Reinterpreting the bed & breakfast experience in Prince Edward County
PLAN YOUR STAY
We are looking forward to hosting you at the farmhouse.
We love where we live and we want you to discover what we like most about it, always keeping in mind that you will have this peaceful respite to reach after your day of exploring in Prince Edward County.
Be sure to bookmark this page, we frequently update it to reflect current events, business hours and openings.
01 . TOP TIPS FOR A GREAT GETAWAY
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR STAY AT THE WILFRID
• Your electronic door code to unlock the guest entrance during your stay will be the last 4 digits of the phone number you gave us upon booking followed by # (number sign).
• Look out for our online quiz in an email called “Your upcoming stay – a few things we'd like to know” in your inbox (sometimes it falls in the spams). It gives us cues on your approximate time of arrival and some of your likes and dislikes to help us customize your experience. Fill it out at least a few days before your stay.
• We are known for our unconventional brunch which lasts about 1 hour. This is served each morning of your stay. Two seatings are available in the Summer – 8 am or 9:30 am – and a single seating at 9 am from Fall to Spring. You will be able to indicate your preferred time, as well as any food restrictions and/or allergies on your online quiz.
• We will change your towels every day, and deep clean rooms between bookings. We simply ask that you respect the check-out time of 11 am to allow this to be done in time for the next guests to check in.
• Check ins are from 3pm – 9pm. On our guest survey you will be able to indicate at what time we should expect you, if it is past 9pm, we will text you instructions for a self check-in. If you are running off schedule for your check-in, we would appreciate it if you could text us at 438-390-2505 to give us an update;)
• If you are planning on using our Sauna facilities, you will want to bring your bathing suits, flip-flops and/or bathrobes. We supply extra towels and bottles of water. If you booked the sauna with your stay, please schedule your sauna session through this link. If you did not pre-book your sauna, you can still schedule a session and we'll settle up with you at check-out. Sessions are 2 hours long and private. Each session is $85/person plus applicable taxes. Please note that sauna sessions are non-refundable.
• You can travel light - we have yoga mats for you to borrow as well as umbrellas. Your room has a bluetooth speaker and our library is stocked full of reading material as well as a large smart tv with all your favourite viewing apps already loaded and ready to go.
• We encourage you to try some of the area's amazing restaurants. Prince Edward County is a food-centric destination. There are, however, no food delivery services in the area and The Wilfrid kitchen is not available for guest use.
• The Wilfrid Cellar (our scaled up version of a mini-bar) is stocked with a selection of our favourite international wines as well as a few local ones, cocktails, seltzers, ciders, mocktails, and beers. All alcoholic drinks consumed on the main floor must be purchased through The Wilfrid Cellar. If you brought something with you, you are welcome to enjoy it in your room or at one of the outdoor areas.
• We have a caviar menu and you can also pre-order a 2-dozen oyster platter to be served at The Wilfrid (see dining options below for more info), because, you know, we want you to eat the good stuff!
• We ask that guests refrain from wearing perfume during their stay and put their cell phones away at the breakfast table. Let the smell of the food be your perfume and get social without the media!
• We make every effort to be as sustainable and eco-responsible in our hosting and day-to-day activities. You can read more about The Wilfrid's mindset and mission here. Please refrain from bringing single use plastic water bottles along with you, your room has lovely glasses and the tap water is filtered, soften and purely delicious! Encourage small local businesses while you are visiting, they are the heart and soul of this wonderful community.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
• You will want to bring casual attire, a cooler (to bring home cheeses, and fresh veg from our local producers), and good walking shoes/boots. Days at the local beaches and nature parks are a great escape from the city. The vibe here in Prince Edward County is very laid back, you can leave those stilettos at home!
• Prince Edward County is a sprawling rural island, it is almost twice the size of Toronto, with winding roads. Everything is usually 20 minutes drive to anything else. There's no reason to feel rushed though, just plan out your day accordingly knowing that hamlets from east to west are: Cressy, Waupoos, Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington, Hillier, Consecon. The Wilfrid is located in Milford a 12 minute drive south of the main town, Picton.
