Top activities for March break in the nation’s capital

From a variety of museums, sporting events and outdoor activities, Canada’s capital is known to be a fun-filled and family-friendly March break destination.

With a wide selection of museums and galleries to visit, families can take advantage of the Ottawa Museums Pass — offering discounted admissions to a variety of cultural experiences and exhibits.

Visitors can enjoy nine museums and galleries, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum and more by purchasing a one-day or three-day pass.

Another key attraction in the nation’s capital, the Ottawa Senators, will take to the ice on Saturday, March 13 against a rival team — vying for a spot in the playoffs.

At 7 p.m., the Ottawa Senators will be playing against Boston Bruins at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. Click here to purchase tickets.

Ottawa’s professional women’s hockey team, Ottawa Charge, are gearing up to play two games this week at the TD Place arena.

They are playing against the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday at 7 p.m., and Boston Fleet on Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.

TD Place will also be hosting the The Ottawa 67’s vs. Oshawa Generals this Friday, March 14 at at 7 p.m. Visit Ottawa Tourism’s website for more details.

Outdoor activities

For those interested in exploring the outdoors, Ottawa offers an assortment of youth-friendly activities including:

• Sugar Bush at the Log Farm: Visitors can take a wagon ride, learn how maple syrup is made, and stroll through trails of sugar maples. Open from March 1 to April 6.
• Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm Sugarbush: From March 22 to 23, families can visit the heritage sugar shack to learn how maple syrup is made, hop on a tractor-ride, and enjoy breakfast at the Pancake House.
• Hiking trails in the Ottawa/Gatineau Region: Some of Ottawa’s most scenic trails include Gatineau Park and the National Capital Greenbelt. Gatineau Park is a 10-minute drive from downtown Ottawa and features 165 km of picturesque hiking trails. The National Capital Greenbelt spans more than 150 km and is considered one of the most ecologically diverse areas in eastern Ontario.
• Recreational pathways: Families can explore over 800 km of scenic, multi-use pathways in the Ottawa area, including the Ottawa River Pathway, Rideau Canal Western Pathway, and more.

Other activities

• Ottawa’s Wintertime Music Festival: A lineup of local artists featuring music from roots to rap. Includes headliners like Juno winner Angelique Francis. Located at the Gladstone Theatre from March 9 to 15.
• Butterflies in Flight: Visitors will enter a tropical paradise, where over 100 butterflies from Costa Rica and Philippines will fly through lush greenery.
• Landsdowne Farmers’ Market: Shop from the more than 85 local vendors, including fresh produce, baked goods, prepared food and more. Live music. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion.