March Break in the Ottawa region falls during that awkward stretch when winter has overstayed its welcome but spring has not quite arrived. The canal is usually done for skating. The patios are not open yet. And your kids are home for a week, looking at you with expectations. The good news is that Ottawa and the surrounding area have plenty of options for filling those days, from indoor museums to outdoor adventures that take advantage of the last weeks of winter.
Museum Marathon
March Break is peak family season at Ottawa's national museums, and most of them run special programming during the week. The Canada Science and Technology Museum typically offers workshops, demonstrations, and themed activities that go beyond the regular exhibits. The Canadian Museum of Nature often brings in additional interactive displays. The Canadian Museum of History extends hours and programs at the Children's Museum.
A practical approach is to plan one museum per day during March Break. That gives you a morning activity, leaves the afternoon free, and avoids the burnout that comes from trying to do too much. The museums are busiest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM during March Break, so arriving when they open or coming later in the afternoon gives you a more relaxed experience.
Maple Syrup Season
March Break coincides with the start of maple syrup season, and the sugar bushes around Ottawa are one of the best family outings available during this week. Several operations within an hour of the city offer tours of the maple syrup production process, horse-drawn wagon rides through snowy forests, traditional meals (pancakes, baked beans, ham, and plenty of maple syrup), and taffy-on-snow, where hot syrup is poured onto fresh snow and rolled onto sticks.
The sugar bush experience combines outdoor activity, food, and a genuinely interesting process that kids enjoy learning about. Dress warmly, because these operations are partly outdoors and March weather is unpredictable. Book in advance, especially for weekend visits, as sugar bushes fill up quickly during March Break.
Winter Activities That Still Work
Depending on the year, there may still be enough snow in March for winter activities. Gatineau Park maintains cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails as long as conditions allow, and March skiing can be some of the best of the season, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Calabogie Peaks and Camp Fortune ski hills typically stay open through March Break.
Even if the canal is closed for skating, the pathway alongside it remains open for walking. And on the milder days that March occasionally delivers, a long walk along the canal or the Ottawa River pathway can feel like the first hint of spring.
Indoor Adventures
For rainy or especially cold days, Ottawa has several indoor options beyond museums. The Clip 'N Climb and indoor rock climbing facilities appeal to active kids. Funhaven and other indoor amusement centres have go-karts, arcade games, and activities for various ages. The Ottawa Public Library main branch (on Metcalfe Street, with a new facility in development) has children's programming throughout March Break.
Swimming is another reliable option. Several public pools offer drop-in family swim sessions, and the indoor water features at some of the larger recreation centres provide a change of scenery from the usual routine.
Day Trip Ideas
If you want to get out of the city for a day, consider Parc Omega (the wildlife drive-through park in Montebello, which operates year-round and is particularly atmospheric in late winter), the Bonnechere Caves (open seasonally, check dates), or a drive to one of the small towns covered in our small-town escapes guide.
Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg sometimes opens for special March Break programming. And the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, on the east side of Ottawa, is worth a trip for its collection of aircraft and flight simulators.
Planning the Week
The key to a good March Break is pacing. You do not need a big activity every day. Mix museum days with low-key days at home. Plan one or two day trips and leave the rest of the week flexible. And remember that many local restaurants, shops, and attractions offer March Break specials and programming, so check local listings as the week approaches.
For more family activity ideas, see our family travel hub and our guide to Ottawa's best museums for families.