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  • Where to Canoe, Kayak or SUP in The County
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Where to Canoe, Kayak or SUP in The County

The beauty of The County can be explored in so many ways. We have hiking trails that take you through mountains or marshes. The linear Millennium Trail for biking, walking, horseback riding and more. Arts adventurers can explore the Arts Trail for galleries and studios, or al fresco art on the Barn Quilt Trail.

To see our landscape from a different angle, we invite you to bring your canoe, kayak or paddle board (or rent one from an outfitter like PEC Kayaks, Cabin Fever Kayaks, Camp Wake or Sandbanks Provincial Park), and take to the water. From sparkling turquoise lakes to lazy, meandering rivers, there is so much to explore. 

Here are some of our favourite spots around The County. We’ve also created a map that indicates where there are launch sites, rentals, and beaches. (Hot tip! Download the MacKay Pay app – all municipal boat launches use this platform for payment.)

RELATED: Insider’s Guide to Summer in Prince Edward County

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

AMELIASBURGH REGION

Rossmore

Rossmore Municipal Boat Launch – Ridley Street N.

  • Access to: Bay of Quinte
  • Amenities: Boat Launch, Dock, Parking, Washrooms, Park with Picnic Tables.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Explore: Norris Whitney Bridge, Rossmore shoreline.
  • Paddler Beware: Be careful heading out on the Bay of Quinte where conditions can change rapidly with the weather. This area is shared with motor boats.

Massassauga Point Conservation Area – 1280 Massassauga Road.

  • Access to: Bay of Quinte, Sand Cove.
  • Amenities: Boat Launch, Parking, Washrooms, Park with Picnic Tables, Hiking Trails, Beach, Fishing.
  • Fees: $5 Parking Fee with Quinte Conservation, Pay-By-Phone App
  • Explore: Various islands and 1,200 meters of conservation shoreline.
  • For History Nerds: A large hotel once stood on the point and its foundation and walkway can still be found near the water’s edge. 
  • Paddler Beware: Be careful heading out on the Bay of Quinte where conditions can change rapidly with the weather. This area is shared with motor boats.

Consecon

Weller’s Bay Municipal Boat Launch – 158 Edward Drive, Consecon.

  • Access to: Weller’s Bay.
  • Amenities: Parking, Washroom, Boat Launch, Dock.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Explore: Head west around the point for some sweeping views. East will take you towards Consecon shoreline.

SOPHIASBURGH REGION

Northport 

Northport Municipal Boat Launch – Centennial Park, 1417B County Road 15.

  • Access to: Bay of Quinte.
  • Amenities: Boat Launch, Parking, Washrooms.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Explore: Big Island and Bay of Quinte. This area boasts some gorgeous sunsets.
  • Paddler Beware: Be careful setting out on the Bay of Quinte where conditions can change quickly with the weather. This area is shared with motor boats.

PICTON REGION

If you are lucky, you might spot river otters frolicking in the water. Photo by Gaby Cole

Picton & Surrounding Areas

HJ McFarland Municipal Boat Launch – McFarland Park Lane.

  • Access to: Picton Bay.
  • Amenities: Dock, Boat Launch, Parking, Washrooms, Small Park, Picnic Area and Shoreline.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Explore: Keep an eye out for wildlife. Bald Eagles and River Otters have been spotted in the area.
  • Paddler Beware: There are also large barges using the water to access the local quarry. 

RELATED: Reserve Now, Relax Later

WAUPOOS REGION

Glenora

Glenora Marina – 11438C Loyalist Parkway.

  • Access to: Bay of Quinte, Adolphus Reach, Various bays around Adolphustown.
  • Amenities: Parking, Small Shop.
  • Fees: $10 Launch Fee.
  • Explore: The area is great for fishing and the marina shop stocks up on worms.

Lake on the Mountain

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park – 297 County Road 7

  • Access to: Lake on The Mountain
  • Amenities: Parking, washrooms, nearby restaurants, lookout and interpretive plaques.
  • Fees: Parking fee $3/2 hours, $6.50 for the day
  • Explore: Learn about the natural mystery of Lake on the Mountain, enjoy the view of the Glenora Ferry crisscrossing Bay of Quinte from the parking lot.
  • Tip: Parking is across the road from the lake and requires a short portage to get to the small put-in spot. As you explore the lake in this Provincial Park, remember that most of the shoreline is private property – stay in your boat!

Cressy

Prinyer’s Cove Municipal Boat Launch – Off County Road 7.

  • Access to: Bay of Quinte, Prinyer’s Cove.
  • Amenities: Parking, Dock, Boat Launch, Washrooms, Park with Playground.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Explore: Take a trip around Prinyers Point and head into the cove or explore the Cressy shoreline.

