Canada’s capital is a March Break mecca with its many cultural institutions, outdoor activities and indoor attractions. And since Ottawa shares a provincial border with Gatineau, Quebec, much of the special programming is offered during both the Quebec March Break (scheduled during different weeks) and the Ontario March Break (March 14-18, 2022). So gather the kids and come experience some of the fun activities below for an epic March Break in Ottawa!
Get active (indoors and outdoors)
Maple Syrup Fun
Maple taffy on snow, horse drawn sleigh rides, yummy pancake breakfasts or brunch – what’s not to love about maple season? Several sugar bushes and other sites located throughout the Ottawa region offer tasty options during the maple season from late February to early April.
Downhill ski/snowboard camps
The Ottawa-Gatineau region has several downhill skiing and snowboarding centres within a short driving distance of the city—the closest is a 15-minute drive from Parliament Hill! Hit the hills for a few hours with the family, or sign up for special programming over the school breaks, including multi-day camps, as well as private and group lessons for different ages and levels.
Altitude Gym
If your family is “climbing the walls”, take them to one of Altitude Gym’s two locations: Gatineau or Kanata. These climbing centres offer international-level facilities for the entire family, no matter the skill level. Choose from rock climbing, bouldering, auto-belay climbing, plus special Clip ‘N Climb and Ninja Warriors activities.
Funhaven Family Fun Centre
Located just minutes west of downtown Ottawa, Funhaven offers a world-class laser tag arena, the latest high-tech mini-bowling lanes, an indoor roller coaster, bumper cars, an arcade and prize games, simulators and a huge jungle gym. The little ones are sure to be entertained!
Par-tee Putt
Pretend it’s summer and play a round of indoor mini-golf at Par-Tee Putt in Little Italy! This unique spot has 18 quirky-themed and interactive holes, plus delicious food and drink from the Prescott restaurant which is located above. All ages are welcome until 8:00pm.
Escape rooms
Bond as a family by getting locked up and working together to escape! Escape attractions throughout the city like Escape Manor, Escape Manor Junior and Jigsaw Escape Rooms have options for all ages. Consider attempting the world’s largest escape room—Escape the Diefenbunker (normally after museums hours on weekends; advanced booking required)!
Get entertained
Museums galore
You could spend all week exploring seven of Canada’s nine national museums, and many other cultural attractions located in the Ottawa region. Choose from giant aircraft, real tanks, farm animals, fascinating nature, science demos, an underground bunker, and so much more!
Performances
The National Arts Centre in downtown Ottawa presents a variety of live programming including the hit Broadway musical Cats (March 14-16) and Radio BIG BANG, a bilingual and free online event (until March 7). Head just west of downtown to the Canadian Tire Centre to see Disney On Ice Presents Mickey and Friends (March 3-6) or the Harlem Globetrotters (March 13). Or catch the family-friendly musical Oh Canada Eh? Ottawa which highlights iconic Canadian characters and cultural icons (dinner or matinee options available).
Urban exploration
On evenings from March 11 to 13, check out the free Fire & Ice Winter Exhibit along Bank Street between Slater and Cooper Streets to see large-scale, interactive light-based art and sound installations. On various dates in March, you can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood (advanced reservations recommended).
Join a cloaked guide for the Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa tour to hear spooky stories and fascinating history about downtown Ottawa. Or choose a self-guided experience to explore the region’s cool urban art, outdoor gems and even Christmas movie filming locations. You can also visit beautiful indoor and outdoor places to photograph that will awe the entire family, such as a castle-like hotel, a tropical greenhouse, waterfalls and other beautiful sights.
Pro hockey
There are two ways to see live ice hockey in Ottawa, and multiple games to choose from during the Ontario March Break! See the Ottawa Senators play a National Hockey League (NHL) game at the Canadian Tire Centre, or see young stars from the Ottawa 67’s play in the junior-level Ontario Hockey League (OHL) at TD Place at Lansdowne, in the Glebe neighbourhood near downtown.
Get wild
Omega Park
Omega Park, located in Montebello, Québec – just a 45-minute drive from downtown Ottawa – is a large wildlife park that immerses visitors in Canadian wildlife and First Nations’ history. You can take a Canadian safari any time of year through the natural habitat of animals like deer, elk, bison, caribou and wolves. The park also has walking trails and a variety of special programming.
Little Ray’s Nature Centre
Enjoy a hands-on and educational experience through encounters with bats, pythons, alligators, cobras, birds of prey and more at Little Ray’s Nature Centre. Private tours and even sloth encounters are available!
