The Drake Effect

No, not the rapper, The Drake Devonshire and its effect on Prince Edward County.

What’s going on? Tourism in The County has never been so hot!

Travel to Prince Edward County by tourists from all over the world has been on a steady rise over the last two decades. With its beautiful Sandbanks Provincial Park, over 35 wineries, and plenty of artisans of all kinds, The County has become a top travel destination.

It has been mentioned in many of the largest travel magazines, has made the top ten in places to visit in Canada and around the world! and has been featured on popular TV shows like etalk Canada.

Tourism may have hit a tipping point with the opening of a new restaurant/inn, The Drake Devonshire.

Known simply as The Drake, it was dubbed “a hip Country outpost” by The Globe and Mail who gave it rave reviews, one of many since the Inn opened its doors in 2014. Hotelier Jeff Stober, a dot-com millionaire, had an artistic vision for this Inn and it worked. “The notion of an urban, lifestyle, hospitality company going into a countryside or rural environment, I think, would initially surprise many,” says Stober, and it is fair to say it has.

Streams of guests have stayed and dined and toured the rest of The County on their trip, making this one of the busiest summer tourist seasons in history. The locals have dubbed this ‘the Drake effect’.

What’s Going On?

Plenty! The Drake, like most of the local inns and restaurants, source heavily from local farms, wineries, regional artists and musicians too. And those locals do not disappoint. They have, rather, stepped up their game and met the appetites of these tourists head on. This major influx of visitors has spilled over into the entire Bay of Quinte region, much to the surprise and welcoming arms of everyone in the area. Congratulations to The Drake Devonshire on your success!

We here at McDougall would love to hear about a local success near you. Simply leave a comment or give us a call at 1-800-361-0941. We look forwarding to hearing from you.