10 Things to Do in February in Prince Edward County ⛄
It might be the shortest month, but there’s no shortage of events and things to do in Prince Edward County over the next 29 days. There’s something for everyone – including those who thrive when the temperature drops, and those who’d prefer to enjoy winter from afar.
Hinterland Wine Co. | Photo Credit: Daniel Vaughan
Rediscover the joys of winter at ICE BOX, taking place at Picton’s historic Macaulay Heritage Park Feb 1-2 and 8-9. Step into a magical winter wonderland filled with art, music, dancing and surprises galore. Brought to you by the same folks behind the much-loved Firelight Lantern Festival, The Department of Illumination will transform the grounds of the Museum into a festive gathering place with dancing, a parade, live music, storytelling and theatrical performances. At the centre of the event there are five ice boxes – colourful wooden huts, each transformed into an interactive art installation led by local artists in collaboration with community members of all ages. Read on for a full how to do ICE BOX PEC.
ICE BOX 2.0 happens the first two weekends of February 2020. | Photo Credit: Mile Murtanovski
Be the first to know how many more weeks of winter are in store by joining Three Dog Winery for their annual Groundhog Day Party on Feb 1. Work up an appetite snowshoeing, walking or cross-country skiing the back-40, then roast marshmallows and hot-diggity’s over the open fire (free!) Enjoy wine by the glass and live music from local musician Chris Bonham-Carter. Head back to Three Dog Winery on Feb 29 for their First Annual Three Dog Fun Run – a running and snowshoeing biathlon in support of the County Food Hub.
Fun between the vines at Three Dog Winery. | Photo Credit: Daniel Vaughan
Grab your pals and beat the winter blahs with Escape Camp Picton – a truly unique escape room experience at Camp Picton, a historic WWII air force training base. Find clues, solve puzzles and work with your team to defeat the enemy in their two espionage-themed escape rooms. Look forward to special Flashback February Escape Room Activities taking place over Family Day Weekend.
Does the smell of two-stroke cold smoke excite you? Itching for some hot laps? Embrace your inner County boy or girl and check out the Ice Oval Snowmobile Racing on February 8-9 with access via Isaiah Tubbs Resort. Catch the action and see who’ll take home the coveted Sand Dune Cup!
If you’d rather watch winter from afar, Flashback February is a largely indoor celebration of the history and heritage of Prince Edward County, and a week-long collection of workshops, talks, films, performances, trivia and more, all showcasing The County’s past. This year’s theme is “20/20: Visions From Our Past.” A full lineup of more than 22 (22!) Flashback February events can be found here and include Escape Camp Picton, Flashback Fashion, Jeremie Albino live in concert, Paint ‘n Pour Parties and so.much.more.
Keep reading for the full low-down on How to do Flashback February 2020. Be sure to catch Flashbacks! A Taste That! Comedy Show of Local Lore on Feb 22 where local celebs share stories of life in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s in Prince Edward County.
Other Family Day Weekend Events:
Join the friends of Sandbanks for their annual Family Day at the Maple Rest on Feb 17. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend the afternoon cross country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing the Dunes Beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park. Warm up with live music, homemade chili and of course, a marshmallow roast.
Tobogganing at Sandbanks Provincial Park. | Photo Credit: Robbie Garden
What do you get when you combine Winter + Vintner? Vinter Fest! From February 14 thru 17, visit participating Vinter Fest wineries for all things winter, art, food and wine. Find snowshoeing at Sugarbush Vineyard and Three Dog Winery, where there’s also live music all weekend long. At Trail Estates, it’s a waffle brunch. Closson Chase is pairing mini-lobster rolls with its Brock Chardonnay. Sandbanks is hosting a Sip & Paint Party.
Get goopy and loopy with your loved one on a Vintner & Winter Guided Tour with photojournalist Phil Norton, who promises lots of wine, chocolate and cheese on this special Valentine’s-themed County Outing.
Snowshoeing at Three Dog Winery. | Photo Credit: Daniel Vaughan
Catch local crooners, Norris & Jones, the third Thursday of each and every month at Karlo Estates Winery for live music. Enjoy $10 wine by the glass and plant-based munchies.
And if you just can’t wait for winter to be OVER and your green thumb is itching to plant, fill your well at Seedy Saturday on Feb 29, the annual community seed swap and official signal that Spring is just around the corner. Find seeds to plant this Spring, bring seeds to swap at the sharing table and find seeds and goodies from more than 30 vendors.
Local seed saver Stacey Hubbs of Edible Antiques tending seedlings at Carson’s Garden+Market. | Photo Credit: Trevor Crowe
If you’re looking for some hands on guidance, catch local guru and green thumb Carson Arthur at his Spring Gardeneing Sessions – Master Class with Carson Arthur and / or Vegetable Garden Planning.
