I spent a weekend in this charming small town in Ontario and it's my new fave getaway spot

The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

Tucked away amidst vineyards and scenic countryside is a small Ontario town that's fit for the pages of a storybook.

I recently spent a weekend in this enchanting hidden gem and it instantly stole my heart. With quaint streets, a plethora of local shops and delicious restaurants, it's an idyllic spot for a little getaway.

I travelled to Picton, Ontario for a girls' getaway with two of my best friends. The historic community is located in Prince Edward County and is surrounded by gorgeous sand beaches, wineries and more.

It's about a 2 and a half hour drive from Toronto, but with a good Spotify playlist and good chats, it didn't feel far at all.

Picton's Main Street is lined with historic shops and buildings and I immediately fell in love with the old-world atmosphere.

There are so many charming boutiques to explore, each one filled to the brim with unique items. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring the stores, sipping coffee at the cafes and snapping photos along the Insta-worthy street.

Lily's Cafe quickly became one of my go-to coffee spots. The quaint venue offers tons of baked goods and delicious warm drinks. It also connects to a bookshop where you can cuddle with an adorable cat — one of the highlights of my trip.

Since the region is known for its vineyards, we took a quick road trip outside of the town to some of the surrounding wineries.

We had to snap a photo by the iconic purple barn at Closson Chase Vineyards and also stopped by Huff Estates Inn & Winery where we discovered some drool-worthy wood-fired pizza.

Closson Chase Vineyards.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

Along the way, we checked out The Local Store — a unique shopping destination located inside a red barn. The venue boasts all sorts of local products, from food to woodwork and even antiques.

We couldn't miss out on a visit to the famous Sandbanks Provincial Park, located just outside of Picton. This spot is known for its rolling sand dunes and three pristine beaches.

Sandbanks Provincial Park.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

The weather was a bit chilly, which meant we were able to enjoy the park without any crowds.

I was in awe of the endless white-sand hills and felt like I had taken a trip to another world. We relaxed on the soft sand and enjoyed a picnic with a side of blue-water views.

Sandbanks Provincial Park.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

There are lots of boutique hotels and charming inns to stay at in Picton. My friends and I booked an Airbnb called Summer House PEC, which came with a hot tub and Sandbanks day pass.

It is such a great spot for a girls getaway and is just a walk away from the Main Street.

Sitting area in the Summer House PEC Airbnb.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

A weekend with friends isn't complete without brunch and we enjoyed an amazing morning feast at The Royal Hotel Picton. Despite the cool weather, we still got to dine outdoors on the heated patio and were even given blankets for extra coziness.

Brunch at The Royal Hotel Picton.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

The weekend came to a close way too quickly and I found myself already missing the character and charm of Picton. With all the cute cafés, stunning landscapes and old-world vibes, it was such a great city escape.

I will definitely be back to experience the magic of this spot all over again.

Picton website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.