Discover winter in Prince Edward County! Explore cozy stays, wineries, and fun things to do in Prince Edward County in winter for a perfect getaway.
Prince Edward County is best known as one of Ontario’s go-to summer destinations, with its sandy beaches, vibrant wineries, and charming small towns. But what many people don’t realize is that Prince Edward County in winter is just as beautiful—if not more magical—in a completely different way.
When the crowds disappear, the County transforms into a peaceful winter escape, perfect for cozy getaways, scenic drives, and warming up with a glass of local wine by the fire. If you’ve already experienced Prince Edward County in the fall, you’ll love seeing it blanketed in snow.
This guide covers the best things to do in Prince Edward County in winter, from exploring snowy trails to indulging in farm-to-table dining and discovering the coziest places to stay.
Read More // Not visiting in the Winter? I also have a guide on what to do in PEC in the Fall right here.

Winter in Prince Edward County: The Perfect Getaway Guide
How to Get to Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is located in southeastern Ontario, nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario. Known for its scenic countryside, charming small towns, and thriving food and wine scene, it’s a favorite getaway destination for Ontarians and visitors alike.
Prince Edward County is best explored by car, as its wineries, restaurants, and attractions are spread out across several small towns and rural areas. For those visiting without a car, consider booking accommodations in Picton or Wellington, which are more walkable and central to many attractions.
Despite its rural charm, the County is conveniently accessible from several major cities, making it an ideal spot for a weekend escape or a longer retreat.
Getting to Prince Edward County
From Toronto (Approx. 2.5 Hours)
- By Car: Take Highway 401 East toward Belleville. Exit at Highway 49 (Exit 566) and follow signs to Picton, the heart of Prince Edward County.
- By Train: VIA Rail offers service to Belleville. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi for the 30–40 minute drive into the County.
From Ottawa (Approx. 3 Hours)
- By Car: Take Highway 416 South to Highway 401 West. Exit at Highway 49 (Exit 566) and follow signs to Picton.
- By Train: VIA Rail connects Ottawa to Belleville. A car rental or taxi is needed to reach the County from Belleville.
From Montreal (Approx. 4 Hours)
- By Car: Take Highway 20 West, which becomes Highway 401 West in Ontario. Exit at Highway 49 (Exit 566) toward Picton.
- By Train: VIA Rail offers service from Montreal to Belleville, where car rentals and taxis are available.

Where to stay in Winter?
When planning a winter getaway in Prince Edward County, the Drake Devonshire in Wellington stands out as a top accommodation choice.
The Drake Devonshire’s building dates back to the 19th century, originally serving as an iron foundry in the 1860s. Over the years, it has transformed through various incarnations, including a stint as a private residence, before being meticulously restored and reopened by the Drake Hotel Properties in 2014. This thoughtful restoration blends historic charm with contemporary design, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for guests
Why Stay at Drake Devonshire in Winter?
- Cozy Accommodations: With 13 uniquely designed rooms and suites, the inn offers a range of options from intimate spaces to expansive suites, each thoughtfully appointed to provide comfort during the winter months.
- Lakeside Views: Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, guests can enjoy serene, snow-covered lake vistas, providing a tranquil backdrop for a winter retreat.
- Culinary Delights: The on-site restaurant features seasonal menus that showcase local ingredients, offering hearty and comforting dishes perfect for winter dining. The inventive cocktail program and selection of Prince Edward County wines enhance the dining experience.
- Art and Culture: The inn doubles as a cultural hub, featuring stunning art installations and hosting events that enrich the guest experience, even during the quieter winter season.
- Proximity to Winter Activities: Located in Wellington, the Drake Devonshire serves as an excellent base for exploring local wineries, breweries, and outdoor activities that are particularly enchanting in the winter landscape.
THE DETAILS
Price | Starting at 300$ per night.
Reservations | Book your room here.



