Picton is a charming unincorporated community located in Prince Edward County, southeastern Ontario, approximately 160 kilometres (99 miles) east of Toronto. It is situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. It is known for its picturesque natural surroundings, vibrant arts and culture scene, and various activities to suit different tastes.

 

Picton is easily accessible by car. Driving times from major urban centers such as Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, and Syracuse, New York, range from two to three hours.

 

Loyalists originally settled in Picton in the 1780s, and they were first named Hallowell. The town was later renamed Picton in honour of Sir Thomas Picton, a British officer who died at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

 

Prince Edward County is a single-tier municipal government that handles all municipal services. The former county seat and current council hall are at Shire Hall in Picton.

 

Picton, Ontario, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and community spirit, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a peaceful escape or an active adventure.

 

History of Picton, Ontario, Canada

Picton is a charming, unincorporated community in Prince Edward County, southeastern Ontario, Canada. It is situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. It is known for its picturesque natural surroundings, vibrant arts and culture scene, and various activities to suit different tastes.

 

Founding and Early Years: Picton was originally settled in the 1780s by Loyalists led by Andrew and Henry Johnson. The area was first named Hallowell before being renamed Picton in honour of Sir Thomas Picton, a British major general in the Napoleonic Wars.

 

Incorporation and Growth: Picton was incorporated as a town in 1837. During the 1820s, the introduction of steamboats made the harbour more accessible to lake traffic, contributing to the town's growth. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, practiced law in Picton for two years during the 1830s.

 

Amalgamation: In 1998, Picton and nine other municipalities in Prince Edward County amalgamated into a single-tier municipality, the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward.

 

Geography of Picton, Ontario, Canada

Picton is an unincorporated community in Prince Edward County in southeastern Ontario, roughly 160 km (99 mi) east of Toronto. It is the county's largest community and former seat, situated at the southwestern end of Picton Bay, a branch of the Bay of Quinte, along Lake Ontario's northern shoreline.

 

Natural Geography

• Picton is on a rolling farmland and sand beach peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario.
• It is situated on an arm of the Bay of Quinte, a large bay off of Lake Ontario.
• The town is surrounded by natural features, such as Sandbanks Provincial Park, three expansive sandy beaches, and Lake on the Mountain, a mysterious lake with no visible water source.
• The Millennium Trail, a 49-kilometer trail, runs through Prince Edward County and is used for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.

 

Picton's geography is defined by its location on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, its proximity to the Bay of Quinte, and its abundance of natural features and outdoor recreation opportunities.

 

Demographics of Picton, Ontario, Canada

• Population: As of the 2021 census, the population of Picton is 4,508, with a population density of 830.4 per square kilometre.
• Age Distribution: The population is predominantly between 15 and 64 years old, with 53% of the population in this age group. The 65+ age group accounts for 36.7% of the population.
• Gender: The population is slightly male-dominated, with 55.3% males and 44.7% females.
• Language: Most of the population speaks English as their first official language, with 4,275 individuals reporting English as their mother tongue. French is spoken by 55 individuals, and other languages are spoken by 175 individuals.

 

Economy of Picton, Ontario, Canada

Picton, Ontario, Canada's economy is diverse and includes various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and services. Here are some key points about the economy of Picton:

 

Tourism

• Tourism Industry: Tourism is an important part of Picton's economy, attracting over 650,000 visitors annually. The tourism sector supports local businesses and creates jobs.
• Attractions: Picton offers a range of attractions, including historic sites like Macaulay Heritage Park, the Regent Theatre, and the Crystal Palace. The town also features beautiful beaches, wineries, and scenic drives.

 

Agriculture

• Farming: Picton is surrounded by rolling farmland and is known for its agricultural production. The area is home to various farms, including those specializing in wine-making and other agricultural products.

 

Services

• Average Salary: The average salary in Picton is C$18.13, with wage trends decreasing by -100.0 percent in Q1 2020.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living in Picton is 100 percent higher than the national average.
• Occupations: Popular occupations in Picton include Personal Support Worker (PSW), Registered Nurse (RN), and Apprentice Plumber, which pay between C$12.69 and C$30.90 per year.

 

Industrial Characteristics

• Tourism: Tourism is a significant source of revenue for many area residents, especially during the summer months. Historic downtown Picton offers a variety of shops and services, and Sandbanks Provincial Park is located near the town.
• Industrial Docking Facilities: Picton has extensive small-craft docking facilities and boat launch ramps, but facilities for heavy shipping are needed.

 

Picton's economy is driven by a mix of tourism, agriculture, and services. The town offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike.

 

Education in Picton, Ontario, Canada

 

Public School System

The Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board serves the public school system in Picton. Some of the public schools in the Picton area include:

• Prince Edward Collegiate Institute - A secondary school located in Picton.
• Athol-South Marysburgh Public School - An elementary school serving students from junior kindergarten to grade 8.
• Pinecrest Memorial Elementary School - An elementary school serving students from junior kindergarten to grade 8.

 

Separate School System

The separate school system in Picton is served by the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. The main separate school in the area is:

• St. Gregory Catholic School - A Catholic elementary school serving students from junior kindergarten to grade 8.

 

Private Schools

In addition to the public and separate school systems, Picton also has some private school options, including:

• Sonrise Christian Academy - A private Christian school serving junior kindergarten to grade 12 students.

