Located on the north shores of Lake Ontario, Wellington is undeniably one of Prince Edward County’s IT spots. With a population of less than 2,000 in 2011, it’s expected to double by 2032 as urbanites flock to enjoy everything Wellington has to offer.
With a stunning pebble beach, boardwalk, lighthouse and views of Sandbanks West Lake Sand Dunes, there’s also a waterfront park with a great playground and gazebo. Looking for some outdoor adventure beyond beaches? Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and boats in Wellington Harbour or get in a round of golf at the Wellington on the Lake Golf Course and Driving Range.
Foodies Unite! Wellington is home to quaint cafes, pubs and multiple ice cream parlours. You’ll find some of the County’s best restaurants, with the lakefront Drake Devonshire (the County’s outpost of the famed Toronto Drake Hotel) and East and Main Bistro.
The Saturday Farmer’s Market is undoubtedly the best in the County, with local farmers and gourmands gathering from May to October. From local produce and baked goods to preserves, local meat and crafts, the Farmer’s Market is a fab way to usher in the weekend.
Nobody visits Wellington without visiting the wineries. Home to world-renowned Norman Hardie Winery (try their chardonnay even if you aren’t a “chard person”). Also worth a visit: Sandbanks Estate Winery (with weekly yoga and music in the vineyard), Karlo Estates (the world’s first vegan-certified winery), Keint-he Winery (with summer movies under the stars), Casa Dea Estates Winery (with a great on-site restaurant and picnic baskets) and Rosehall Run (buy a case of their Pixie sparkling rose).
Not to be overshadowed by the wineries: check out Midtown Brewing Company for craft beer, great local fare and a funky industrial atmosphere.
Arts and culture more your thing? Spend a day visiting the various art galleries, studios and the Heritage Museum on Main Street. Take in a live concert in the gazebo in the park in the summer, or catch a show at Wellington’s jazz piano bar, the Stache on Main. The ever-growing theatre scene in the County is headlined by Festival Players, with an artistic director straight from the Stratford Festival.
Real Estate in Wellington
Wellington is one of the County’s hottest housing areas, thanks to its proximity to both some of the County’s best wineries as well as Sandbanks Provincial Park and West Lake, with their turquoise waters and soft sand. Century homes are interspersed with mid-century homes from the ‘50’s and 60’s, all on big lots, with new homes and a retirement community outside of the Main street area. Home prices start at $400,000.
Popular with retirees and hipsters alike, Wellington is ideal for those with generous budgets. Demand outstrips supply here, so expect properties to sell quickly, sometimes with multiple buyers competing for the same property.
Some homes in Wellington have city services, while others located outside of the downtown area are on rural septic systems and water wells.
Of Note:
Wellington on the Lake is a phased development retirement community along the shores of Lake Ontario. With a golf course, community centre and easy access to the best of Wellington and Sandbanks, buyers can choose to purchase a resale existing property or buy brand new. Prices start in the 300’s to the high 500’s.
There’s a new project in town too: Twelve Tree Condominiums. With 30 condominiums and six luxury townhome options, this boutique development will have a prime Wellington waterfront location.
Must See and Do in Wellington
- Pack a picnic and head to the beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Tour the wineries by horse-drawn carriage with the County Carriage Co
- Take a lakefront stroll on the boardwalk
- Stock up on fresh produce and baked goods at the Saturday Farmer’s Market
- Dine at some of the County’s best restaurants
- Enjoy some late night live music at the Stache on Main piano bar