March break offers a week of rest and relaxation—or a jam-packed week of activities if that’s more your vibe—made all the better when you find the perfect destination. Whether you’re a student enjoying some much-deserved downtime or parents looking for the ideal trip with the kids, 2024 is the year to bring on the break with your loved ones.
We took a look at where AIR MILES collectors like to spend March Break in Canada and have highlighted the top 10 cities our collectors go in March based on AIR MILES Reward Miles™ redemptions. Check out these amazing travel destinations right here in Canada, and get inspired by these popular spots and activities.
When is March Break in Canada for 2024?
March Breaks vary from province to province, and are sometimes called March Break and sometimes Spring Break. Here is a schedule across Canada:
- Ontario: March 11 to March 15
- Nova Scotia: March 11 to March 15
- British Columbia: March 18 to April 2
- Alberta: March 25 to April 1
- Manitoba: March 25 to March 29
- Saskatchewan: April 1 to April 5
- New Brunswick: March 4 to March 8
- Quebec: March 4 to March 8
- Yukon: March 11 to March 22
- Northwest Territories: March 8 to March 24
- Nunavut: April 7 to April 10, but varies by school
March Break in Quebec
Montreal made the list as one of the most common places collectors travel to in March, and with good reason. From sightseeing to family fun, educational activities to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone in Montreal during March Break. Here are a few of our favourites:
Old Montreal
Dating back to 1642, what was once a fortress and settlement is now a collection of charming shops and restaurants. What makes it special is the original New France foundations, architecture and cobblestone streets providing the ideal spot for artisan markets and galleries by day, and exciting bars and dining experiences by night.
Biodôme
Once home to the velodrome and judo facility for the 1976 Olympic Village, the Biodôme now hosts a zoo featuring a Tropical Forest, Laurentian Forest, Saint-Lawrence Marine Ecosystem, and Sub-Polar Region ecosystems with over 4,000 animals.
Maple Syrup Time
One of the biggest attractions for families visiting Montreal in March are the many nearby farms’ sugar shacks, and maple syrup taffy pulls at local parks. Kids can learn how maple syrup is made, make maple toffee on snow, and, of course, indulge in a first-class pancake breakfast.
Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink
Twice the size of NYC’s iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center, the ice rink at the Esplanade Tranquille offers 1,500 m2 of ice. This refrigerated rink is also easy on the budget with no fees to enjoy the rink.
Montreal Science Centre
Easy to find, thanks to the big red molecule sculpture, this interactive museum offers rotating exhibits as well as the permanent Tiny Tots room and IMAX cinema.
March Break in Ontario
What’s a March Break in Canada list without Canada’s capital city? Spend your March Break in Ottawa to explore many cultural institutions or to make a learning-filled vacation for the whole family.
Science and Nature Destinations
Who doesn’t love animals and learning more about nature? Ideal for kids and adults alike, the Museum of Nature offers endless exhibits sure to inspire, educate, and even gross you out. From astronaut training to parachuting and the history of flight to the future of space, there’s always something new to discover at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. The Canada Science and Technology Museum displays Canada’s scientific and technological achievements, making it a great place to learn more about this aspect of our history. And finally, ZOOOM, the Children’s Innovation Zone, is a must-visit with something for kids of all ages.
Canadian Agriculture Experiences
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is ideal for inquisitive kids. Maple taffy on snow, kitchen demos, and farm animals add up to the perfect way to spend a cold March day.
Canadian History Destinations
The Canadian Museum of History offers tons of hands-on activities to keep kids engaged while they learn more about the history of the country. And the Diefenbunker is Canada’s Cold War Museum exploring the exciting world of spies and espionage.
Art Galleries
For those looking for a more artistic March Break experience, the National Gallery of Canada is a great place to enjoy quiet time exploring theie collection of world and Canadian art, including an impressive Indigenous gallery.
From Canada’s capital to Ontario’s capital, Toronto has lots to offer for March Break.
Toronto Interactive Experiences
The Ontario Science Centre offers over 800 interactive exhibits focused on technology, biology, and physics. Although this is no doubt an educational experience, the kids will be having too much fun to notice. Royal Ontario Museum offers 50 dino specimens, with 25 fully mounted skeletons. There are also tons of interactive displays. Harbourfront Centre offers ongoing programs created by HarbourKIDS as well as adult-friendly events. And don’t forget to bring your skates to enjoy Toronto’s largest indoor rink.
