Prince Edward County, Ontario: Waterfront Homes and Wine Country Cottages

The main towns are Picton, Wellington and Bloomfield, and the area is known for wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, sandy beaches and Sandbanks Provincial Park. Many buyers are Toronto and Ottawa residents seeking a second home or a place to retire, and short-term rental regulations in the municipality affect investors. Services such as hospital care and specialists are limited compared with large cities, and winters are quiet. For metro contrasts see Toronto and Ottawa.

Canada's federal ban on many non-Canadian residential purchases applies here unless an exemption fits, and Ontario's Non-Resident Speculation Tax adds a surcharge in covered regions. Because both policies change, confirm the current status with a lawyer. For waterfront, check shoreline ownership, conservation authority rules and septic and well condition. Read the Canadian purchase guide and the financing page.

Visit in winter and spring. Road access, winter heating and neighbours' summer-only occupancy look different out of season.