MUST SKATE
If you aren’t ready to build your own backyard rink (see Outdoors) check out public skating venues throughout the area. There’s always plenty of rink time at most community arenas and it’s not just for rough and ready hockey players or precision figure skaters anymore. Skating is a Canadian rite of passage and a great place to meet up with friends after work or on weekends. Community outdoor rinks are growing in numbers as well; from Cobourg’s Frink to Castleton’s Sports Fields or try a skate under the stars with the Bay of Quinte or Wellington’s shoreline offering up a natural backdrop of frozen wonder.
MUST FEEL THE COLD
Begin to understand the serious challenges that many homeless experience during long, freezing winter nights. Join the Coldest Night of the Year national walk-a-thon to raise funds for charities serving hungry, homeless and hurting people in our communities and in 140 neighbourhoods across Canada. Coordinating the local walk in Watershed country is Port Hope’s Green Wood Coalition – a street-level organization that uses a community model of caring to walk alongside people who are hungry, homeless and hurting.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
cnoy.org/home
MUST GET OUTSIDE
Wax up your skis and take an early morning glide along any of our region’s cross-country ski trails. Wind your way past cedars and pines and breathe in the cold, crisp air. Catch a glimpse of a white-tailed doe or a mischievous otter. Push yourself further into the forest and get that heart rate going and maybe even beat your own personal best. Arrive back at your car with rosy cheeks and a well-deserved smile on your face. Go ahead and order that extra tall hot chocolate – you deserve it!
For a list of local Conservation Areas with groomed ski trails, visit one or visit them all at: ontarioconservationareas.ca
If solo cross country skiing makes you pine for companionship – check out the Ganaraska Forest Centre’s annual Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Day. Join a guided ski through the forest and then strap on some snowshoes to try out this family-friendly activity. Pre-registration required. $25+hst includes equipment rental.
Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Day
January 18, 9:30am & 1pm
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd. Campbellcroft
MUST IMBIBE
There’s art, there’s food, there’s wine… Welcome to Prince Edward County’s Vintner Festival located at 13 winery venues, each as unique as the person behind the label. This mid-February fête – presented by Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association – brings wine aficionados together to indulge, imbibe and get inspired over a weekend of wine tasting, food pairings, music and a host of outdoor activities.
February 15 – 17
princeedwardcountywine.ca
905-885-8173 or visit grca.on.ca
MUST SHOP LOCAL
Christmas markets and holiday Farmers’ Markets are bursting at the seams with locally made and inspired products designed, created and built by makers throughout Watershed country. These are not your grandmother’s church bazaar offerings; you can browse a selection of haute knit-wear, sample decadent holiday treats, collect one-of-a-kind jewellery or add to your home collection with handwoven baskets and textiles. Discover the handiwork of local artists or anyone in the side hustle game. Shop local, support local and love the local.
MUST FLASHBACK
Prince Edward County is taking a cue from the past with Flashback February. This year’s theme is Visions of our Past and includes a week of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, opportunities to share stories, heritage-focused culinary workshops, film screenings, and historical experiences to spark conversation and honour the unique cultural heritage of the County. Local experts, curators, artists and innovators will be on hand to host and dig into our rich history.
visitpec.ca/flashback-february
Call 613-476-2148 ext. 2521 for locations
and a full schedule of events.