• Gas stations are located along Picton Main Street and Wellington Main Street. Make sure you have enough gas when you set out for the day. There are new generation electric charging stations at Crystal Palace in Picton (375 Picton main Street), The Bloomfield Parking Lot (257 Bloomfield Main Street), and in Wellington (111 Belleville Street). You can also find charging stations at many of the wineries including Waupoos Winery, Harwood Estate Vineyard, Sandbanks Winery, Traynor and Huff Estates as well as Prinzen Ford in Bloomfield. If you have an EV that you would like to charge overnight at The Wilfrid, there is a $16/night charging fee, you will need to have your adapter for this, as you will connect to a standard grounded plug.
• When you cross someone in a car or walking down a country road it is polite to make eye contact, smile and wave by holding up your index and middle fingers. This is known as The County wave, you'll see locals doing this from their steering wheels.
• HOT TIP: Download the Passport Parking App. It’s the paid parking system used across The County and at Quinte Conservation areas. There are also no-charge public parking lots in Picton and Bloomfield. Parking on Picton Main Street is free December through end of March.
• GETTING AROUND WORRY-FREE Cab it to dinner by pre-booking a ride by texting either The Taxi Guy (613) 403-2766 or Buttons Taxi (613) 919-0595 (keep in mind texting a day or two ahead is always safer than waiting until the same day) - you can also downloading the Uride App and have a local drive you. If you would like to book a private driver for the day to check out wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries look for our recommendations here they'll pick you up at The Wilfrid and can drop you off at your restaurant at the end of the tour or bring you back to The Wilfrid.
02 . TOP DINING OPTIONS
Please keep in mind our multi-course brunch should keep you well fed for most of the day. Guests often stop for a late day bite or opt for one of The Wilfrid afternoon offerings for a little pre-dinner nibble.
The double dozen oyster platter.
Exclusively available at The Wilfrid. A 24 oysters platter with condiments. ($108) shucked and served between 3pm-7pm. Please order at least 5 days in advance by getting in touch with us: stay@thewilfrid.com
The Wilfrid caviar platters.
Exclusive to The Wilfrid. Our caviar platter includes 50g of ossetra caviar, hard boiled local farm eggs, sour cream, homemade brioche bread and onions ($145). Served between 3pm-7:30pm. It can be ordered on-site as a pre-dinner appetizer, simply allow 3 hours for preparation and service.
COFFEE SHOPS AND LUNCH STOPS
Sujeo Korean restaurant (Picton, 15 minutes) Lunch & Dinner Tues.–Sat.
Beacon Bike and Brew (Picton, 15 minutes) Lunch and coffee. 7 days a week
Lily's Cafe (Picton, 15 minutes) Lunch and coffee. 7 days a week
Luso Bites (Picton, 15 minutes) Lunch and coffee. Thurs.-Tues.
Crepe Escape (Picton, 15 minutes) Lunch Wed.-Sun.
The Commissary at Base31 (Picton, 15 minutes) lunch 7 days a week CLOSED WINTER - reopening April.
Cressy Market (Waupoos and Picton locations, 15 minutes) lunch market. 7 days
Citizen Frances (Bloomfield, 25 minutes) Coffee and bites. Thurs.–Mon.
Rise Coffee House (Wellington, 35 minutes) Coffee and bites. 7 days a week.
DINNER RESTAURANTS
The food scene in Prince Edward County has really come a long way since we moved here 10 years ago. We highly recommend advanced reservations for your dinners for any day of the week. Guests are often surprised at how busy these spots are at all times.
Here are our favourite dinner restaurants, and a bit of why we love them.
Pasta Onesta (Picton, 15 minutes) Thursday-Tuesday. (closed on Wednesdays)
It takes a lot for us to be wooed by pasta. Chef Martin has done it. A tiny restaurant (18 seats) has made this, THE best place to enjoy fresh pasta in The County. The menu changes often to highlight the season's freshest local ingredients.
TOP TIP: If there's a salad of some kind on the menu start off with it.
Hartley’s Tavern (Picton, 15 minutes) Tuesday.-Sat. (closed Sundays and Mondays)
A family run restaurant by a family who know what they're doing! Their young son heads up the kitchen and pours his heart and soul into everything he makes. Lots of love in every dish. Don't get fooled by the name "Tavern" this is no dive-bar, think New-York style Bistro.
TOP TIP: Ask what the chef recommends today.
Theia (Picton, 15 minutes) Wed.-Sun. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Is it a restaurant or a wine bar? Who cares, it's intimate and fun! This newbie on the Picton restaurant scene has quickly become one of our favourites. Everything Chef Myles prepares is locally sourced, creative and beautifully presented. Watch him effortlessly pull out dishes from behind the bar, and let the knowledgeable servers guide you through the areas' best wine list.
TOP TIP: Book a later seating and dine under the disco ball.
Bocado Tapas bar (Picton, 15 minutes) 7 days a week.
Traditional spanish tapas and paella. Lots of small sharing plates, great options for seafood lovers and vegetarians too.
TOP TIP: Get a seat at the bar, dinner and a show!
The Royal Hotel Restaurant (Picton, 15 minutes) 7 days a week
The hotel feels like Manhattan just landed in Picton but the vibe is very much laid-back Brooklyn. The menu is simple, traditional with a mix of italian and american bistro (crowd pleaser items). Everything is well executed and the space is beautiful.
TOP TIP: Come early and have a pre-dinner cocktail in the front room.
Stella’s Eatery (Waupoos, 15 minutes) Thursday. - Monday. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
The most "County" dining experience. The only restaurant surrounded by farmers' fields just steps away from the water. Casual atmosphere, fun service staff and a chalkboard menu (aka fresh and local).
TOP TIP: Get a table by the window and watch the tractors and farmers drive by.
Flame + Smith (Bloomfield, 20 minutes) Thurs-Mon. (closed on Tuesdays and wednesdays)
Chef Hidde has taken farm-to-table to a whole new level by planting the restaurants' own vegetable, fruit and herb garden just blocks away. Expect creative well executed dishes, everything cooked on an open flame (including their homemade sourdough), the freshest seafood and oysters, dry aged meats.
TOP TIP: order lots of appetizers and save room for dessert.
Sujeo Korean restaurant (Picton, 15 minutes) Dinner Tues.–Sat. (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Like being invited to your best friend's Korean family for a meal. Cozy, home made, friendliest place around.
TOP TIP: Get the dumplings and any daily special they have on offer!
Brasserie Alexandria (Picton, 15 minutes) Tues - Sat. (closed Sundays and Mondays)
French bistro cuisine in Prince Edward County. Set in the quirkiest dining room, think dinner theatre and go along with the show. Dress-up for dinner.
TOP TIP: Park your car on Picton Main street and walk to The Merrill House's Brasserie to show off your new shoes.
Gather at Wander (Bloomfield, 30 minutes) 7 days a week.
This modern resort restaurant surprises with beautifully crafted dishes. The dining room is glassed and looks out to West Lake.
TOP TIP: Be adventurous with your menu choices.
03 . TOP TASTING OPTIONS
WINE & COCKTAIL BARS
The Russ & Co Cocktail Bar (Picton, 15 minutes) Wed – Sun.
The Royal Hotel Parlour Bar (Picton, 12 minutes) 7 days a week.
Bar Duchess (Wellington, 35 minutes) Wed. – Sat.
Decanter PEC (Wellington, 35 minutes) Thurs. – Mon.
Old Salt Cocktails (Hillier, 35 minutes) Outdoor Cocktail Lounge 7 days - 12pm to 5pm. SUMMER ONLY
VINEYARDS & TASTING ROOMS
With over 40 boutique wineries in Prince Edward County it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. Here are our personal favourites, small owner run operations that pride themselves on locally grown varietals. Tasting rooms are mostly open year round but it is always preferable to call ahead for winter visits.
