Ontario region crowned one of world's best places to travel in 2026

Ontario's very own Prince Edward County has officially earned a spot on a prestigious list of The Best Places to Go in 2026, joining international destinations from Morocco to Japan as one of the world's must-visit travel spots. 

New York-based luxury and travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, praised the Ontario region (affectionately known as PEC) as a "newer wine region with an old soul," and highlighted its small-town charm, bustling food-and-wine scene, and warm hospitality.

"Crafting a list of the best places to go in the world, in any given year, is a reminder of travel's most beautiful paradox: that our planet can feel both intimately small and incredibly vast at the same time," the list reads. 

"Our Best Places to Go in 2026 are underpinned with that very sense of magnitude. There are places that already feel familiar and yet are being imbued with fresh life," the magazine continues. "There are also under-the-radar gems that are stepping into the spotlight, like Canada's Prince Edward County, where a wave of indie wineries, new restaurants, and boutique hotels is redefining the coastal escape." 

Just a few hours' drive from both Toronto and Montreal, Prince Edward County is already a familiar long-weekend destination in the region. The outlet highlights the region's small-run wineries and vineyards, including Traynor, Closson Chase, and Hinterland Wine Company.

Other notable establishments mentioned by the magazine include the long-awaited Claramount Club, Wander the Resort, and neighbourhood bistro Charlie. 

"A lot of what’s new is centered in the quaint town of Picton, which has been transformed over the last few years by hotels including The Royal," the outlet writes, noting that the town has been anchored by dining establishments like farm-to-table wine bar Theia and Spanish restaurant Bocado.

"When it comes to Prince Edward County, 2026 is when the world will catch up on what Canadians have known for years." 

Here are all of the other international destinations highlighted on the list: 

• Arusha, Tanzania
• East Coast, Barbados
• Brussels, Belgium
• Chiriquí Province, Panama
• Deer Valley, Utah
• Fès, Morocco
• Gabon
• Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia
• Guadalajara, Mexico
• Hong Kong
• Margaret River, Australia
• Medellín, Colombia
• Minas Gerais, Brazil
• Naoshima, Japan
• Northern Chilean Patagonia
• Northern Namibia
• Oulu, Finland
• The Peloponnese, Greece
• Potosí, Bolivia
• Route 66, USA
• Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
• Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France
• Udaipur, India
• Uluru, Australia
• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe