Arts, Culture and Heritage

Our History
Our heritage enriches us and is everywhere - in our colonial architecture, our colourful road names and in the tales we tell of County ancestors. Our history is peopled with adventurers, farmers, mariners, millionaires, rum-runners and Canadian heroes including John A. Macdonald.

The handsome coffee table book The Settlers Dream celebrates the unique architecture of Prince Edward County, from humble to grand. Our streets are lined with fine brick houses built by the “barley barons” of the 19th century and the picturesque countryside is dotted with beautiful stone farmhouses dating back to the early 1800s. The Regent Theatre, a restored Edwardian opera house, is in daily use.

Poets, painters & escape artists
Settled in the 1780s by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, the County still attracts people seeking peace and freedom - nowadays from the stress of city life. We coined the term “escape artists” to describe creative professionals who break free from the city to live and work in the County. The late poet Al Purdy came with his paper and pen, today’s writers and filmmakers come with computers and state-of-the-art editing suites. Rural life delights them and technology connects them. Visit our Escape Artists section for more information.

Artists love islands, and Prince Edward County is home to a thriving artistic community whose members participate in one of the best studio tours in Ontario.