Travel & Leisure recently described Prince Edward County as one of the top places to travel to in the world in their annual list: ‘Cross Montauk, NY, with California’s Napa Valley circa 1970, and you get Prince Edward County, a tiny wine-producing region that’s becoming a haven for creative types.” From Toronto, the county is an easy train ride away. With over 40 vineyards (including Hubbs Creek; Grange; The Old Third wineries), and now a dozen breweries, many with tasting rooms, this bucolic land of orchards, vineyards, stunning beaches (Sandbanks Provincial Park is unique in all of Canada), is a mecca for cycling (and eating). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie spent time cycling here in 2017. We have crafted an itinerary that takes in the quiet country roads with overnights in charming locales and provide an insider’s guide on how to enjoy its secrets.
“So that’s the route, eh?” Bicycle trips in English-speaking Canada involve a lot of “eh’s,” as well as almost unbelievable friendliness. At the launch of our five-day exploration of Prince Edward County with Randonnée Tours, we met with the company’s area manager, Ed. He wanted to make sure we understood our cycling maps and was willing to take as long as it took to mention “must-do’s,” such as visiting Slickers, his favorite ice cream shop, which the next day became our favorite as well. Ah, for a cone filled with Campfire Cream just now!
– Irene Middleman Thomas, January 2020
Full article here
Wellington, Prince Edward, ON, Canada
Day 1+2
Milford, Prince Edward County, ON, Canada
Day 3+4
Picton, Prince Edward, ON, Canada
Day 5+6+7
| Start any date between May 1 and Oct 31. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
40-55 km (25-35 mi) daily
TerrainFlat to gently rolling on most days
CostClassic Accommodation: CAD $2,450
Single Supplement: CAD $650
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $3,200
Single Supplement: CAD $820
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: CAD $320
Racing Bikes: CAD $420
E-Bikes*: CAD $480
Prices are per person before tax. Ontario charges (HST) of 13%.
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Your tour starts in the town of Wellington, about 200 km (120 mi) east of Toronto. Trains take approximately 1h45 to Belleville.
Wellington
Wellington is a lakeside village that is a short cycle away from many of the finest wineries in the County. We recommend you arrive early afternoon so you can enjoy a warm-up ride. Wellington boasts superb restaurants and is a welcoming village to start your trip.
Ride Distance: 28 km; elevation gain: 40 m
Wellington
Ride a loop along vineyard studded Closson Road, admiring the restored barns from the 1800’s and tasting wines that are garnering the County acclaim. Visit the Old Third, Grange, and Sandbanks wineries to name some.
Ride Distance: 36 km or 43 km
Milford
From Wellington, make your way first to Bloomfield, with its eclectic shops and cafes, then along West Lake and through Sandbanks Provincial Park, with its sand dunes and stunning beaches. Our Classic itinerary stays at an inn that was a former school house and our Luxe itinerary at a luxurious boutique hotel overlooking South Bay that is sublime.
Ride Distance: 54 km; elevation gain: 80 m
Milford
From Milford, you have several options. You can make straight to the beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park and loop back along quiet roads via Port Milford, where you can stop to visit the Mariners Park museum. Another option is a ride out towards Prince Edward Point to see an incredible Bird Observatory. A shorter option takes you to a secret beach that we will share with you. There is also an option to stop and taste wine on the return trip.
Ride Distance: 32 km; elevation gain: 100 m or 55 km; elevation gain: 120 m
Picton
From Milford, ride out to Fifth Town Artisan Cheese shop to taste and visit. An add-on option explores Point Traverse and the Prince Edward Point Wildlife Area if you didn’t do yesterday. In Picton, visit the town and settle into your hotel, steps from fabulous restaurants and home to a few craft breweries with tasting rooms. Our favourite: Prince Eddy’s Brewery (this brewery is owned by Robbin’s nephew, Aaron).
Ride Distance: 40 km
Add-on: 39 km
Picton
Ride a fabulous loop out to Waupoos, with tasting opportunities at the County Cider Co. and at Waupoos Winery. Lunch will be a highlight at the Lake of the Mountain Resort, with a dreamy setting. Or ride a loop out to Big Island where you can gaze out over Massassauga Point Conservation Area from Robinson Bay. Back in Picton, choose from a list of recommended restaurants and toast your time in Prince Edward County.
Ride Distance: 40 km
Add-on: 23 km
Departure
After breakfast, depart at your leisure.
This boutique B&B offers a carefully crafted blend of retro farmhouse design and modern amenities. Located a short stroll from superb restaurants, cafes and possibly the best ice-cream store in the county. (We also use Augustus B&B, another newly renovated and lovely B&B in town).
Built in 1870, Jackson's Falls Inn is a former schoolhouse, combining the personalized service of a B&B with the privacy and spaciousness of a country inn. While staying here, you can dine in nearby Waupoos. Alt: Hayes Inn, Waupoos
This lovely historic inn with 13 rooms boasts a superb location steps from downtown. Merrill House is furnished with a balance of fine antiques and artifacts, contemporary art and modern touches. The restaurant has a well-earned reputation as one of the best in Picton.
Alternate: Waring House
When this hotel opened on the shores of West Lake, the travel media suddenly took notice of the rural county that had always been a secret. It’s eclectic, hip design and designer touches have brought kudos from Condé Naste and other travel aficianodos.
This is our newest find, a luxurious boutique inn overlooking Lake Ontario in a dramatic setting. Warm hospitality awaits; you won't want to leave!
Dating back to 1879, the Royal was recently restored with a contemporary decor and amenities sure to impress. With its downtown Picton location, restaurants, shops and cafes are a stroll way.
Tour Reviews
“Area was beautiful. We enjoyed the biking and people in the area. Augustus House was very good. Picton House rooms were good- good breakfasts. We used the Millennial trail on several occasions and it was very pleasant. Also used the wine map and GPS was helpful. Overall the distances were fine. Bikes were very good. Our Area Manager was very good and checked on our progress.”
“It’s a really pleasant place to bike. Biking was excellent and the area is very interesting. The route instructions and GPS and our interactions with the Area Manager exceeded our expectations.”
“Nice cycling routes, quiet roads and courteous drivers. Sandbanks Provincial Park, the bird sanctuary, Big Island, Lake of the Mountain and Little Bluff Conservation areas were all excellent.”
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