Exultet (Milford, 15 minutes walk)
Lighthall Vineyards (Cherry Valley, 5 minutes) + Sheep’s milk cheeses
Hubb’s Creek Vineyard (Hillier, 35 minutes) tastings by appointment only
Stanners (Hillier, 35 minutes)
Last House Vineyard (Hillier, 40 minutes) - by appointment only or at Decanter PEC
Stoss Lee Wines (Bloomfield, 25 minutes) - tasting room shared with Stock and Row Cider
Closson Chase (Hillier, 35 minutes)
Morandin Wines (Wellington, 40 minutes)
Trail Estate (Hillier, 35 minutes)
Hinterland Wine (Hillier, 35 minutes)
Domaine Darius (Bloomfield, 30 minutes)
PEC Wine Club (Picton, 15 minutes) - in the Pilot's Lounge at Base31 - representing 28 local wineries
CRAFT BREWERIES
Slake Brewing (Picton, 10 minutes)+ food on site
Matron Fine Beer (Bloomfield, 25 minutes) + food on site
All My Friends Beer Co (Bloomfield, 25 minutes)
Prince Eddy’s Brewing Co (Picton, 15 minutes)
Parson’s Brewing Co (Picton, 20 minutes) + food on site
Gillingham Brewing Co (Bloomfield, 25 minutes)
Midtown Brewing Co (Wellington, 30 minutes) + restaurant on site
CIDERIES & DISTILLERIES
Stock and Row Cider (Bloomfield, 25 minutes)
County Cider (Waupoos, 20 minutes)
Wildlot Farm Distillery (Picton North, 30 minutes)
Bare Bones Distillery (Hillier, 35 minutes)
Stillus Craft Spirits (Bloomfield, 25 minutes)
Kinsip House of Fine Spirits (Bloomfield, 25 minutes)
04 . TOP SHOPS
SHOP HOPPING IN PICTON
Zest Kitchen Shop
Books & Company
Savon du bois
POA
Kelly’s Shop
KC's Closet
City Revival
October Sky
Mary Street Vintage
Magpie Clothing
Cylinder Shop
Yellow Door
For the Love of Design
Early Grey Fleurs
Fridays Cannabis
Hide and Seek Antiques
Black Barn Co
Arts on Main Gallery
Agrarian Market
Rosehaven Yarn Shop
WEEKEND ONLY HIDDEN SHOP GEMS
Studio Free Folk Handmade Candle Stand - 3 Downes Avenue
Jonathan Kaiser Shop - 1 Walton Street
SHOP HOPPING IN BLOOMFIELD
Keep County
Kokito
Guildworks
Wandering Albatross Books
Green Gables
Anice Jewellery (Anice in The County)
Cannery Row
Twenty Seven Pec
Frida Style
County Traders
05 . TOP THINGS TO DO
THINGS TO SEE AND DO WHEN YOU VISIT.
• Visit three of the most spectacular nature conservation areas in PEC, Little Bluff Long Point Bird Observatory and Monarch Point Conservation Area. The prettiest places for a nature walk, water views and a swim in The County and all within a few kms of The Wilfrid.
• Book a pampering session at The Main Character PEC, Bloomfield Beauty Co, or The Royal Hotel Spa
• Hike the Dunes, walk the beaches and forest trails at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
From May to November be sure to pre-book your day-use parking before heading out to Sandbanks, you can do this 5 days ahead of your visit.
• Listen to County Radio at 99.3 fm for the latest news and fun radio shows, our non-for-profit volunteer run radio station.
• Follow @visitthecounty on Instagram for updates on happenings
• Find which special events are taking place during your visit.
• Pick up local fruit, veg, cheeses, meats, handmade soaps, and more from our favourite farm stand Vicki's Veggies Hagermans and Laundry Farms (all farms open May through November).
• Every Sunday (May to end of Oct), the Picton Town Hall Farmer's market sets up their stands, find everything from locally grown produce, great food, music and crafts.
• Get bikes delivered to The Wilfrid for day use, bring your own or rent some near the Millenium Trail or vineyards and cycle the country roads.
• Rent a kayak, canoe or paddle board for a few hours and befriend the local wildlife while you paddle down Black River.
• Have a soul session with horses here or ride like a cowboy here
• Watch the sunset from the big barn and star gaze by the firepit on our property.
• Book a romantic Pontoon boat tour and catch the sunset from the water.
• Practice your golf swing (or swing for the first time) in an indoor virtual golf course
• Go for a walk along the Millenium Trail or on Macauley Mountain.
• Book a private driver for a wine tour with https://www.unofficialwinetours.com/, https://www.countysips.com/ , https://www.countytastingtours.com/ or https://revolvingaxis.ca/
• Check out the exhibitions at Oeno Gallery, Andara Gallery, Mad Dog Gallery, Melt Studio, or Hatch Gallery
• Encourage small independent businesses along Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington Main streets.
• On Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, grab a coffee and pastry from PECish
• Tour a former WWII army base at Base 31, visit art galleries, grab a bite, take an illuminated art night walk, attend a night art market, or catch a live music show there
• Drop in to the County Arts Labs and learn a new passion
• Catch a live show or a movie at the historic Regent Theatre or watch a movie under the stars at the classic Mustang Drive-In Theatre
• Book a yoga or pilates session at Studio PEC in Picton or feel the vibrations of a reiki or yoga session in a yurt.
• Find your way out of a WWII Escape Room in a WWII barrack
• Pet an alpaca at SHED Chetwyn or Noble Beast Farms
• Slow down, relax and smile at people you see along the way.
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