Going to the Beach- Prince Edward County
Dear friends,
The County prides itself on being a warm, welcoming community eager to share its amazing art, agricultural history, culinary delights and handcrafted beverages. Following COVID-19 lockdowns, we've become even more popular, but it's taking a toll on our beaches and wild spaces.
If you're planning a visit with lots of beach time, please consider coming mid-week. If you're hoping for a weekend visit, plan to be on the beach before 9 a.m., or after 4 p.m. Sandbanks and North Beach, both provincial parks, have seen heavy use, and we expect them to close once the parking is full on weekends to manage capacity. Check Sandbanks PP on Twitter for updates. On July 4 alone, 2,000 vehicles were turned away from Sandbanks. We don't want you caught in the traffic snarl, or facing disappointment after a long drive.
Wellington Rotary Beach has also introduced a $20 parking fee on weekends. This beach will close once it reaches capacity. It's our aim to keep everyone safe during the pandemic, and we're not able to accommodate as many beach-goers in a time of physical distancing. Keep an eye out for our Twitter feed, or signage coming into Wellington from either direction on Highway 33. It will give an accurate update on whether Wellington's beach is open.
Due to overuse, Quinte Conservation announced that Little Bluff Conservation Area is also closing to all but pedestrians or cyclists. Little Bluff is, first and foremost, a place that seeks to protect flora and fauna. Heavy use - and a lack of bathroom facilities - has taken a toll.
Please remember that swimming off private lands is not permitted without the owners' express permission. In an effort to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and help enforce public health measures, parking fines for leaving vehicles in areas where parking is not permitted on weekends and statutory holidays have increased to up to $400. These fines are in effect for the following areas:
North Beach Road, for the entirety of the road
Winn Road on Sheba's Island
One side of Island Road on Sheba's Island
The north side of Bakker Road from number 858 Bakker to the end of the road.
For ideas on how to explore beyond the beaches, check out our blogs below:
Beyond the Beach: Where to Make Waves in Prince Edward County
Plus dozens of blogs about picnicking, nature, food, art, cycling, shopping and more...
And the most useful link we can share - where to find public bathrooms in The County.