Prince Edward County Barn Quilt Trails (PECBQT) Ontario, Canada

Our Story

Formed in 2013 under the leadership of Pat Dubyk, the PECBQT is aiming to recognize and bring attention to the region’s old barns and buildings, as well as to some newer, unique structures, too. The idea is a simple one, and is meant to highlight unmarked historical places, landmarks, and other buildings by drawing attention to them.

​The idea to bring a barn quilt trail to the island County first came about when Pat’s husband Ron was visiting Southwestern Ontario. While judging the area for Communities in Bloom, a provincial, national, and international organization that promotes “People, Plants, and Pride”, Ron noticed a number of decorative painted boards on the side of barns and other buildings. He hadn’t seen a barn quilt before, he didn’t know what this rural folk art was, but he was intrigued. The colourful icons captured his attention, and when he discovered more, he envisioned Pat initiating something similar in the county.

​This trail is a collaborative effort with many volunteers contributing to the project, including painters, installers, promotion experts and local businesses who have provided materials, services and expertise. 

​Pat and Ron could not do this alone. It is a community effort for a community project. While Pat is the driving force behind the barn quilt project, Ron is by her side, advising, encouraging, guiding, installing and getting his hands right into the painting (sometimes).

​A small group of loyal painters meet regularly, where they measure, prime, tape and paint the panels.

​Schoolchildren from local schools also play their part in this exciting venture. It was close to Pat’s heart to have the opportunity to work with grades three to eight, as they enthusiastically embarked upon the project, creating their own designs, helping calculate measurements, taping and painting the boards. The unique artwork is proudly displayed on the exterior of CML Snider School in Wellington and Pinecrest Memorial School in Bloomfield, and in other locations throughout their communities.

​The first panels were installed in April 2014. And now there are more than 150 barn quilts across the County, far exceeding Pat & Ron’s initial expectations. Pat described 2014 as an overwhelming year and she enjoyed every minute of it. This pattern has repeated itself for 2015 and 2016. The original plan for 30 barn quilts keeps growing, with no stopping in sight.

​Barn lovers and quilting enthusiasts alike will delight in this latest County Trail, as will anyone who has a love for colour, design, and geometry. The barn quilts are mostly traditional geometric, some are distinctive individual patterns, where the aim is to ensure the theme stays as close to traditional block quilts representation as possible. Each is uniquely different, some are quirky, with many having a personal connection to its owners or location – there are eight point stars, flying geese, pinwheels, fans, log cabins, mariner’s compasses, stained glass designs, maple leaves and more.

​This is a trai for all seasons, unique outdoor rural art fallen where buildings become gallery walls. The idea perfectly captures the essence of the county – connecting people, engaging communities, and uniting neighbours. The trail embraces the county’s cultural heritage, recognizing its long standing farming history, preserving its architectural importance, and acknowledging the area’s vibrant quilting and arts communities.

The community is richer for Pat & Ron’s vision, and their ability to embark on an idea and to make it work, and for their role in beginning a new chapter in the County’s diverse and evolving landscape.

Barn quilts and Prince Edward County – a perfect fit.

Adapted with permission, in part from an article written by County writer ( and barn quilt host) Sharon Harrison, and first published in the Spring 2015 issue of County and Quinte Living. With our thanks to Sharon, County and Quinte Living, Picton Home Hardware, Ontario Barn Quilt Trails, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and all our wonderful volunteers.