COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

Prince Edward County is home to one of Canada’s best beaches, Sandbanks Provincial Park, in addition to many great options for swimming, sunning, water sports and fishing in the area. Wellington Beach is a short walk from Drake Motor Inn + Drake Devonshire and a short drive will take you to more secluded spots favoured by locals. Swimming on the shoreline of Drake Devonshire is NOT encouraged and should be done at your own risk; the same goes for swimming in Lane Creek. We’re happy to let you in on the scoop; contact the Front Desk (x100) for directions or to arrange transportation.

Prince Edward County has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Canada’s wine regions to watch. Many outstanding wineries dot the area with vintners proud to show off the award-winning fruits of their labour. Here are some of our favourites:

Rosehall Run - Their Pixie is arguably the best sparkling rosé around.

Karlo Estates - One of the closest wineries to the Inn, it can be accessed via the Millennium Trail by bike or on foot; be sure to visit the loft gallery in their reclaimed barn.

Closson Chase - The owners of this vineyard are a who’s who of Canadian arts and media.

Hinterland - This winery is devoted to producing outstanding sparkling wines.

The Grange of Prince Edward - The vines of this family-owned + operated winery were planted on the winemakers’ family farm.

Lighthall - This boutique winery produces small quantities of high quality, limited-run wines and icewines.

Hubb’s Creek - Another family-run vineyard producing excellent pinot noir and chardonnay thanks to the Hillier Clay loam and limestone-rich soil in the area.

Keint-he - This Burgundian winery is just off Loyalist Parkway on the outskirts of the town of Wellington.

Long Dog Vineyard + Winery - Sample the pinot noir, chardonnay and rosé from these dog lovers and winemakers. Open in season.

Spend the afternoon exploring the fruits of The County, while our wonderful staff guides chauffeur you and your friends around to some of the area's best wineries. The package includes a 2.5 - 3-hour winery tour* with tastings at 3-5 select wineries with our driver. All for $125 per person (plus applicable taxes). 

The town of Wellington is a hub of Prince Edward County’s thriving arts scene. Galleries and artists’ studios are open for the public to peruse works ranging from naturalist landscapes to the abstract. Visit their studios to admire their work or join a drawing class to try your hand and sharpen your skills. Contact the Front Desk (x100) for more information.

Pictured: Letha Wilson's "Bryce Canyon Lava Push" from Follow That Thought, our outdoor exhibition on now at Drake Devonshire. 

Other than Sandbanks Provincial Park and the Millennium Trail, there are lots of amazing local wonders. Give us a shout for directions or to arrange transport to some of our favourites:

Lake on the Mountain Park - This provincial park is dedicated to the natural wonder of Lake on the Mountain. Cloaked in mystery and legend, the turquoise lake, often thought to have no visible source of water, is a beautiful setting for activities in the park.

Lavender Fields - Lavender fields forever. The County is home to many fields, farms and a festival dedicated to this fragrant and therapeutic bloom. Our Front Desk (x100) staff will direct you to the best lavender farms in the area.

North Beach Provincial Park - Cruise the bay and reel in the catch of the day, splash in the waves or enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge.

Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory - A birder's paradise! This migration research station and major migratory route is located along the eastern tip of Prince Edward County. Spy passerines, waterfowl, raptors and rare and unusual species.

+ Give us a shout for directions or to arrange transport to some of our favourites in our MINI Countryman, the preferred vehicle of the Drake Devonshire. 

Golf - Special arrangements have been made with our local golf course, Wellington on the Lake. Contact the Front Desk (x100) for more information or to reserve a tee time.

Yoga + Pilates - Namaste! We are pleased to offer on-site yoga and pilates classes in the glass box at Drake Devonshire for the wellness junkie in you. Please contact Front Desk (x100) for a class schedule. Private classes may also be arranged.

Fishing - The pristine waters of Lake Ontario and especially the Bay of Quinte are home to some of the best walleye fishing in Ontario. The Front Desk (x100) can easily make suggestions if you just want to drop a line in the area, or can arrange boat rentals at nearby marinas. For the more adventurous, guided fishing excursions can be organized with sufficient notice. Fishing licenses are mandatory in the Province of Ontario and can be obtained at Home Hardware, right in Wellington across the street from Drake Devonshire. Ice fishing is a popular winter pastime in certain parts of the County. Lane Creek itself is a spawning ground for trout in the spring and salmon in the winter. These fish are in a very docile/delicate state at this point in their life cycle and MUST NOT BE DISTURBED, so please stare in wonder but never touch or disturb a spawning fish.

Fire Pit - Gather around the fire pit at Drake Motor Inn to warm up, keep the bugs at bay and soak in a sky full of stars. 

Skating Rink - Come snowflake season, go for a whirl on our picturesque skating ring, situated right next to Drake Motor Inn.  

Plus, there's always something new to do at Drake Devonshire – check our event listings or speak with our Front Desk (x100)!