Picton is also located in one of Ontario's most beautiful areas of forests, lodging, camping, wine making and vacation spots. The tourism industry is a primary source of revenue for many area residents, especially in the summer. Historic downtown Picton offers a wide array of shops and services.
The historic Crystal Palace, (circa 1890) is one of the last remaining replicas of the original Crystal Palace, UK.
The Picton BIA represents the voice of business which include the owners and tenants of more than 200 commercial properties in the Town. Their members support numerous charitable activities in the region, including the Picton Santa Claus Parade.
Picton continues to serve as the economic hub of Prince Edward County.
Other industry
Prince Edward County is a largely agricultural area. As such dairying and meat, fruit and vegetable processing and storage are relatively common. Also in the vicinity are manufacturers of pallets, caskets and other wood products. There is a light industrial park in the town which has several modest manufacturing businesses making goods such as refrigeration products and filtered bottled water. Just northeast of Picton is a cement plant operated by ESSROC Italcementi, which is the only heavy industry in the immediate area. There are numerous quarrying operations located nearby which support this and other similar plants.
In recent years, many artisans and artists have moved to the area and opened studios. In many of the local stores you can purchase local art and hand-crafted products. These products are beginning to play a more serious role in the local economy.
In addition, there has been a proliferation of small wineries in the southern half of the county. Properties listed for sale, especially defunct farms with the right kind of exposure, are often described as ideal locations for new wineries allowing a mark-up of their property values. Now with an official VQA designation,
