The best walks and hikes around Prince Edward County

Outlet Beach is a beautiful, long sandy stretch of sand in the East Lake sector of the park, with shallow water and a gentle drop-off that make it a favourite with families. Nearby, the calm Outlet River winds through marsh habitat and is a great spot for beginner paddlers. The park has no lifeguards at its beaches, so keep that in mind before heading into the water, especially if you are here with young swimmers.

Lakeview Trail follows the shoreline of Lake Ontario for about 2 kilometres, with forest along the southern stretch and old farm fields to the north that are slowly returning to meadow. At West Point, the headland at the trail’s western end, layered limestone ledges along the shore hold fossils roughly 450 million years old, and a shorter 1-kilometre loop near the trailhead makes for an easy walk by the water. The lakeshore is an important stop for migrating birds and monarch butterflies in spring and fall, and the fields are home to bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks, so there is plenty to see as you make your way along the trail.

Sandbanks Provincial Park protects 1,550 hectares along the beautiful Lake Ontario shore, including the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, where some dunes rise up to 25 metres. Three sandy beaches stretch along the water, and the park’s location jutting out into the lake makes it a bird migration hotspot in spring and fall. It’s a popular spot in the summer, so booking a daily vehicle permit online ahead of time is the best way to guarantee entry. You can find more information here: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/sandbanks

Lakeview Trailhead sits off Lake Shore Lodge Road, with a small gravel parking area and a covered kiosk with a posted trail map. Signs here warn that there are ticks and poison ivy in the area, so staying on the trail and checking for ticks afterwards is a good idea. Every vehicle in Sandbanks Provincial Park needs a daily vehicle permit, which you can book online up to five days ahead, and booking early is the best way to guarantee a spot, especially on busy summer days. You can find more information and get your permit online here: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/sandbanks

Gunpo Trail is a paved waterfront path that connects Zwick's Island Park with Belleville's Bayshore Trail network. Following the beautiful shoreline, there are constant views of the water, and the trail is mostly flat, making it an easy walking experience for people of all ages. Named in honour of Belleville's sister city in South Korea, it's a lovely route for everyone to enjoy.

From this spot, you can look across the Bay of Quinte toward the Norris Whitney Bridge carrying Highway 62 to Rossmore. The wide expanse of water, passing boats, and the graceful bridge create an ever-changing, busy waterfront scene that can be picturesque, especially at sunrise and sunset. There is a nice picnic table here, perfect for a peaceful place to pause and take in one of Belleville’s defining views before continuing along the island’s trails.

Zwick’s Island Park is that largest waterfront park in Belleville, and sits right where the Moira River meets the Bay of Quinte. There are walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, open green spaces, and plenty of views across the water, making it a popular spot for recreation and community events. It’s also an excellent place to watch boats and waterbirds along the busy shoreline.

Canada Flag Park is full of wonder, but the crown jewel is the iconic flower flag on a vibrant green lawn. The flag can be seen from Highway 401, but the flag is better seen up close at the park. It's made up of 32,000 begonias. 20,500 of the flowers are red leaf begonias, and 11,500 are white begonias.