A decade on, the Drake Devonshire remains one of the finest Prince Edward County properties for city-weary Torontonians and Montrealers to decamp and destress at. Back when the hotel opened in 2014, The County, as it has come to be known, was still a vacation destination on the rise, and Drake Hotel Properties an audaciously prospecting hospitality group. But now, with The County having cemented itself as the one of country’s trendiest getaways, the Drake Devonshire can no longer rest on its laurels—so as things to do in The County have increased in the intervening years, so too has its first luxury hotel increased its programming to celebrate its 10-year anniversary.

Among the new additions, the revamped lakeside area is most significant. For the first time ever, hotel guests can enjoy a swim on-site before lounging in the sun on one of the well-outfitted decks that dot the beach. Swimmers looking to warm up and relax, or guests who prefer their water warm and vaporous, can hop over to the nearby 10-person sauna from The County’s very own Sip Saunas, which offers floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Ontario. And for those more inclined to enjoy the bounty of the water rather than the water itself, a brand new beachside raw bar offers small bites from 1-7 p.m. daily until the end of August and on weekends throughout September.

Adjacent to the raw bar, in the stunning dining room and on the sprawling patio of the Drake Devonshire’s waterfront restaurant, executive chef Amanda Ray continues to play with The County’s wonderful seasonal produce, creating an internationally inspired menu that can transport diners to shores well beyond Lake Ontario. For breakfast, there are light bites such as the airy blueberry scone or large plates like the Full English-inspired Classic Drake Breakfast alongside fresh brewed coffee or a vacation-ready Caesar. For lunch, an assortment of salads, bowls, and handhelds, including the summertime-essential lobster roll, are available. And for dinner, guests can do justice to the restaurant’s setting by munching on light bites such as the hamachi crudo or gochujang duck wings before digging into Mediterranean mains like charred octopus or sumac lamb rack.

Since the hotel opened, Prince Edward County’s wine scene has developed to become one of the most exciting in Canada, and the Drake Devonshire’s wine list has grown alongside it. Offerings from local stalwarts such Rosehall Run Vineyards (which crafts the hotel’s house wine), Closson Chase, and The Grange of Prince Edward are complemented by up-and-comers like Stoss Lee Wines, Last House Vineyard, and Trail Estate Winery. In terms of cocktails, the best original drinks from the Drake Hotel’s Toronto bartenders have made the trip to The County to complement the concise classic cocktail list. Of particular note is the Caribbean Queen, a sweet and savoury rum-based drink that blurs the line between old fashioned and jungle bird, dreamed up by Drake Hotel bartender Ashley Flynn.

Beyond this summer’s updated programming, the Drake Devonshire is showing no signs of slowing down. In 2025, the hotel will start building a new lakeside wing in collaboration with Toronto Architecture firm Superkül. Featuring 12 new rooms and a special events pavilion, the new addition will reconfirm that the Drake Devonshire is as committed to making The County as cool now as it was when it opened 10 years ago.

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