Vacation rentals in Picton

Picton is the largest and most vibrant town in Prince Edward County — an island in Lake Ontario about a two-hour drive east of Toronto. Picton is known for its architecturally unique buildings, including the historic Regent Theatre, which hosts many live performances, events, and movie premieres. The town’s Main Street is lively, with a mix of fine restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlours, and pubs alongside antique stores, boutiques, gift shops, and art galleries featuring works from local artists.

Picton and Prince Edward County are well regarded for their culinary scene, dubbed by many as the “Gastronomic Capital of Ontario.” Visitors come from far and wide to dine at the fine restaurants in town, with seasonal menus that celebrate the local produce from nearby farms and gardens. Prince Edward County is also the fastest-growing wine region in Ontario, boasting over 40 wineries known for outstanding chardonnays and pinot noirs. The weather and the natural minerals in the soil combine to make the wine grown here rich and flavorful, drawing comparisons to Burgundy in France.

Picton is a great place to visit year-round, with many cottages and cabin rentals available each season. Spring is a lovely time to visit, with blooming flowers everywhere and the start of maple syrup harvesting. In April, a festival brings renowned writers and speakers to town to celebrate the county’s love of literature. Summer offers warm, sunny days for enjoying the nearby beaches, and you can sample the delicious produce from the county’s farms and gardens at Picton’s many restaurants and nearby vineyards.

In fall, the temperatures are cooler, but with them come beautiful changing colours of the leaves and landscapes. There are many events around Picton at this time of year, including a popular pumpkin festival in October. In winter, you’ll be greeted by snow-covered hills and icey lakeshores, so bring your snowshoes, along with a warm jacket and hat.

Cedar Dunes Provincial Park

Take a short drive to Cedar Dunes Provincial Park and enjoy the beautiful sandy beach that stretches for more than a mile. The water is clear and calm and is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer, making it safe for swimmers of all abilities, and the beach also offers wheelchair access. You can take a walk along the trail that leads to the impressive dunes or walk up to the picturesque Cedar Dunes Lighthouse — the tallest lighthouse on the island.

Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area

Head just outside of Picton to the Macaulay Mountain Conservation area where you’ll find Birdhouse City — a collection of quirky and colourful birdhouses on platforms, which are safe havens for the local birdlife to nest in. Built by volunteers in the local community, the houses are miniature reproductions of historic buildings around Picton and Prince Edward County and are a much-loved local attraction. There are also over 20 kilometres of trails to explore here, from easy walks through forested areas to more challenging treks through the escarpment.

Little Bluff

Little Bluff is situated high atop of a limestone bluff just outside Picton, offering panoramic views of Prince Edward Bay. Once you’ve taken in the views from above, head down the trail to the cobblestone beach and enjoy the scenery back up to bluff. There are 1.5 kilometers of trails to explore with an abundance of birdlife to spot along the way, including geese, mallards, and great blue herons. You’ll also find the remains of a grain storage here dating back to the 1860’s.