With rolling hills and fantastic views of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County Ontario is attracting a new breed of holidaymaker.

Possessing an old-world charm with an impressive amount of wineries, P.E.C.O is the perfect summer escape. On FlipKey, you can find plenty of Prince Edward County vacation rentals that won’t break the bank.

About Prince Edward County

Not to be confused with the Canadian Province of Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward County is technically an island in Lake Ontario.

Known as the “County” by locals, the area is becoming increasingly popular with Toronto residents as it's just a two-hour drive away.

For generations of city dwellers, 'getting away from it all' meant heading north to “cottage country” or Muskoka, but with the area saturated with tourists and sky-high prices, people started to look to the east.

Surrounded by Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, Prince Edward County is primarily farming land and charming small towns. And the perfect peaceful retreat for any vacationer.

The island is connected to the mainland by four bridges and has a ferry that can transport 21 cars. You can drive from one end of the Island to the other in about an hour, unless you stop in the main town of Picton for shopping (which you definitely should!).

What to do 

Prince Edward County is known for its fine food and wine. Named the “Gastronomic Capital of Ontario”, the area is packed with award-winning wineries, craft brewers, cider houses, farm markets and, of course, fine dining.

Summer is the best time to visit and enjoy the pristine beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park. You'll find gently sloping beaches, ideally suited to children and water sports.

Rent a bicycle and explore the island at your own pace, while stopping off for an ice cream or a bite to eat.

Food and wine play a big part of daily life in Prince Edward County. With all 35 wineries open year-round, you have no excuse not to sample the local vines.

During the winter, it’s all about being cozy in front of the fire after a day of cross-country skiing or ice fishing out on the lake. Prince Edward County is the perfect place for this!

Top Prince Edward County travel tips

For the best beach on the island, go to Sandbanks Provincial Park where you will find the largest sand bar and dune system in Canada.

For a culinary treat, order lake-caught, pan-seared pickerel (small pike) paired with a glass of local dry rosé wine.

For non-beach days, head into Picton where you’ll find local galleries and plenty of trendy boutiques. Watch a live performance at Regent Theatre, or perhaps a first run movie or artsy classic.

Prince Edward County is rapidly gaining everyone’s attention as an alternative to the traditional summer vacation spots. With fantastic beaches and award-winning food and wine, it’s no wonder the place is gaining in popularity.

Want to see what all the hype is about? FlipKey has dozens of Prince Edward County rentals to suit every need.