If you’re seeking an exciting new location for your next corporate retreat or business event, look no further than Prince Edward County (PEC). Geographically, this picturesque Ontario island is just a short drive from Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston and Montreal, making it ideal for a company conference, meeting, event, or team-building exercise.
It’s also a convenient getaway for businesspeople spread across different cities wanting to meet in the middle. The County, as it’s also called, is perfect for longer stays, too, with a plethora of year-round indoor and outdoor activities to choose from.
“In a world of virtual calls and back-to-back meetings, employee engagement and connection is becoming increasingly important,” says Alex Portman, owner of The Eddie Hotel & Farm, situated on 78 acres just north of West Lake. He’s also president of Stay PEC, a tourism marketing group for the area.
“Prince Edward County is ideal for small to medium-sized corporate groups looking to combine in-person work time with unique and engaging social activities that bolster in-person connection,” he adds. “From brainstorming new ideas for work to breaking bread with a local wine-maker to a group e-bike tour on the Millennium Trail, the County has so much to offer to get your team to connect and collaborate off screen.”
Why make PEC your next stop for business and pleasure?
Bordered by Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Bay of Quinte, PEC’s 800 km of shoreline features three expansive beaches, including the world-famous Sandbanks Beach. It also has three acclaimed national parks, as well as three popular towns – Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington.
All this makes PEC a sought-after summer hotspot for business and pleasure travellers. The award-winning hospitality destination has received recognition by the Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards (Top Hotels in Eastern Canada), Michelin Guide’s picks for Ontario’s boutique stays, Travel + Leisure’s Best New Hotels list, and Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
PEC also has more than 900 accommodation options to choose from – including boutique and luxury hotels, B&Bs, inns, cottages and one- to eight-bedroom home rentals at a range of price points – more than 25 restaurants run by some of Canada’s top-rated chefs and restaurateurs, and more than 40 wineries, cideries, breweries, cocktail bars and distilleries. That’s along with many cafes, coffee shops, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, bookstores and shops selling locally-produced artisanal goods.
Evolving into a four-season destination
PEC has recently seen more people visiting in the off-season, says Sonia Houle, owner of Clarke Road Retreat, an eight-bedroom home rental near downtown Picton. Spring and fall has fewer crowds, making it easier to snag restaurant reservations or sip cider on a crisp afternoon.
“During this shoulder season, there’s also higher accommodation availability with lower night-minimums,” adds Houle.
“For corporates, team-building exercises like oyster shucking, knife sharpening, flower arrangement, cheese and wine tasting are a hit in the off-season,” she explains. “Restaurants, shops, museums and art galleries are now open year-round, even in the winter. We also have the Millennium Trail, a 46-km abandoned railway line that winds through various towns that is very popular for hiking and biking throughout the year.”
Another major four-season draw is the recently opened Wander the Spa, Ontario’s first-ever lakefront Nordic spa featuring a 10,000 square foot hydrotherapy circuit with saunas, steam rooms, pools, and cold plunges, and a restaurant featuring seasonally-inspired menus.
PEC’s year-round calendar of local events, festivals and concerts includes the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, Countylicious, Maple in the County, County Adaptation Film Festival, and other events. Guided winery tours with wine tasting and food pairing are also available year-round.
‘PEC is really starting to bubble up’
PEC offers a peaceful haven for those who just want to get away from it all and enjoy relaxing days and the unhurried pace of life amidst the tranquility of nature. Houle says that while most small towns tend to be limited in terms of one or two notable attractions, PEC has multiple, offering many of the conveniences and world-class hospitality of a big city while maintaining its famous small-town charm.
“Many operators here, including The CAPE team, come from corporate event backgrounds, ensuring a polished, professional feel while still embracing the charm and warmth of the County,” explains Jake Curl, GM of the CAPE, a 19th-century estate turned event space with modern amenities.
“The slower pace, scenic beauty, and boutique venues inspire creativity, spark collaboration, and encourage meaningful connections.”
Business retreats and similar events are often held in The County, such as the 2025 Ontario Heritage Conference that saw over 200 participants
“PEC is really starting to bubble up,” says Houle, a PEC resident for the past nine years. “Given its welcoming atmosphere, over the past decade many talented creatives from all walks of life have moved here permanently, adding to the cultural richness and arts scene. More restaurants, wineries, and hotels have opened.
“Here you can find all the ingredients a traveller looks for, whether traveling for business or leisure, as an individual, in a group, or as a family. It truly is a hidden gem with something for everyone – and those who have experienced PEC often return.”
VisitTheCounty.com is a good start to planning your trip, with an accommodation search tool, trip ideas and planning tips and guides.
