Prince Edward County, Ontario | Laurie Gruer

As our population ages, the demand for retirement homes and vacation properties has increased exponentially – and people are not only looking to the usual destinations of Muskoka or Caledon. There’s now a huge amount of interest in areas such as Prince Edward County. Located 2 hours east of Toronto, and just south of Belleville, “The County” was settled in the early 1800’s by United Empire Loyalists. Its architecture is distinctively “Loyalist” and it has retained a particular cultural personality, perhaps because it’s an island in Lake Ontario. It offers terrific beaches, a thriving artistic community, several lovely towns, including Wellington, Bloomfield and Picton, and the well-known Sandbanks Provincial Park.

DISTANCE FROM PICTON TO:	KM
Kingston	80
Toronto	217
Ottawa	262
Montreal	386
Syracuse	290
Buffalo	386

Real estate opportunities abound here, from rich farmland to expansive waterfront properties. The towns each have a distinctive flavour. Wellington has a lakefront New England charm. Bloomfield and Milford, built around their respective millponds, offer handsome houses, generous lots and quaint cafés and shops. Picton’s impressive homes, mostly built during the boom years of Picton Harbour, have a grandeur that is unusual in the small towns of Ontario – and much-admired!

Recently, the County has become knows as an outstanding destination for those interested in wine and fresh local food. A number of wineries are already in operation and several more are under development. Local farms offer everything from fresh lamb to pick-your-own blueberries. Farm stands, open in the warm months, dot the landscape and fresh cheese is available at Black River Cheese Company or at the new goat cheese factory knows as “Fifth Town”.

Restaurants are increasing in number quickly and they range from chip wagons to
haute cuisine. “The Taste Trail” provides a wonderful and comprehensive tour of the County’s food and wine providers, and an introduction to all of the varied products available here.

Other outstanding features which make this a terrific destination for holidayers or
retirees include an excellent hospital in Picton, outstanding marinas and services for sailors, several protected areas for birders and naturalists, and easy access to larger service towns such as Belleville or Kingston.