Are you planning a getaway to The County in 2021? Got your heart set on a visit full of wine, sand dunes and farm-to-table feasts? We’re looking forward to welcoming you and we want you to have a great visit, but we all know that travel in 2021 will be far from usual. And a little advance planning will go a long way. That’s why we’ve made the visitor checklist.
While Stage 3 restrictions and Ontario’s proof of vaccination program allows for local travel, we continue to advise visitors to travel with caution and respect for the local community. Following the checklist below will help you get to a relaxing, stress-free vacation in whatever way the global pandemic allows.
2021 Visitor Checklist:
✔️ Like, follow and subscribe to Visit The County’s channels for planning tips, travel alerts and info on what’s new.
✔️ Plan to stay awhile. There’s too much to explore in a day!
Day trips can be hectic and disappointing as the pandemic causes delays, wait times and reduced capacity. Stay over and go slow!
✔️ Book your accommodations in advance. Last minute availability is rare in The County.
Book your stay now if you have your heart set on a visit in 2021. Many accommodations are booking into winter already.
✔️ Make reservations wherever possible. Spontaneity is fun, but we don’t want you to be disappointed.
A planned vacation is a stress-free vacation! Book dinner reservations, experiences, tastings and tours to ensure you get to do what you want.
✔️ The Provincial Parks beaches require reservations. Don’t head to Sandbanks or North Beach without a day pass already in hand.
Even if you have a Provincial Park season’s pass, you’ll still need to obtain a day pass IN ADVANCE to guarantee access to Sandbanks or North Beach. Read more on the Provincial Parks website.
✔️ Get the app. Want to enjoy craft beer, cider, spirits or County wine? Plan your vino vacation with the PEC Wine Explorer App (which includes cider!) or skip the lines and avoid the crowds by booking a tour.
Many craft beverage tasting rooms are by-appointment-only and some are only operating as bottle shops.
✔️ Come when it’s quieter: midweek, Spring, Fall and Winter offer an escape from the crowds.
If you can, avoid the summer weekends and come when there’s more time and space for you to escape, relax and unwind!
✔️ Explore beyond the beach. Find a quiet corner of The County or a hidden gem when you get off the beaten path.
There is so much more to The County than Sandbanks.
✔️ Plan to visit responsibly. COVID-19 precautions will continue throughout 2021.
Travel with people you live with, limit contact with others, and bring your best mask.