From Karen Kwan, special to The Star . . . . . .

“WHEELS wants to inspire you and get ready to explore. This series of daytrips and longer drives highlight great experiences you can have in our province, and show you why Ontario is “Our’s to Discover.” These 5 options will open your eyes to the joys of camping while surrounded by snow & ice.

1 – First Up – Lanark County Treehouse – four-hour drive from Toronto along Highway #7. Available on Airbnb; sleeps eight and is heated by a wood-pellet stove. It’s pet friendly. Perched over the Mississipi River. 2 – Glen Oro Farm (photo below) – A one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Toronto, along Highway #400, and is located between Barrie and Orillia. Stay there in a Stargazer’s Dome or an equally spectacular Explorer’s Tent.

Glen Oro Farm

3 – Nature’s Harmony Eco Lodge – A four hour drive from Toronto following Highways 401 and 11 North, followed by Highway 17 east to Mattawa, a small community, where you’ll find the Lodge. Book its hand authentic hand-made Mongolian yurt – where you’ll find a wood stove, traditional paintings, a bed, and Moroccan-style sofa. 20 kilometres of trails to explore by a kick sled. #4 – Voyageur Quest – Try camping in winter by booking The Winter Experience takes place in Algonquin Park, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive north from Toronto. Learn basic winter camping skills, a snowshoe trek to Surprise Lake, learning a winter campsite. 5 – Arrowhead Provincial Park (photo below) – Two-and-a-half hour drive north of Toronto along Highway #400, and then Highway #11 to the Park. Combine your winter camping gear, be sure to pack cross-country skis, snowshoes and skates. Or to pack lighter, rent them at the Park. Its famous Ice Skating Trail, a 1.3-kilometre icy path in the forest. Be sure to pre-book your tickets as they’re often sold out. You can reserve a cabin.