 

Post-Secondary Education

While Picton does not have any post-secondary institutions within the town itself, it is located within proximity to several colleges and universities, including:

• Loyalist College - A community college located in Belleville, about 30 km from Picton.
• Queen's University - A renowned research-intensive university located in Kingston, about 60 km from Picton.
• St. Lawrence College - A college with Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall campuses, all within reasonable driving distance from Picton.

 

Picton's education system is served by a mix of public, separate, and private schools, providing students in the area with various educational options. The town's proximity to several post-secondary institutions also allows for further educational opportunities for residents.

 

Transport System of Picton, Ontario, Canada

The transport system in Picton, Ontario, Canada includes:

1. Picton Airport: A general aviation airport used primarily for recreational flying and Canadian Air Cadet flight training.
2. Highway 33 (Loyalist Parkway): Passes through the center of Picton and serves as its main link to the larger Ontario highway system.
3. County Highway 49: Connects Picton to Highway 401 between Greater Napanee and Shannonville.
4. Highway 62: Provides a link to Belleville, approximately 30 km northwest of Picton.
5. Glenora Ferry: Connects Picton to the eastern side of Prince Edward County, allowing access to Highway 33 and Kingston.
6. Rail Trails: Former rail beds converted into recreational trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
7. Small-Craft Docking Facilities and Boat Launch Ramps: Extensive facilities for small boats and recreational vessels.

 

These transportation options provide access to the surrounding area, including major cities and tourist attractions.

 

Living in Picton, Ontario, Canada

Picton, Ontario, Canada, is a charming unincorporated community in Prince Edward County, roughly 160 km (99 mi) east of Toronto. Here are some key points about living in Picton:

• Transportation: Picton Airport is a general aviation airport used primarily for recreational flying. Highway 33, also known as the Loyalist Parkway, passes through the center of Picton and serves as its main link to the larger Ontario highway system.
• Utilities: Hydro One, a former Government of Ontario Crown corporation, manages electrical services.

• Average Salary: The average salary in Picton is C$18.13. Wage trends decreased by -100.0 percent in Q1 2020.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living in Picton is 100 percent higher than the national average.
• Occupations: Popular occupations in Picton include Personal Support Worker (PSW), Registered Nurse (RN), and Apprentice Plumber, which pay between C$12.69 and C$30.90 per year.

• Public School System: The Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board serves the public school system.
• Separate School System: The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board serves a separate school system.
• Private School: Sonrise Christian Academy is a private school in the area.

• Prince Edward County Jazz Festival: A popular event featuring live jazz music from local and international artists.
• Picton Fair: A traditional country fair with agricultural exhibits, live music, and carnival rides.

 

Picton offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and community spirit, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a peaceful escape or an active adventure.

 

Healthcare in Picton, Ontario, Canada

Healthcare in Picton, Ontario, Canada includes:

1. Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital: Located at 403 Main Street East, Picton, Ontario, K0K 2T0. It provides emergency services and has 18 beds for inpatient care. The hospital also offers radiology, physiotherapy, and limited surgical services (endoscopy only at present), and houses a pharmacy.
2. Picton Clinic: It is located at 389 Main Street, Picton, Ontario, K0K 2T0. The Prince Edward Family Health Team operates it and offers a range of medical services.
3. Public Health Prince Edward County Office: Located at 35 Bridge Street, Suite 1, Picton, Ontario. It offers free preventive dental services and other public health programs.

 

These healthcare facilities provide a range of services to Picton's residents, including emergency care, medical check-ups, and preventive health services.

 

Tourist Places in Picton, Ontario, Canada

Picton, Ontario, Canada, is a charming town with a rich history and natural beauty. Here are some of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Picton:

1. Macaulay Heritage Park: A historic site featuring several restored buildings from the 1800s, including the Macaulay House, the Old Post Office, and the Blacksmith Shop.
2. The Regent Theatre: A historic theatre that hosts live music, theatre productions, and film screenings.
3. The Crystal Palace: A community centre that hosts events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions.
4. Picton Harbour: A picturesque spot for strolls and boat-watching.
5. Sandbanks Provincial Park: A popular destination for beachgoers, featuring three beautiful beaches and sand dunes.
6. Lake on the Mountain: A mysterious lake with no visible source of water, perfect for picnics and scenic drives.
7. The Millennium Trail: A 49-kilometer trail for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.

 

Local Food in Picton, Ontario, Canada

Picton, Ontario, Canada offers a variety of local food options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some popular local food spots in Picton:

1. The County Canteen: Known for its elevated pub-style food and extensive selection of Ontario craft beers. They have a patio and offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
2. Merrill House: A luxurious boutique hotel and world-class restaurant that serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. They accommodate dining restrictions such as veganism, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
3. Bocado Restaurant: A seasonally-driven, Spanish-inspired restaurant that works closely with local farmers to provide fresh, seasonal ingredients.
4. Crepe Escape: A creperie that serves a diverse mix of sweet and savory crepes made with locally sourced ingredients. They have vegetarian and gluten-free options.
5. Angry Birds Rotisserie Chicken: A popular spot for rotisserie chicken and other comfort food.
6. The Bean Counter Café: A cozy café that serves a variety of coffee and baked goods.
7. Vic Social: A popular spot for casual dining and socializing, offering a mix of comfort food and international dishes.
8. The Acoustic Grill: A restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including burgers and sandwiches, in a lively atmosphere.
9. McDonald's: A fast-food chain with a location in Picton.

 

These local food spots offer a range of options for dining in Picton, from casual to fine dining, and cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

 

You can also check the information regarding Peterborough, Ontario