Prince Edward County in Fall
Ask anyone who lives in Prince Edward County and they will tell you the same thing: fall is the best season. The summer crowds have gone, the air is clean and cool, the vineyards turn gold and crimson, and the whole County settles into a slower, more generous rhythm. Harvest is in full swing, the restaurants are still open, and there is a warmth to the season that has nothing to do with temperature.
If you have only visited PEC in the summer, a fall trip will show you a completely different place. It is quieter, yes, but it is also richer. The food is better, the wine is more interesting, and the landscape is at its most beautiful. Here is how to make the most of it.
When to Come
Fall in PEC runs from early September through late November, and each stretch has its own character.
September is the sweet spot. The weather is still warm, the lake is swimmable into mid-month, and the harvest is just beginning. The grape harvest kicks off in late September and runs through October, and many wineries hold special events and open houses during this time.
October is peak fall colour season. The maples along County Road 1 and the Loyalist Parkway turn brilliant shades of orange and red, and the vineyards go through their own colour shift from green to gold. Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest times in the County, second only to summer long weekends, so book well ahead if you want to visit then.
November is the quietest month. Some restaurants and accommodations begin to close for the winter, but enough remains open to make a visit worthwhile. The landscape is bare and beautiful in a stark, honest way. November is for people who like their countryside unadorned.
The Harvest
Apple season at a County orchard, usually late September through October.
Fall is harvest season, and in a farming community like PEC, that means everything. The farm stands along County Road 1 are overflowing with squash, pumpkins, apples, root vegetables, and preserves. Vicki's Veggies, Hagerman Farms, and the roadside stands that pop up near Hillier and Consecon are all worth a stop.
Apple picking is one of the best family activities in the County during fall. Campbell's Orchards near Picton is a local institution, with rows of trees you can walk through and pick from. They sell fresh cider, pies, and preserves as well. It is the kind of outing that takes an hour but feels like it fills the whole afternoon.
The grape harvest is the other big event. Wine grapes are picked from late September through November, and if you visit during harvest you might see crews working the rows at several County wineries. Some wineries, including Norman Hardie and Rosehall Run, offer harvest-related events and tastings of new vintage wines. It is a special time to visit if you are interested in how wine actually gets made.
For more on the local food scene, see our local food guide.
Wineries in Fall
The wineries are one of the main reasons people visit PEC in any season, but fall is when they are at their most interesting. The harvest brings energy to the tasting rooms, and many wineries release new wines and host special events through September and October.
The County Road Wine Trail through Hillier is beautiful in fall. The road winds past vineyards in full autumn colour, and the smaller wineries along this route tend to be less crowded and more personal than the bigger operations. Closson Chase, Hinterland, Trail Estate, and Stanners are all along this corridor.
Further east, the wineries around Waupoos and along County Road 8 offer a quieter tasting experience. Waupoos Estates is one of the oldest wineries in the County and has a gorgeous property overlooking the lake. By Chadsey's Cairns sits in a beautiful heritage setting near the water.
Most wineries are open through October and into November, though hours may be reduced after Thanksgiving. It is always worth checking hours before you drive out, especially later in the season. For a full overview, see our wineries guide.
Fall Colours
Prince Edward County is not often listed alongside Algonquin or Muskoka for fall colours, but it should be. The County has a mix of maple, oak, ash, and other hardwoods that put on a strong show from early October through the first week of November.
The best drives for colour include County Road 1 from Carrying Place to Picton, the road from Picton to Lake on the Mountain, and the rural roads through the Hillier wine country. The stretch of road along the south shore near Sandbanks is also beautiful, with the fall canopy framing views of the lake.
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience fall colours in PEC. The roads are flat, the traffic is light in October, and you can cover enough ground on a bike to see the best of it. The Millennium Trail, a rail trail that runs across much of the County, is another good option for a fall walk or ride. Check our cycling guide for route suggestions.
Things to Do
Harvest season means farm-to-table dining at its freshest.
Beyond the wineries, farms, and scenic drives, fall in PEC has its own calendar of events and activities.
The Picton Fair, held in mid-August, is technically late summer, but the County Fair spirit carries into September. Taste, the County's annual food and wine event, usually runs in September and is a highlight for anyone interested in the local culinary scene.
The Regent Theatre in Picton has a fall performance season with films, music, and live theatre. The County's art studios hold open-studio weekends in the fall, when you can visit artists in their working spaces across the County.
For something quieter, fall is ideal for long walks on the beach. Sandbanks in October is peaceful and gorgeous, with empty sand stretching in both directions and the dunes catching the low autumn light. North Beach is equally beautiful and even more secluded.
Where to Stay
Fall is shoulder season in PEC, which means accommodation prices are often lower than summer and availability is better. That said, October weekends (especially Thanksgiving) do fill up, so booking ahead is still a good idea.
A cottage or farmhouse rental with a wood stove or fireplace is the perfect fall stay. The evenings get cool by mid-September, and there is nothing better than coming back from a day of wine tasting and harvest shopping to a warm fire and a home-cooked meal.
The boutique inns in Picton and Wellington are also at their best in fall. The Merrill Inn, the Waring House, and the Drake Devonshire all offer seasonal menus and a cozy atmosphere that suits the season perfectly. Browse our places to stay section for options across the County.
What to Pack
Layers are key. Fall days in PEC can start cool, warm up by midday, and drop again after sunset. A good combination is a light base layer, a sweater or fleece, and a wind-resistant jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to hike the dunes at Sandbanks or walk the farm trails.
Bring a reusable bag for farm-stand shopping and a cooler for the car if you plan to buy wine. You will want to bring some of this home with you.
For more fall travel planning, Visit PEC maintains a seasonal event calendar with current listings.