Ontario hotspot recognized as global travel destination

A long-time favourite travel destination among wine lovers and foodies from Toronto to Montreal, Prince Edward County – The County, as it is affectionally known – now has global bonafides after it was chosen by a prominent international travel magazines as one of the Best Places to Go in 2026.

Condé Nast Traveler named Prince Edward County as the only Canadian destination in its list of 26 places around the world worthy of a visit next year.

The competition was fierce, with The County up against renowned destinations from tropical paradises like Barbados’ East Coast, northern Namibia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, historical spots like Australia’s Uluru, Fez in Morocco and Peloponnese in Greece and renowned global cities Brussels, Medellin, Colombia and Hong Kong.

The annual list celebrates destinations that blend authenticity, creativity, and community spirit and Sarah Fox, the Executive Director of Visit The County, said PEC officials were “honoured” to see the region recognized.

“This recognition reflects the deep sense of place that defines The County, from our makers and farmers to our chefs and hosts who stay true to their roots. As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited to welcome visitors who share our values and are seeking meaningful, authentic connections through food, culture, and community.”

Prince Edward County was recognized in the feature for its growing reputation as Canada’s premier wine and culinary region, as well as for a surge of new hospitality, wellness and other experiences opening in the coming year.

“As a Canadian who lives in the U.S., I’ve always been a huge fan of Prince Edward County,” said Condé Nast writer Kyle Beechey, who said he nominated it because of its “incredible dining, arts, and outdoor experiences.”

“With new openings and initiatives on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year to explore The County.”

“We’re honoured to see Prince Edward County recognized as Canada’s destination on Condé Nast Traveller’s Places to Go in 2026 list,” added Fox. “It’s wonderful to see our community celebrated on a global stage, especially at a time when there’s so much energy and innovation happening here. This recognition shines a light on the people and places that make The County truly unforgettable.”

The annual list celebrates destinations that embody the future of travel – places that blend authenticity, creativity, and community spirit. The feature highlighted several businesses that illustrate The County’s energy and evolution, including:

• The Wellington Hotel – a highly anticipated new hotel opening soon, bringing boutique-luxury.
• Wander Spa at Wander The Resort – a major wellness expansion offering Nordic-spa style experiences on the lakefront.
• Good Time Charlie’s – an elevated neighbourhood restaurant in Consecon already drawing food-lovers.
• Happy Sailing – newly operating out of Picton, offering sailing lessons along The County’s scenic shoreline.

Visitors can also look forward to discovering:

• Immersive wine-region experiences
• Outdoor adventures including sailing, lakeside wellness and nature exploration.
• Culinary excellence from young chefs and boutique restaurants.
• Boutique accommodation with a strong sense of place.

Budget-conscious travellers will also find that while premium experiences exist, much of what makes The County special is still rooted in genuine, accessible local charm.

Prince Edward County is already a favourite long-weekend destination for many Canadians – being just a few hours from the country’s two biggest cities – and the region has been coming into its own for the past decade as a hot spot for boutique hotels, small family-run wineries and world-class restaurants.

A lot of what’s new is centred in the quaint town of Picton, which has been transformed over the last few years by hotels, including The Royal, Beechey noted in the feature. It’s become a community hub of sorts, drawing locals and travellers alike, and has been joined by dining establishments like farm-to-table wine bar Theia and Spanish restaurant Bocado.

PEC is quickly becoming a mecca for exciting young chefs who are opening their own spots with a local focus, with restaurants like Stella’s Eatery, Darlings and La Condessa rivalling those found in bigger tourist centres.

Wine tourism is a big thing in The County, with dozens of vineyards quickly boosting the reputation of Canada’s youngest wine region, with everything from elegant reds to crisp whites from wineries like Sandbanks, Broken Stone, Closson Chase and Waupoos – all thanks to a unique terroir and cool climate.

The County has a thriving beer scene as well, with dozens of breweries on the island, including Slake, Matron, Midtown, Parsons, 555, All My Friends and Prince Eddy’s.

“When it comes to Prince Edward County, 2026 is when the world will catch up on what Canadians have known for years,” said Beeche.

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