--- title: "Proud Places: A 2SLGBTQI+-Friendly Guide to Prince Edward County and Kingston" date: 2026-05-10T11:34:00-04:00 author: Laurie Weir canonical_url: "https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/proud-places-a-2slgbtqi-friendly-guide-to-prince-edward-county-and-kingston/" section: Articles --- ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth2400px/1000-ISLANDS-RIDEAU-WATERWAYS-RIDEAU-LAKES-ST-PAULS24-medium.jpg) # Proud Places: A 2SLGBTQI+-Friendly Guide to Prince Edward County and Kingston Laurie Weir Pack your weekend bag. Prince Edward County and Kingston are ready to welcome you. These two destinations offer a mix of charming streetscapes, one-of-a-kind shops, laid-back places to stay and local spots that know how to feed you well. They also happen to be home to a growing list of Rainbow Registered businesses and proudly inclusive spaces where everyone feels like they belong. With 19 Rainbow Registered businesses in the County and more in Kingston, you’ll find plenty of friendly faces and places to explore, relax and recharge. ## **Queer-friendly travel in PEC: wineries, food, and local charm** ## **Things to Do** Start in Picton with a wander through the main street shops, where inclusive energy runs high and small businesses are the heartbeat of the town. Check out[ **Books & Company**](https://pictonbookstore.com/), an indie bookstore with a solid queer lit section and an in-house café. Next door:[ **Miss Lily’s Café**](https://www.lilyscafe.ca/) is perfect for a quick lunch or sweet treat. While you’re nearby, pop into[ **PECish Baking Co.**](https://www.pecishbaking.co/) for fresh bread, pastries and some of the friendliest service you’ll find anywhere. If you’re into wine, the options are endless.[ **Closson Chase**](https://www.clossonchase.com/) is a standout and recognizable by its purple barn and strong local following.[ **Hinterland Wine Company**](https://www.hinterlandwine.com/) is close by and specializes in sparkling wines.[ **Rosehall Run**](https://www.rosehallrun.com/tastingroom) offers laid-back tastings and a shaded patio, while[ **The Grange of Prince Edward**](https://www.grangewinery.com/) delivers estate wines in a rustic barn setting. Explore the giant sculpture garden at[ **Oeno Gallery**](https://huffestates.com/oeno-gallery/), take a class at[ **Melt Studio + Gallery**](https://www.meltstudiogallery.com/), or go paddling from[ **West Lake Watersports**](https://princeedwardcountyva.checkfront.com/reserve/?inline=&header=&options=tabs&src=&ssl=1&provider=droplet). ***Side tip:** The*[ ***Wellington Farmers’ Market***](https://visitthecounty.com/listing/wellington-farmers-market) *on Saturdays is a great place for lunch, local art and small-batch preserves.* ### **Where to Stay** [**The Wilfrid Boutique Farmhouse**](https://www.thewilfrid.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_campaign=15991178955883799769) is relaxed, stylish and welcoming. Breakfast is a big deal here, and the hosts go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. [**The June Motel**](https://thejunemotel.com/pages/prince-edward-county) in Picton brings a splash of fun with its retro aesthetic and laid-back energy. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DJZHrFfRuOP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)[A post shared by The June Motel (@thejunemotel)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DJZHrFfRuOP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) [**Angeline’s Inn**](https://www.angelinesinn.com/) is a little more eclectic and perfect for travellers who like character over cookie-cutter. Looking for something off the beaten path?[ **Cribs on the Hill**](https://www.cribsonmain.com/) offers condo-style accommodations with kitchenettes, and[ **Drake Motor Inn**](https://www.thedrake.ca/drakemotorinn/) brings an art-forward, pet-friendly option close to Wellington’s main strip. ### **What to Eat** Book dinner at[ **Flame + Smith**](https://flameandsmith.com/) in Bloomfield. Everything is wood-fired, from the steaks to the vegetables, and it’s done well. For casual, seasonal food,[ **Bloomfield Public House**](https://bloomfieldpublichouse.ca/) offers great plates without the attitude. Try[ **La Condesa**](https://www.lacondesarestaurant.com/) for Mexican-inspired dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, or head to[ **Bocado**](https://www.bocadorestaurant.ca/) for Mediterranean flavours with serious flavour depth[. **Hartley’s Tavern**](https://www.hartleystavern.com/) in Picton serves upscale small plates and a tight, curated wine list. [**Creekside Cafe**](https://www.creeksidepec.com/) is a lovely morning spot for locally roasted coffee and hearty breakfasts. ***Try this:** Grab a jar from*[ ***Cressy Mustard Co***](https://www.cressymustard.com/)***.