✅ Explore beyond the beach. Head to VisitPEC.ca for inspiration. ⁠
⁠
Don't:⁠
❌ Visit the park without booking a Daily Vehicle Permit in advance, especially on weekends from mid-June through August. ⁠
❌ Choose to come to Sandbanks or North Beach for a spontaneous day trip. ⁠
❌ Get turned away. Book in advance. ⁠
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To reserve your Daily Vehicle permit head to reservations.ontarioparks.com and click Day Use. ⁠
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📷 Photo by Trevor Crowe⁠
Image description: Folks sit under a tree near the beach at Sandbanks at dusk. In the foreground low shrubs line a sandy path that leads toward the tree. Overlaided atop the image is an olive green rectangle and white font which reads "Book in Advance." ⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #NorthBeachPP #PlanYourVisit
🚴‍♀️ Spring Sport 🏃‍♀️⁠ ⁠ If 🚴‍♀️ Spring Sport 🏃‍♀️⁠
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If you want to add a little fitness to your PEC visit, be sure to check out these two classic spring sporting events returning to The County for the first time since 2019. ⁠
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🚴‍♀️ 7th Annual Rotary Lilac Ride 🚴‍♂️⁠
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@PictonRotary's Annual “Lilac Ride” event in memory of Jim Barkman in support of local charities takes place on May 29 this year. With three distances to choose from, these courses take riders along some of The County’s most beautiful, lilac-lined cycling routes, including Big Island, Northport and Green Point. All routes will start and finish at the Picton Community Centre Rotary Hall.⁠
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Refreshments are provided at all route checkpoints and a delicious post-ride BBQ finishes the day.⁠
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🏃‍♀️ 10th Terroir Run 🍷⁠
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The Terroir Run is a weekend-long event taking place May 27-29. The  main event is on May 28th, a 10K fun run (costumes encouraged!) through PEC's wine country, followed by an epic lunch @theoldthird. Runners are invited to attend a pre-run 4-course tasting meal @parsonsbrewing and a post-run Sunday brunch @karloestates, followed by a trash-bash walk at Sandbanks. $5 from each meal goes to support local charity @rocpec.⁠
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Image Description: Lilacs in the vineyard in the spring rain. ⁠
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Photo by Terry Culbert.⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #TerroirRunPEC #LilacRide
🌟 Fresh Finds 🌟⁠ ⁠ Wondering what's new 🌟 Fresh Finds 🌟⁠
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Wondering what's new in the County this year? We've rounded up all of the newest eats, arts, shops, stays, markets, and more in our latest blog. Some old favourites are changing things up this year or have returned after a two-year hiatus, so we've listed those here too. ⁠
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Check out the link in our bio to discover the freshest finds in PEC and start planning your 2022 visit. ⁠
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Featuring: ⁠
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@theroyalhotelpicton⁠
@lusobites⁠
@creekside_cafe_pec⁠
@art.wagon_pec⁠
@thesniffery⁠
@thecuttingfactory⁠
@the_community_store⁠
@ahbohdhomestore⁠
@aniceinthecounty⁠
@stellascollectionpec⁠
@mirazule_pec⁠
@wellingtoncommunitymarket⁠
@amandasvineyards⁠
@stillus_craft_spirits ⁠
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and so much more!⁠
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📍 The Royal Hotel⁠
📷 by Samantha Porter⁠
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#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
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