Historic Sites of Toronto
Casa Loma is a real-life castle with historic rooms to explore, as well as interesting surprises kids will love, such as secret passages and stables. The historic Distillery District is a collection of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars, providing an excellent way to spend a day or evening.
March Break in Nova Scotia
Home to one of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks, Halifax has many things to offer those looking to spend March Break on the east coast.
The Halifax Experience
The Halifax self-guided art tour features the many murals and sculptures of Halifax. Great for art lovers, this is the perfect way to spend a few hours exploring the city’s charm. Alexander Keith Brewery is one of the oldest working breweries in North America, where visitors can tour the brewery, learn about the brewing process, and end their tour at Stag’s Head historic pub. Located in the former aging cavern of Mr. Keith’s Brewery, you can sample locally inspired small batch and limited-edition beers while taking in some live local music.
Halifax Day Trip Destinations
Just 45 minutes from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is the iconic maritime town, complete with a lovely historic fishing village, lighthouse, and boardwalk. This warm, welcoming town offers plenty of delicious food to sample and tiny shops to explore as the perfect Nova Scotia day trip. Discover the fascinating natural habitats of Nova Scotia at the Museum of Natural History. Make a day of it exploring The Nature Lab in this museum, run by a team of naturalists, where kids get up close and personal with snakes, turtles, a colony of bees, frogs, and salamanders.
March Break in British Columbia
Skiing & Wine in Kelowna
BC is known for its skiing, including lesser-known gems Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort in Kelowna. These spots offer the ultimate Canadian skiing experience, whether you are a skiing fanatic or have a family excited to learn. While in Kelowna, you are also in the heart of beautiful Okanagan country, where adults can treat themselves to a wine-tasting experience.
Whale Watching in Victoria
Victoria is a charming city located on the Pacific Ocean. The majesty of the Pacific North West offers stunning natural sights which you can enjoy while shopping or just wandering around town. However, a dramatic increase in the humpback population makes it easy to spot whales that return to their feeding grounds in March.
Beautiful Vancouver
Vancouver also enjoys warmer weather with lovely gardens and parks with daffodils and tulips in full bloom. You can walk around in lightweight coats and shoes while discovering the shops and restaurants throughout this thriving city. Don’t miss the Kids’ Market on Granville Island for both shopping and entertainment (and even a quick haircut for your kids if it’s needed!). If you’re tired, take a ride on the SeaBus or SkyRide to see the city. Vancouver is also renowned for its fine dining experiences and a wide selection of bars and clubs to dance the night away and rub elbows with the locals.
March Break in Alberta
Rocky Mountain Heights in Calgary
The perfect winter activity for all ages, inner tubing at Winsport is a thrill that doesn’t require skis to hit the slopes. Calgary is also Rocky Mountain central with tons of day trip options, including the always lovely Lake Louise. You can tour 30-metre-high icy passages at Maligne in Jasper Park, where you’ll encounter magical frozen waterfalls and the frozen canyon floor. Students can enjoy one of the best pub crawl cities in Canada and discover all types of entertainment, from sports events to live music.
City Meets Nature in Edmonton
Edmonton offers a unique vacation opportunity to enjoy an endless assortment of activities, including snowshoeing along the river valley and other nearby parks and trails. The Royal Alberta Museum offers exciting permanent collections with galleries of relics to explore, while the Art Gallery Of Alberta is the perfect place to take in their recently added Byron Samson (Mistikonâpêw) portraits of Indigenous leaders and Maud Lewis’ folk art.
March Break in Manitoba
Wonderful Winnipeg
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the world’s first museum dedicated to human rights. It offers a unique learning experience and the opportunity to explore the building’s stunning architectural design. The Manitoba Museum focuses on immersive galleries, with exhibits ranging from ancient to contemporary times. From the moment you enter the Welcome Gallery and hear the thunder of stampeding bison, you know you are about to experience something different.
The Asessippi Ski Area & Resort offers fun activities that include snow tubing, skiing, and trails to explore. FortWhyte Alive offers 660 acres of reclaimed urban green space. Families connect with nature while enjoying tobogganing, skiing, skating, and hiking with the unique opportunity to spot bison.
How to save money on March Break Vacations with AIR MILES Reward Miles
AIR MILES makes it easy to plan a March Break vacation in Canada. You can redeem AIR MILES Reward Miles™ to book a flight and/or accommodations or choose to redeem to enjoy gas, groceries, camping gear, event/attractions tickets, and more. Better yet, you’ll continue to earn more AIR MILES Reward Miles™ on your eligible purchases when you visit any of our AIR MILES partners.
** This article has recently been updated for March Break 2024 **
