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15 | W aterloo C hronicle | T hursday,January 24,2019 w aterloochronicle.caspec ial in -paper Feature Focus ing on Family act iv it i es presents... The third Monday in February has been officially designated as Family Day. To help celebrate, we are publishing a special section designed towards families living in our communities. Don'tmissthisupcomingspecial section publishedonthursday, February 7, 2019! To advertise in this section please call 519-579-0301 Family Day Special Section 2019 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Visit canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY! Do you know an inspiring immigrant who has made a positive impact in Canada? Recognize and celebrate their achievements by nominating them for this coveted national award by Feb 22, 2019. Title sponsor: Presented by: Media sponsors: We're right in the thick of it now - the grey, cold winter. Spring is just around the corner, but you're itch- ing to get out and explore. But where do you go? Here are five ideas to get you started - and they're all just a day trip away. 1. Collingwood Drive time: Approximately two hours Collingwood is essen- tially Ontario's winter play place. With snowy activities including festivals, skiing/ snowboarding, winter cav- ing and more, there's more than enough to keep enter- tained for a couple days. And if relaxation is your thing, there are nice, quiet areas to enjoy the scenery. 2. Niagara-on-the-Lake Drive time: Approximately one hour 45 minutes It's a bit of a longer drive, but if you're looking for a hint of luxury in your winter getaway, then Ni- agara-on-the-Lake is for you. With boutique hotels and inns, as well as the ob- vious wine tasting oppor- tunities, NOTL has a lot to offer for a quick weekend trip or more. 3. Kincardine Drive time: Approximately one hour 50 minutes Kincardine offers a small-town feel with loads of activities for an entire family or just you and your loved one. One of the coolest (pun intended) features is the 400-metre-long ice skating loop in the middle of the forest at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. 4. Stratford Drive time: Approximately 40 minutes Stratford is more than just a festival town. Its small-town vibe with big city amenities makes it the perfect place to spend a day or two to cure the winter blues. With a vibrant local craft beer scene, as well as chocolates for those with a sweet tooth, Stratford has something for everyone in the winter. 5. Muskoka Drive time: Approximately three hours It's a bit more than a one- day commitment, but mak- ing the trip to Muskoka is well worth it in the winter. Known for its water and sunshine during the sum- mer, this area has a lot to of- fer when it comes to getting outside during the not-so- balmy season. Muskoka also has a 1.3- kilometre ice skating trail that winds through the spectacular Muskoka for- est. WINTER DAY TRIPS WITHIN A 3-HOUR DRIVE OF WATERLOO REGION The outdoor skating trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park draws thousands of visitors each year. Metroland file photo ADAM JACKSON ajackson@waterloo chronicle.ca WHAT'S ON