Picton Harbour was called "Newaweketonzank" (Sturgeon Cove) by the Mohawks and "Tsiyodenhoewaladi" (Head of the Bay) by the Missassaquas.
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The town of Picton was named for Major General Sir
Thomas Picton, who was second in command to Wellington at Waterloo where he fell
in 1815. Picton later achieved fame as a shipbuilding and steamboat
harbour and home
of the famous Hepburn steamer fleet.Picton's
most famous son was of 
course Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, who started his law career here in the 1830's.
"Alexandria" in Picton Harbour - 1905
Picton is located immediately below the Long Reach and is the centre of a number of local anchorages such as Ram Island on Hay Bay, discussed below.
With its entrance sheltered from the north by Chimney Point, Picton Harbour is a safe anchorage, secure from all wind directions. Visitors from reciprocal clubs may find space at the Prince Edward Yacht Club. Prince Edward Yacht Club The PEYC is air conditioned with a cozy bar overlooking the harbour and slips. They can be counted on to have Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale on tap. The club is renowned for its friendliness and excellent washrooms and showers..
Others may tie up at the town docks, next to the PEYC, or across the harbour at the Prince Edward Cruising Club (PECC). The PECC is run by the Clairmont Hotel and Spa at the top of the hill. Open slips are indicated by signs on the ends of the free docks. The attendant will direct visitors to register at the hotel.
Picton offers normal amenities along Main Street, including ATM's, a supermarket, a Home Hardware store, bookstores - and of course CJ's Pizza and Subs. Main Street is an easy walk from either PEYC or the cruising club.
Ram Island in Hay Bay
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Hay Bay is a short distance north of Picton on the Long Reach. We found ample depths in the bay, even past Witlow Point. We passed between the south shore of Hay Bay and Ram Island after a half hour's careful motor up the bay, observing the green buoy near the island marking the shallows. We found the water to the north of the island to be too shallow for keel boats - don't try it!
We anchored 50 yards behind the island in excellent mud
holding. The anchorage is tranquil, with only small amounts of sport fishing
boat traffic. The island offers excellent protection from westerly winds up Hay
Bay, and is even partially protected from north east winds.
There was a 'private' crib dock on the west side of the island in 2008 with a cleared area ashore, numerous decaying picnic tables and a few cleared paths. There appeared to be a private cottage near the west side of the island, but no signs of the sheep that were reported to be pastured there in the past.
The north shore of the bay rises steeply at this point, offering great protection. There are a number of houses at the top of the cliff as well as a road with very light traffic.
We had a very peaceful stay in this near secluded spot.