Winter in Prince Edward County: What to Do
Prince Edward County may be known as a summer hotspot, but it transforms into a peaceful winter wonderland when the snow falls. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cozy indoor experiences, or a bit of both, here are some must-do activities to make the most of winter in Prince Edward County.
See the Snow-Covered Dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park
While Sandbanks Provincial Park is famous for its sandy beaches in the summer, its towering dunes are equally stunning when covered in snow. Take a peaceful walk along the frozen shoreline or explore the snow-covered trails for a completely different perspective of this iconic park. It’s a photographer’s dream and a perfect spot for a winter stroll.
THE DETAILS
Where | Find Sandbanks Provincial Park on Google Map here.
Price | 15.50$ per car for a day park permit.



Go Snowshoeing at Three Dog Winery
For a truly winter experience, head to Three Dog Winery for their guided snowshoe tours. Explore their 100-acre property, winding through vineyards, cedar and pine forests, and a sugar bush. The tour includes the snowshoe rental (or if you prefer you can bring yours), a warm-up stop around the fire at the sugar shark : this stop includes a wine tasting and a warm snack. Afterward, relax at the tasting bar with a glass of wine (not included in the price)
THE DETAILS
Where | Find Three Dog Winery on Google Map here.
Price | $40 per person. This includes snowshoe rental, a light lunch, two glasses of wine, and a guided tour.
When | Tours are available every Saturday from January 25th to March 1st, 2025, weather permitting. Arrive by 11:30 am for snowshoe fitting; the hike starts at noon and lasts about 1.5 hours



Visit Slake Brewing for Local Craft Beers
Beer lovers won’t want to miss Slake Brewing, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the County’s winter scenery. Their cozy taproom is the ideal spot to sip on craft beers brewed onsite, from crisp lagers to seasonal stouts. Slake Brewing Company, located in the small town of Picton in the heart of Prince Edward County, is known for its craft beers and breathtaking views. Set amidst lush farmland and rolling hills, the brewery offers one of the most stunning vistas in the region, creating a picturesque backdrop for enjoying a pint. Slake specializes in a diverse range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, all crafted with a focus on quality and local ingredients.
THE DETAILS
Go Skating at Parsons Brewing Company
For a family-friendly activity, Parsons Brewing Company offers an outdoor skating rink that’s as charming as it is fun. After a few laps around the ice, warm up with a pint of their signature brews or sip on hot chocolate by the fire. It’s the perfect mix of winter fun and cozy comfort. Established in a picturesque rural setting, the brewery offers a diverse range of beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, all brewed on-site using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a rustic taproom or relax on the spacious outdoor patio, which overlooks the surrounding fields. With its focus on sustainability and local partnerships, Parson’s Brewing Company has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking to experience the county’s burgeoning craft beer scene.
THE DETAILS
Indulge in a Spa Day at Wander the Resort
For a relaxing winter retreat in Prince Edward County, treat yourself to a spa day at Wander The Resort in Bloomfield. Opening on January 18th, 2025, Wander The Spa is Ontario’s first lakefront Nordic spa, offering a serene escape surrounded by nature. Guests can experience thermotherapy by cycling through hot, cold, and rest stages, with access to a hot tub, cold plunge, steam room, and traditional Finnish sauna. For added relaxation, massages and Reiki treatments are available, along with Aufguss sauna rituals and a curated lounge menu.
THE DETAILS



Where to eat in Prince Edward County this Winter?
Bocado | Located in Picton, I’ve only heard amazing things about this Spanish tapas inspired restaurant.
Darlings | This Bloomfield restaurant was named one of Canada’s top restaurants in 2023. Try their Ceasar salad and their wood-oven pizzas!
Gather | This restaurant is located Wander the Resort in Wellington and is one of the best addresses in PEC.
Theia Wine Bar | Theia is a new addition to Picton’s food scene. I haven’t had the chance to try it yet but I hear great things.
Russ & Co | This cocktail bar has nailed the vintage vibe right on the head.

