This dreamy white sand beach town with velvety dunes is a magical summer day trip from Ottawa
White sand beaches meet small town charm for the perfect summer spot. 🏖
A beach in a small town in Ontario. Right: A person at a white sand beach in Ontario.
If you want to escape to white sand beaches with crystal clear waters without getting on a flight, this magical beach town near Ottawa should be on your summer bucket list.
Just a road trip from the city, you can explore a quaint town where every corner feels like a postcard.
Part of the larger Prince Edward County, Picton is a charming small town that makes for a magical summer spot.
Located about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Ottawa, Picton offers tons to see and do in a beautiful setting along the shores of the Bay of Quinte, with a storied past and lively culture.
Its position on the water also means that it's home to some stunning beaches — here, you'll find Sandbanks Provincial Park, a park famous for its beaches and swimming.
The park is home to three white-sand beaches with rolling sand dunes and clear blue water, including Outlet Beach in the East Lake sector of the park, Lakeshore Beach in the park's Lakeshore day use area off Lake Ontario, and Dunes Beach located in the Dunes day use area off West Lake.
Both Lakeshore and Outlet Beach offer gradual drop-offs perfect for swimmers of all ages, as well as the soft, white sand and crystal-clear water that Sandbanks is known for.
To see rolling sand dunes, head to Dunes Beach, where you can see the world's largest baymouth barrier dune formation and huge dunes that drop steeply into the lake.
Besides swimming and lying on the sand, there are plenty of other things to do at Sandbanks Provincial Park, including a number of hiking trails with scenic lookouts and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as fishing opportunities at East and West Lake.
While the park offers enough to keep you occupied for an entire day, you'll definitely want to leave some time during your visit to Prince Edward County to explore the many things to do in Picton.
Take a stroll through downtown Picton, where you'll find a blend of historic architecture and modern charm.
The town's Main Street is lined with cute boutique shops, quaint cafes, art galleries and restaurants, and you can easily spend a few hours exploring the area.
Just off Main Street, you can visit the Picton Harbour Inn and Lighthouse Restaurant in Picton Harbour. The restaurant is said to have some of the best breakfast in town, which is served until 3 p.m. Afterwards, you could walk along the harbour or take a pontoon boat tour to see shallow coves, waterfalls and some of the county's finest nature.
Until October, you can visit the Picton Town Hall Farmers Market, where you'll find fresh produce and unique items crafted by local vendors.
If you feel like seeing a flick, check out the Regent Theatre, a more than 100-year-old theatre on Main Street where you can see movies, live performances, special events and more.
Prince Edward County is also known as one of the most desired wine destinations in Canada, and you'll find a number of wineries around the town offering tours and tastings.
Whether you visit for the day or head here for a weekend getaway, Picton is a charming summer spot with tons of sights and activities sure to make for a memorable stay.
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.