The Basics
Prince Edward County is located on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario. The County is an idyllic lakeside haven where the world slows down to tractor-pace and time is measured in memories, not moments.
Located between Toronto and Ottawa (two and three hours’ drive away, respectively), Prince Edward County makes for an ideal lakeside getaway or road-trip stopover. Visitors can fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or Kingston Norman Rogers Airport (YGK).
Referred to as ‘The County’ by those in the know, Prince Edward County is one of Ontario’s most treasured holiday spots, with sandy beaches, resorts and inns, sticky summer treats, and an abundance of places to cycle or paddle.
This is your go-to Prince Edward County long weekend bachelor/bachelorette guide. You can use this to plan the perfect 2-3 day bachelor/bachelorette for your brides and grooms.
Where to Stay
The Drake Devonshire
Located in the heart of Wellington, the Drake Devonshire (and their recent extension, the Drake Motor Inn) offer guests retro-style hotel rooms and waterfront access.
The June Motel
As showcased on the Netflix’s show, Motel Makeover, owners April Brown and Sarah Sklash used their instincts and design prowess to create a dream worthy motel. Located close to Picton, this motel is close to the largest town in the county. Perfect for a girls weekend away (you won’t regret all the Instagram & Tiktok you’ll be able to create at this aesthetic locale).
Wander The Resort
This nordic-style luxury resort recently opened in Wellington and is booked all the way through 2022. Blending simplistic and minimalistic Nordic design with Canadian cabin vibes, the allure of Wander is the immediate calming effect the resort has on you.
Lakeside Motel
Situated on Lake Ontario in Wellington, the Lakeside Motel offers rooms and bungalows to meet your needs. The property includes a pool, lake access, and a patio bar with mixed drinks and food. The Hothouse Sauna is available for guests onsite for booking. Check their website for updated packages to maximize your stay.
The Royal Picton
Dating back to 1879, this hotel has recently opened after a full restoration from a local family. The hotel is located on Picton Main Street, which allows for easy access to many of the county’s attractions.
If you are staying elsewhere, I’d recommend a pit stop at the Royal Picton Hotel Bar, and an order of oysters never disappoints.
Airbnb
There is a range of budget and luxury Airbnbs in Prince Edward County. The most popular weeks to visit are July and August so make sure to plan early! When booking, I’d recommend staying in Wellington or Picton to maximize your proximity to wineries and other activities.
What to Do
There are a variety of activities available for your bachelorette or bachelor party in the county. Below you’ll find activities outside of my recommended wineries, which you can see below. Here are my favorite activities in PEC if I was planning a bachelor/ bachelorette party here.
Base31
Operated as a military base until 1969, the site transitioned into a business park and airport and was purchased by PEC Community Partners in December of 2021. The new ownership group has embarked on an ambitious revitalization program that includes the adaptive re-use of many of the heritage buildings, transformation of the landscape, and significant investment in placemaking, public art, programming, site activation and food and beverage.
Today, Base31 is Prince Edward County’s hottest new cultural destination, located on the site of a former 70-acre WWII air training base just outside of Picton, Ontario. This year, Base31 will host over 100 unforgettable experiences, ranging from big stage concerts to intimate performances by Canada’s top musicians, illuminated and immersive after dark adventures, a major curated open-air food + drink market, as well as public art, galleries, outdoor play spaces and programs for kids, historic tours and bespoke group experiences. In 2025, Base31 will open a museum celebrating the site’s heritage and the role that it has played within the local community, the nation and globally.
Base31 is the cultural heart of a larger 750-acre site that is being developed over the coming years into a dynamic collection of neighbourhoods with a mix of uses: retail, restaurants, places to work and create, parks, trails, and recreation areas, a full complement of community amenities, and a range of housing to suit many needs. Together, we will create a County-made community brimming with opportunity: to live, to learn, to play, and to thrive.
Sandbanks National Park
As the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, Sandbanks offers three expansive sandy beaches for your enjoyment. With the popularity of this park, you need to book your day use permit in advance to guarantee entry.
Bring everything you need for a beach day and enjoy the sunshine and Lake Ontario waters with your group.
Yoga in the (Vine)Yard at Karlo Estates Winery
Guided a one hour yoga practice at 11:00am on Saturdays and Sundays. $20
Mustang Drive Inn
Enjoy a retro drive-in experience in the county.
They offer different double features on each of our 2 giant screens Wednesday – Sunday (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) and the movies start just after sunset.
Tickets are $30 (+tax) each and good for ONE CARLOAD of up to 5 people.
Amanda’s Recommended Winery Itinerary
Check out the following wineries (there are over 35 wineries in the county so these are just my favourites):
4. Grange of Prince Edward Vineyard
6. Sugarbush Vineyards & Winery
8. Lighthall Vineyards – make sure to try the wine and cheese pairing. They have some of the most delicious cheese I have ever tried.
If you are looking to hire a winery driver or tour operator, check out:
Where to Eat & Drink
Flame & Smith
This restaurant focuses on wood-fired dishes with a sustainability lens. The menu is updated with the seasons. If the burrata dish is available, I’d recommend it as a must-order.
It is recommended that you make a reservation, as this restaurant is extremely popular and usually doesn’t have space for walk-ins.
La Condesa
Tacos and margaritas… need I say more? No reservations so go early and put your name on the list. Luckily there are a couple bars close by where you can pass the time.
The Royal Picton Bar
Located in the newly renovated Royal Picton Hotel, stop by the hotel bar where you’ll be greeted by friendly staff. My recommendation is that you sit up at the bar, and order some small plates and a cocktail from the front hotel lobby bar.
East & Main
Located at East and Main Street in Wellington, this restaurant has been a staple in town for 14 years. Using local ingredients, the kitchen knows how to put a dish together. The special above is coffee and cocoa-rubbed beef ribs that were smoked for 4 hours and then slow cooked for another 4 hours.
The Old Third
Open every spring, Quatro Amici Pasta Bar is a pop-up at the Old Third Winery, the authentically homemade pasta is served on paper plates, not taking away from the fragrant & delicious dishes. I dream about these pasta dishes every year and cannot wait to eat them again every summer. Make sure to check their instagram for the most up to date information.
In conclusion, Prince Edward County in Ontario is an ideal destination for a bachelorette party weekend. With its scenic countryside, charming small towns, and abundance of wineries, breweries, and restaurants, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and celebration. Whether you’re looking to sip on delicious wines, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, or explore the great outdoors, Prince Edward County has something for everyone. So if you’re planning a bachelorette party and want to experience the best that Ontario has to offer, consider a trip to Prince Edward County – you won’t be disappointed!