READ MORE OF MY ONTARIO WINTER GUIDES HERE!
PIN THIS FOR LATER



Follow me on Instagram!
Did you know Matera has been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years? 🤯 That means people have been watching sunsets from these ancient cliffs since before Rome even existed!
📌 SAVE & SHARE this reel for your next Italian adventure! 🇮🇹✨
What makes Matera so special?
🏛️ One of the oldest cities in the world – It’s the 3rd oldest continuously inhabited settlement after Aleppo and Jericho. If you move into the Sassi di Matera, you’d be living in the same cave homes as people from the Middle Ages!
🪨 Matera is literally carved into stone! – The word Sassi means “rock” in Latin, and most of Matera’s dwellings are dug directly into limestone cliffs. That’s why the cave hotels here are some of the most unique stays in Italy!
⛪️ 155 hidden cave churches! – Matera is home to an underground world of frescoed churches and monasteries, carved into the rock centuries ago.
😳 Once abandoned, now a UNESCO site! – In the 1950s, Matera was called the “shame of Italy” due to extreme poverty. Families were forced to relocate, leaving the city in ruins.
✨ But by the 1990s, everything changed! Matera was revived and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Today, it’s one of the most breathtaking and unique places in Italy!
Visiting Matera = stepping back in time!
Between its ancient history, unreal landscapes, and magical golden-hour views, this place is unforgettable.
Would you visit Matera? Or have you already been? Drop a 🏛️ in the comments if this is on your bucket list! 👇
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#Matera #ItalyTravel #VisitItaly #SassiDiMatera #HiddenItaly #CaveHotels #UNESCOWorldHeritage #AncientCities #TravelEurope #historicplaces

Would you stay in a cabin so remote, you have to hike to get there… Trust me it’s 100% worth it.
Looking for a secluded winter getaway near Toronto? Meet Lavender Landing, a hidden off-grid cabin in Creemore, Ontario, just 1.5 hours from the city. No cars, no crowds—just snow-covered trees, a crackling fireplace, and total privacy.
🚶♀️ Getting there is part of the adventure – You’ll hike 1km through the forest to reach this cozy retreat, but don’t worry, the owners provide snowshoes and a sled for your trek.
🔥 Cozy perks:
✔ Heated by a wood-burning fireplace (because nothing beats the sound of crackling fire in winter)
✔ Gorgeous views over the snowy forest—no neighbors, just nature
✔ Off-grid, but still has WiFi & power outlets
✔ Mini fridge, camping burner & BBQ for simple meals
✔ Heated outhouse just steps from the cabin
🌲 Endless trails & a hidden waterfall!
This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a winter adventure. You’ll have access to scenic trails, including one leading to the largest privately owned waterfall in Ontario.
📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario cabin getaway! Would you hike 1km in the snow for a morning like this? Let me know in the comments! 👇
📍 Lavender Landing | The Hollow Mill | Creemore, Ontario
*invited stay*
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#OntarioCabins #WinterGetaway #CozyCabin #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #OffGridCabin #WinterHiking #CreemoreOntario #HiddenGems #CabinInTheWoods #cabinvibes

If you don’t love winter, you’re just not going to the right places. ❄️😉
Not everyone gets winter—the cold, the snow, the shorter days. But these places? They’ll make you wish winter lasted longer. Whether it’s frozen waterfalls, cozy cabins, scenic hikes, or outdoor skating rinks, these are the best winter destinations in Ontario for a perfect snowy escape.
🌊 Indian Falls – A breathtaking frozen waterfall near Owen Sound, where ice formations change with the season.
🏡 The Hollow Mill – A secluded off-grid cabin in Creemore, where you snowshoe 1km through the forest to get there. But trust me, it’s worth it.
❄️ Jones Falls – A waterfall in Owen Sound: snow-covered bridges and frozen cascades that make winter hiking magical.
🍷 Three Dog Winery – Think snowshoeing hike in a vineyard! Because winter wine tasting > summer wine tasting.
🏖️ Sandbanks Provincial Park – A frozen beach? Yes, please.
🧊 The Grotto (Bruce Peninsula) – Turquoise ice, frozen caves, and rugged Georgian Bay beauty—without the summer crowds.
⛸️ Kingston – Skating in front of historic City Hall feels straight out of a holiday movie.
🌲 Frontenac Provincial Park – One of the best places for winter hiking & snowshoeing near Kingston, with frozen lakes and peaceful trails.
🪨 Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw Rock dusted in snow? Unreal. Winter transforms this Ontario park into a quiet, icy wonderland.
🌿 Silent Lake Provincial Park – No motorized boats, no noise—just snow-covered forests, cross-country ski trails, and pure tranquility.
🍁 Mono Cliffs Provincial Park – A classic winter hike near Toronto, with snow-covered cliffs, frozen lookouts, and towering trees.
Winter in Ontario isn’t just bearable—it’s breathtaking. You just need to know where to go.
📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario winter getaway! Have you been to any of these? Or do you have a go-to winter spot? Drop it in the comments! 👇
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#WinterInOntario #OntarioHiking #FrozenWaterfalls #OntarioCabins #WinterAdventures #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #HiddenGems #DiscoverOntario #WinterMagic #ExploreCanada

