Prince Edward County: Pouring Pride into Every Glass

South Eastern Ontario

Prince Edward County is a charming destination known for its beautiful landscapes, wineries, and vibrant arts scene. Endearingly referred to as “The County”, this destination is welcoming to all and boasts a plethora of 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly and Rainbow Registered businesses that are sure to not only make you feel safe and welcome but offer unbeatable experiences when travelling within the region.

Day 1: Arrival 

Arrive in Prince Edward County and make your way to your accommodation for your stay, Wander the Resort. Come as a couple or a group, as this dreamy spot sits right on the waterfront in Bloomfield, ON, and features 10 luxurious, modern cabins that each sleep multiple guests and are equipped with a European-style kitchen. With the option to lounge by the pool, stretch out in one of their beachside cabanas, or relax in the sauna – Wander offers the ultimate in relaxing resort experiences with all the best amenities. Their on-site restaurant, Gather, also offers top-notch dining using locally sourced ingredients and a fully stocked bar to indulge in delectable cocktails or mocktails! They are also certified 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming as a Rainbow Registered accommodation.

Other 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly/Rainbow Registered accommodations for you to consider on your visit to The County include The Eddie Hotel & Farm, The Waring House, Jackson Falls Country Inn, and The June Motel.

Head into Bloomfield to explore the main street before dinner. This charming little village is home to lots of adorable stores located right on the main drag – there is sure to be something of interest no matter what you’re looking for! Some places we recommend checking out:

Head down the road to Flame + Smith for dinner. This Rainbow Registered Kitchen + Bar is serving up extraordinary culinary delights that are sure to make your taste buds sing! Start with their ember roasted Guatemala blue squash salad, or their Hokkaido sea scallops, and then jump into a delectable main course selection like their lion’s mane mushroom “steak” or venison rack. Visiting with a group? Tuck away your menus and indulge in the chef’s menu – a family-style 4-course dinner including snacks, apps, mains, and desserts! Find the perfect pair for your dinner with something from their extensive drink menu.

Day 2: 

Head into Picton and get a great start to the day at the Bean Counter Café for some locally roasted coffee and a fresh-to-order breakfast bagel, and explore Picton downtown. We suggest popping into the Prince Edward County T-Shirt Company for some locally made souvenirs to take home with you, featuring their own designs and proudly selling rainbow merch all year round.

Hop in the car and take the short drive out to Base31. This new cultural destination in Prince Edward County was once the home of a 70-acre World War II air training base. Today, it’s a vibrant, evolving venue space utilising each of the buildings that make up the property in different ways and offers a large concert venue hall. Make the most of your visit by renting a bicycle to navigate the base and picking up a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the history of each of the buildings on the property. Be sure to visit the Maison Depoivre Art Gallery and the Melt Studio and Gallery, or put your escape skills to the test with one of the many themed mission escape rooms at Escape Camp Picton! 

Head back to Picton for lunch at 555 Brewing Co., located right on Main Street. While Prince Edward County is renowned for its wineries, the rapidly emerging craft brewery scene is not to be missed! 555 Brewing is no exception, featuring a variety of in-house brewed lagers, ales, and sours and a bottle shop to take your favourites home with you. But we also promised you lunch – so dig into handmade, woodfired pizzas (available in gluten-free, veggie, and vegan options) to pair with a brew, or enjoy some of their “not beer or pizza” options, including paninis, snacks, and salads. 555 Brewing is also widely known locally for its incredible (and inclusive) evening entertainment and its unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Pop down the road to the Oeno Gallery, a breathtaking art gallery featuring a plethora of Canadian artists in a variety of mediums. Not only are there stunning works of art inside, but the gallery spills out onto the property with an entirely outdoor exhibit of sculptures to explore. Be sure to check out their website in advance of your visit to catch any special exhibitions that may be featured during your stay.

From the gallery, head over to your dinner reservation at Bermuda in Bloomfield. This vibrant, comfort food restaurant offers a flavourful twist on classics and Mexican-inspired dishes that will make your mouth water. Featuring several vegetarian and vegan options for almost all of their menu selections, this is one place where you won’t have to miss out on any of their most hyped-up dishes because of dietary restrictions! Start with their taquitos or roasted squash empanadas, before diving into a carnitas plate or their signature OG fried chicken sandwich. Whatever you pick, you won’t be disappointed!

Take a pit stop back at Wander to freshen up and get ready for your evening out at The Hayloft Dancehall, located a short drive away in Cherry Valley. This seasonal country institution has made its home in a 100-year-old barn that has been fully renovated to accommodate a bar and stage for live entertainment and dancing. Events taking place each weekend at the Dancehall include live music, dance parties, drag shows, and burlesque performances, all sure to bring the barn down. Be sure to plan ahead and take advantage of their complimentary bus shuttle or a taxi/Uride service if you plan on indulging in some after-hours drinks!

Day 3: 

Wake up and grab breakfast at Gather on the Wander Resort, or cook up something fresh in the kitchen of your cabin. You will want to start the day on the right foot as you take advantage of what the county has to offer with a wine tour. Book in advance with County Casual Tours – David and Jo welcome everyone and offer customised, intimate tours of the area and will pick you up right at the resort. They will happily build an itinerary for you, but we definitely recommend this 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly loop.

County Casual Tours will drop you back off at Wander the Resort safe and sound to give you a chance to put your feet up and get ready for your evening activity. Relax by the pool or lakeside before freshening up and heading to The Waring House. Proudly Rainbow Registered, and the accommodation side is environmentally conscious featuring many sustainable initiatives. Take part in a hands-on experience with their cookery school, where you will get to work with Chef Correra to craft an extraordinary meal using local ingredients, some even grown right on the property! The package includes an apron, instructions on how to prepare the meal to take home with you after the experience, your meal, and a glass of wine. 

Day 4: Departure

Before heading out, hop in the car and meander over to the community of Wellington. Visit the Creekside Café for a delicious brunch and coffee or tea to kick start the day before bundling into the car for your trip home. Be sure to walk a few doors down to the Laluxe Femme, a boutique offering a selection of sustainable plus size clothing options, and proudly work directly with small businesses that are POC, Women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ owned. This judgement-free zone believes in using ethically sourced and eco materials, paying their staff a liveable wage, and supporting designs made or designed in Canada.