Waupoos

Waupoos Marina – 65 County Road 38.

  • Access to: Smith Bay.
  • Amenities: Parking, Washrooms, Store, Rental Cottages, Boat Launch, Dock.
  • Fees: $15 fee for launch.
  • Explore: The Waupoos shoreline with rolling hills, orchards and wineries, views of Waupoos Island and the South Shore.

SOUTH SHORE REGION

Black River

Cabin Fever Kayak – 906 County Road 13

  • Access to: Black River & South Bay.
  • Amenities: Rentals (Reservations Required), Retail Shop with locally made water crafts from Clear Water Design. Limited Parking.
  • Fees: $10 Park & Launch for personal water crafts.
  • Explore: Paddle out towards South Bay and view McMahon Bluff, or meander along Black Creek (pronounce it like a local: “Crick”).
A view of Black Creek from a Cabin Fever Kayak | Photo supplied by Cabin Fever Kayak

Long Point    

Long Point – Traverse Lane in Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area.

  • Access to: Long Point Harbour & Lake Ontario.
  • Amenities: Parking, Washrooms, Dock, Boat Launch, Hiking Trails, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.
  • Fees: No fees for SUP/Kayak/Canoe launch.
  • Explore: The Leanic sits tethered to the dock in the harbour, which has a wonderful shoreline to explore. Around the point is the Traverse Lighthouse with views of False Duck and Timber Island. This is a major migratory stop for birds, so make sure to bring binoculars or a good camera. Bald Eagles, Saw-whet Owls, thrushes and hawks are just some of the regular sightings in the area. 

SANDBANKS REGION

Mabel Kleinsteuber Municipal Boat Launch – County Rd 12 & Kleinsteuber Road.

  • Access to: West Lake.
  • Amenities: Limited Parking, Washroom, Boat Launch.
  • Explore: Views of Sheba’s Island and the dunes.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Tip: During peak tourist season, it can be difficult to get to Sandbanks and the dunes due to a high volume of traffic. Consider this location as an alternative if you are looking to see the dunes. 
One of the many mountains of sand at the dunes beach. Photo by Gaby Cole.

Sandbanks Provincial Park (Dunes Beach)

  • Access to: West Lake.
  • Amenities: Parking (Paid or Seasonal Pass), Beach, Hiking Trails, Playground, Canteen (Seasonal), One of the Best Views in The County.
  • Explore: Paddle along the edge of tall dunes of the softest, whitest sand. The area is home to a family of swans.
  • Fees: Park pass (seasonal, day pass or camping pass) required to access launches.
  • Tip: During the peak summer season, consider an evening paddle. Use the day use permit reservation system to guarantee your spot.

Sandbanks Provincial Park (Outlet Beach)

  • Access to: Outlet River to East Lake, Lake Ontario.
  • Amenities: Parking (Entrance Fee), Park Store, Restaurant (Seasonal), Kids Activities (Seasonal), Rentals (Seasonal, located at the Woodlot along the Outlet River), Camp Sites, the famous beach, Hiking Trails, the dog beach.
  • Explore: Take the Outlet River inland to East Lake, or paddle the shoreline of Athol Bay & Lake Ontario.
  • Paddler Beware: Sandbanks is known for having sandbars, so it can be shallow quite far into the lake. The mouth of the Outlet River can dry up, so you might not be able to paddle out into the lake from it. 
  • Fees: Park pass (seasonal, day pass or camping pass) required to access launches.
  • Tip: Take an evening paddle and watch the sunset. Use the day use permit reservation system to guarantee your spot.
Enjoying a canoe ride in the marshes of East Lake. Photo by Gaby Cole.

Glendon Green Municipal Boat Launch, County Road 18. 

  • Access to: East Lake, Outlet River.
  • Amenities: Parking, Boat Launch, Dock, Washroom.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Explore: Paddle quiet marshes with waterlilies or head down the river. Keep an eye out for beaver dams and wildlife. 

Wellington

Wellington Rotary Beach Launch – end of Beach Street.

  • Access to: Wellington Harbour, West Lake, Lake Ontario
  • Amenities: Parking, Washrooms, Beach.
  • Hours: Launch is closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9am – 5pm. You can launch before or after these hours and bring your boat out at any time during these hours, but no new boats can enter the water at this time.
  • Fees: Parking is $10 for a vehicle without a trailer, $20 for a vehicle with a trailer
  • Explore: With a lighthouse and the edge of the largest baymouth barrier dune formation.

by Gaby Cole

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#PrinceEdwardCounty

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. ⁠
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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. ⁠
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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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