** and a loaf from*[ ***Agrarian Market***](https://agrarianmarket.com/shop/) *for the perfect afternoon picnic.* ## **LGBTQ2S+ welcoming things to do, places to stay and dine in Kingston** ### **Things to Do** Pop into[ **Martello Alley**](https://www.visitkingston.ca/weddings/listings/venues/martello-alley/), an outdoor art market strung with lights and full of work from local artists. Visit[ **The Screening Room**](https://www.screeningroomkingston.com/the-screening-room-movie-theatre), an indie theatre that regularly screens queer cinema. Don’t miss the immersive escape rooms at[ **Improbable Escapes**](https://improbableescapes.com/), which are as much theatre as puzzle-solving. In summer, take in live music at[ **Musiikki Café**](https://www.musiikkicafe.com/) or find a quiet spot by the lake at[ **Breakwater Park**](https://www.visitkingston.ca/kingstons-beautiful-breakwater-park/). **Kingston Pride** events typically run in June and include drag brunches, boat cruises and a well-loved street fair. **Side tip:** Stop by the[ **Kingston Antique Market**](https://www.visitkingston.ca/never-have-i-ever-kingston-for-antiquing/) on Sundays in Springer Market Square for vintage finds and unexpected treasures. ### **Where to Stay** [**Green Acres Inn**](http://www.greenacresinn.com/) is a locally owned motel with charm, privacy and a reputation for warm service.[ **The Rosemount Inn**](https://www.rosemountinn.com/) offers boutique comfort in a historic building with spa services and a leafy courtyard. [**Hochelaga Inn**](https://hochelagainn.com/) delivers Victorian charm and welcoming energy.[ **The Secret Garden Inn**](https://thesecretgardeninn.com/) is another great boutique option with luxe finishes and thoughtful details. For reliable waterfront views and modern rooms,[ **Delta Kingston Waterfront**](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ygkdk-delta-hotels-kingston-waterfront/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0) is hard to beat. ### **What to Eat** Start your day at[ **Northside Espresso + Kitchen**](https://www.northsideespressoandkitchen.com/) for Aussie-style coffee and a creative brunch.[ **Pan Chancho Bakery & Café**](https://panchancho.ca/) is a go-to for baked goods and seasonal lunch specials. Try[ **The Everly**](https://theeverly.ca/) for contemporary dining with locally sourced ingredients, or grab a table at[ **Miss Bao**](https://downtownkingston.ca/blogs/food-drink/miss-bao-zero-waste-dining?srsltid=AfmBOop25iaL3pUDgJGNZwJXhGlG4teVOQyp_YHm1e73rN-jyAWP1HAF) for bold Asian fusion plates.[ **Tango Nuevo**](http://www.tangonuevo.ca/) is ideal for small plates and cocktails. Also worth a stop:[ **Chez Piggy**](https://chezpiggy.ca/) for rustic-chic dining in a historic limestone stable, and[ **Dianne's Fish Shack & Smokehouse**](https://www.dianneskingston.com/) for Baja-meets-Canadian seafood. **Try this:** Order the mezze platter at[ **Olivea**](https://www.olivea.ca/) and you can get some house-made hummus, warm focaccia and marinated veg that’s perfect for sharing (or not). ## **Bright Lights and Big Performances in Belleville** In the Bay of Quinte region, inclusivity is front and centre at *T*[*he Smokin’ 116 Bistro*](https://www.facebook.com/The116Bistro). This downtown Belleville hotspot has built a reputation as a 2SLGBTQ+-friendly venue with a vibrant events calendar, including regular drag shows that bring the house down. Recently featured on CraveTV’s [*Drag Brunch Saved My Life*](https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/drag-brunch-saved-my-life), the bistro’s flamboyant flair and welcoming vibe make it a must-visit for anyone seeking good food, a strong community, and top-tier entertainment. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DJx8yBYu2Pp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)[A post shared by Sal Ladhani (@thesmokin116)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DJx8yBYu2Pp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## **Plan Your Trip** A full list of Rainbow Registered businesses is available at[ rainbowregistered.ca](https://rainbowregistered.ca), Prince Edward County and Kingston are ready when you are. Just pack your curiosity and maybe an extra snack for the road. 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