Winter hiking can be magical… unless you make these mistakes. ❄️
I’ve made my fair share of winter hiking mistakes, and trust me—some made my hike way harder than it needed to be. Avoid these 5 common mistakes (and don’t miss the 3 extra ones at the end!👇).
1️⃣ Overdressing & Overheating
I was afraid of being cold, so I layered up too much. Big mistake. Once you start moving, your body warms up fast—and sweating in the cold makes you freeze later. Wear breathable layers you can easily remove.
2️⃣ Skipping the Snowshoes
The trail looked packed, so I thought I didn’t need them. Two minutes later, I was sinking knee-deep in snow. If there’s fresh or soft snow, bring snowshoes.
3️⃣ Not Checking Trail Conditions
Deep snow, ice, or even surprise closures can ruin your hike. Check trail reports before heading out and bring microspikes or snowshoes if needed.
4️⃣ Starting Too Late in the Day
Winter days are short, and the sun sets fast. Start early so you’re not racing against daylight.
5️⃣ Forgetting a Second Pair of Gloves
Wet gloves = cold, miserable hands. Whether from snow or sweat, a dry backup pair is a lifesaver.
🚨 And here are 3 mistakes most people don’t think about… but definitely should! 👇
6️⃣ Not Protecting Your Phone from the Cold
Cold weather drains your phone battery FAST. Keep it in an inside pocket close to your body and bring a portable charger.
7️⃣ Ignoring Wind Chill
-5°C might sound fine, but with wind chill, it can feel like -15°C or worse. Dress for the “feels like” temp, not just the forecast.
8️⃣ Not Telling Anyone Your Plan
Winter hiking conditions can be unpredictable. Always tell someone your route and expected return time.
📌 Save this post so you don’t make these mistakes! Have you ever had a winter hiking fail? Tell me in the comments! 👇
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#WinterHiking #HikingTips #OutdoorAdventure #WinterHikes #HikingOntario #WinterExploration #StaySafeOutdoors #DiscoverOntario #HikingFails #coldweatherhiking

Spend the weekend with me at Pearadise on West Lake 🏡✨
You know that perfect kind of weekend? The one where you actually slow down, breathe a little deeper, and let yourself just be? That’s exactly what I found at @pearadiseonwestlake, a cozy winter Airbnb in Prince Edward County.
Some days, I stayed wrapped up in a blanket by the fireplace, book in one hand, coffee in the other—fully leaning into my cozy retreat mode. Other times, I ventured out to explore PEC’s charming cafés, wineries, and scenic winter views, knowing I had the most peaceful space to return to.
It’s the kind of stay that makes you feel at home the second you walk in the door.
✔️ Cozy winter retreat? Check. (Fireplace, reading nook, and big windows to watch the snow fall? Yes, please.)
✔️ Romantic winter escape? Definitely. (Slow mornings, candlelit dinners, and a dreamy atmosphere.)
✔️ Family-friendly Airbnb? Absolutely. (Spacious common areas, a playroom, and a cozy space to make memories.)
Located right by West Lake in Wellington, Prince Edward County, this winter getaway spot is perfect for those who want to explore PEC at a slower pace—or stay in, light a fire, and enjoy a quiet, peaceful weekend.
📍 Looking for a cozy winter escape in Ontario? Tag someone you’d love to bring here! 💫
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
*invited stay*
#PrinceEdwardCounty #VisitPEC #CozyWinterGetaway #OntarioAirbnb #OntarioStaycations #WinterInOntario #RomanticWinterEscape #WestLake #PECWineries #WeekendGetaway #BestAirbnbOntario #WinterRetreat #FireplaceVibes #pecadventures
