Located on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario, the community of Prince Edward — not to be confused with the province of Prince Edward Island to the east — is known for its magnificent beaches and picturesque sand dunes reaching over 80 feet high. Boating, fishing, and swimming are just a few ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Sandbanks Provincial Park on Lake Ontario, and there are more than 300 bird species to spot in the wider region, from songbirds to hawks.

But the scenery isn’t the only thing to note here. The region’s thriving food scene focuses on fresh local seafood, including salmon. And with more than 35 wineries, you’ll also find plenty of places to try cool-climate varieties such as pinot noir and chardonnay. The Arts Trail features the work of ceramics specialists, photographers, and painters all over the region — just follow the blue signs.

The weather in southern Ontario is cool and temperate, with four distinct seasons. The summer months are an excellent time to look for cottage rentals in Prince Edward County, as you can expect pleasant temperatures for hiking or spending a day at the beach. In spring, you can enjoy tree blossoms and the Spring Birding Festival, which includes guided walks at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. Fall offers even more events and festivals like the Sandbanks Music Festival in September and the Fall Countylicious in November, which is a curated celebration of local food and drink. During the winter, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as snow covers the trees and hillsides, but come prepared with waterproof boots and a warm coat.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Located on Lake Ontario’s northern shore, Sandbanks Provincial Park has some of Ontario’s best beaches, where people come to swim, fish, and sail. Six walking trails make it easy to explore wetland habitats and magnificent sand dunes. While the park is open all year long, during the summer months you can join in educational programs like guided hikes for all ages.

National Air Force Museum of Canada

Just 30 minutes away in Trenton, the National Air Force Museum of Canada has an extensive collection of Royal Canadian Air Force memorabilia. Exhibits and interactive displays create a timeline from the first flight to the present day, with more than 35 aircraft on-site to see up close. You can even visit the museum’s restoration shop to get a look at the process of rebuilding a vintage plane.

Birdhouse City

Approximately 100 handcrafted birdhouses sit atop individual poles to form what is known as Birdhouse City, located in the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area. Each one is a miniature replica of a building in Prince Edward County. Many of these birdhouses also have QR codes that provide historical information about the corresponding buildings.