
March break is here! Get outdoors in the Capital Region with your family this week, and take advantage of some of the many fun activities in Ottawa and Gatineau this March Break!
Discover the Greenbelt under snow
There are over 150 km of trails available in the Greenbelt during the winter. Head out for a hike, or explore on snowshoes! The Greenbelt also offers over 21 kilometres of groomed classic ski trails. You can use the trails for free, and all are suitable for beginner and family outings.
Cross-country ski — right in the city!
The SJAM Winter Trail offers a 16-kilometre groomed, multi-use trail along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway.
In the east end, the Ski Heritage East multi-use winter trail runs for 9.5 km, from Green’s Creek to Trim Road.
The Rideau River Winter Trail is located in Overbrook, Sandy Hill and Vanier.
Go for a skate at Rideau Hall
The rink at Rideau Hall is open — until March 15. Lace up your skates and enjoy gliding around this historic rink.
Go snowshoeing in Gatineau Park
Head out for an adventure in Gatineau Park — on snowshoes! There are 61 km of trails available. Pack a lunch, and stop in at one of the four day shelters accessible by snowshoe for a bite to eat and to warm up.
Follow the steps in our Guide to Winter Outings on Gatineau Park Trails for a safe and enjoyable experience in Gatineau Park.
Head to the sugar bush
It’s maple syrup season! Visit the Log Farm in the Greenbelt to check out the sugar bush.
The Log Farm will be open weekends, from 9:30 am to 4 pm, until April 13, and daily during the Ontario March break, from March 16 to 20, 2020.
Hit the toboggan hills
Some of Ottawa’s best toboggan hills are on NCC lands. Be sure to check out these hills in Ottawa over March Break:
- Conroy Pit: This spot in the Greenbelt is also an off-leash dog area, so bring your pup! The hill is lit, evenings from 4 pm to 11 pm.
- Bruce Pit: Another off-leash dog area in the Greenbelt. This long, wide hill is great for the whole family! The hill offers great daytime tobogganing, but is not lit at night.
- Green’s Creek: This large hill has multiple slope levels, and is safely protected from the creek by an embankment.