This Ontario small town with 3 velvety sand beaches is among Canada's 'best' spots to live
If spending your weekends dipping into cozy cafes, wandering storybook streets and relaxing on powdery beaches sounds like your dream come true, you might want to pack your bags for this enchanting small town.
Offering quaint shops, delicious eateries, and gorgeous white sand beaches, it's a beautiful spot to call home, and readers say it's one of Canada's best places to live.
On Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked followers to name the best small towns to live in Canada, and this waterside Ontario village was one of the top picks.
Picton is a charming small town located in picturesque Prince Edward County. Home to streets lined with boutiques, endless wineries and sparkling waters, it's no surprise readers say it's a dream spot to live.
According to The County website, the area is a "unique island-vibe community," complete with friendly connections, over 700 kilometres of shoreline, rich history and year-round events.
You can spend your days strolling the charming streets and browsing the shops, where you'll find everything from books to jewelry and clothing.
There are also many quaint cafes, such as The Bean Counter Café and Lily's Cafe, where you can grab a specialty drink and sweet treat.
The town is home to several attractions, like The Regent Theatre and Macaulay Heritage Park, as well as art galleries, farmers' markets and more.
One of Picton's biggest draws is Sandbanks Provincial Park, located a short drive from downtown. The beautiful destination is home to three of Canada's "best" sandy beaches and the world's largest bay-mouth barrier dune formation.
You can spend your summer days strolling along silky sand shores and swimming in turquoise waves.
The surrounding region boasts beautiful trails, quaint markets, and a thriving wine scene. You can head to popular wineries nestled amidst rolling hills, such as Sandbanks Estates Winery and Closson Chase Vineyard.
The County is also known as an incredible foodie destination, offering farm-to-table dishes at scenic venues. Flame + Smith, Stella's Eatery, and The Royal Hotel serve local fare that highlights the region's fresh ingredients.
Picton's housing market comes at a fraction of Toronto's. In August 2025, the average home price was $507,500, while Toronto's sat at $1,028,236, according to Zolo.
If small-town living sounds like your ideal lifestyle, this cozy waterfront town might be worth checking out.
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.
