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, Québec, much of the special programming is offered during both the Québec March Break (scheduled during different weeks) and the Ontario March Break (March 10-14). So gather the kids and come to experience some of the fun activities below for an epic March Break in Ottawa!
Get entertained
Ottawa Museums Pass
You could spend all week exploring nine museums and galleries using the Ottawa Museums Pass! It even includes seven of Canada’s national museums like the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Urban exploration
Join a cloaked guide for the 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 and outdoor gems. 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.
Get active
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 skiing and snowboarding
The Ottawa-Gatineau region has several downhill skiing and snowboarding hills 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.
Indoor fun zones
Challenge your family to rock climbing at Altitude Gym, see who can jump the highest at Flying Squirrel’s trampoline park or race around the roller rink at Skate & Play. For something a little tamer, enjoy arcade games and laser tag at Funhaven or schedule a game of mini golf at Par-tee Putt. These indoor fun zones are perfect for keeping everyone active and entertained, no matter the weather!
Escape rooms
Nothing says family bonding like getting locked up together – and escaping! Ottawa’s escape rooms will have you solving puzzles to beat the clock with options for all ages.
Consider attempting the world’s largest escape room—Escape the Diefenbunker. Located inside the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, this multi-award winning experience takes place in the underground bunker and is 25,000 square feet!
Pro sports
Experience the thrill of live sports in Ottawa! Watch the Ottawa Senators play an electrifying National Hockey League (NHL) game at the Canadian Tire Centre. Catch rising stars from the Ottawa 67’s in the junior-level Ontario Hockey League (OHL) or see the Ottawa Charge compete in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) at TD Place in Lansdowne, located in the Glebe neighborhood near downtown.
New in 2025! Cheer on the Ottawa Black Bears, a professional box lacrosse team, as they compete in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) at the Canadian Tire Centre. Ottawa’s sports scene is packed with energy, come be part of it!
Get wild
Parc Omega
Parc Omega, 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.
Birdwatching
March Break is the perfect time to grab your binoculars and explore the city's beautiful parks, wetlands, and waterways for a birdwatching adventure. It is a fun and exciting way for families to enjoy the outdoors together! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Ottawa has plenty of feathered friends waiting to be discovered.
Stargazing
The night sky over Ottawa is full of wonders, making it the perfect place for families to stargaze together! With parks, green spaces, and conservation areas just outside the city, you’ll have plenty of spots to enjoy the stars.
Get fed
Pizza, burgers, tacos and shawarmas
Treat your family to a feast of delicious pizza, juicy burgers, flavorful tacos, or mouth-watering shawarma. With so many amazing restaurants across the city, deciding where to begin is half the fun!
Family-friendly restaurants
From diners and pubs to sit downs and self-serve, check out this family-friendly restaurants article to discover more dining options in the Ottawa area that are perfect for the whole family!
Sweets and treats
Ottawa is a sweet city, filled with delightful treats! Indulge in decadent desserts like doughnuts, ice cream or the world-renowned BeaverTails pastries and explore the fun and flavorful side of Canada’s capital with your family.
