Things to do in the Outaouais in March

March brings the delicious aromas of sugar-shack meals and the instant rush of taffy on snow. It’s also the perfect time to have fun and spend quality time with your family! Here are our suggestions for a maple-flavoured, fun-filled March.

Make the most of spring break

School break means time spent as a family! The Outaouais has lots of activities to keep the kids busy and entertained and help them use up all that energy. If you have a family of climbers, the Altitude Gym climbing centre is a unique facility you absolutely have to visit. With over 100 climbing routes and a Clip ’N Climb themed climbing park, there’s a challenge for everyone! Bouldering fans will enjoy the Centre d’escalade – Bloc 9.81, with its welcoming and informal atmosphere.

Have fun finding your way through the snow maze made of 200 hay bales at the Éco des champs farm. Stock up on local produce at the trust market, an honour-system shop located in the barn.

Canada’s Capital Region is home to the highest concentration of national museums in the country. Why not take a guided tour? And with seven whole days of spring break, check out our suggestions of several other indoor activities to try.

Practise winter sports

Fatbiking is becoming more appealing and attracting more enthusiasts every year. If you’re among them, the good news is that the Outaouais has an interesting selection of places to practise this increasingly popular sport! We have great trails for you, and some businesses rent fatbikes. Visit Montebello’s little-known heritage sites on an electric fatbike with Geo-Explora Scootrek‘s guides. Discover the area’s natural sites in a different way thanks to the company’s geo-application. For more places to enjoy this sport, check out our top 5 places to go for your next fatbike ride!

Travel the snowy trails of the Outaouais with the help of a well-trained pack of dogs! Invented by the Indigenous peoples of the North, this means of transportation has become a unique winter activity. Not only will you meet beautiful northern dogs, but you’ll be surprised by the cruising speed of the sled and its team! Find out where you can go dogsledding, and try this unusual winter experience.

Are you itching to get outdoors? Kids and adults alike are sure to love these 5 places to go snow tubing!

Maple season

Can you smell the maple taffy? No need to delve into your olfactory memory—just visit a sugar shack! Maple season is always over too soon, so we welcome it with open arms every year. The time has come to (re)discover the sugar shacks of the Outaouais!

On March 3rd and 4th, the second edition of the Sugar Fest will be held at Parc Omega! On the program: folk music, outdoor activities, local artisans as well as sweet and savoury treats.

Starting March 4, treat yourself to an authentic experience at the Cabane à sucre Brazeau sugar shack. Go on a sleigh ride, meet the farm animals, and generally have a good time! Enjoy traditional music on weekdays and live performances by the band Socks Over Pants on Saturdays and Sundays. The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

On March 4, 11 and 26, meet at Parc de la Ferme Dalton and enjoy a taffy on snow tasting. Be sure to circle March 18 on your calendar: that’s the day of the Fête des sucres maple festival! Enjoy a variety of offers and activities, including free coffee, hot chocolate and pancakes, taffy tasting, a science demonstration, family yoga, storytelling and music. Check out the full program for all the details.

On March 30, join us at Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien for a very special event: the Soirée sucrée! On the menu: a four-course gourmet meal prepared in collaboration with chef Jean-Marc Santerre of Le Rituel restaurant, a signature cocktail made with the Gin du Jardin from Distillerie du Square, live music by the group Le Diable à Cinq, and lots of fun. Book now—places are limited!

Events

From March 9 to 11, come to La Ruelle at Zibi to taste your new favourite brews at the Winter Brewfest. Sample unique and specialty products in a vibrant atmosphere. Show off your finest dance moves and groove to the beat of the region’s best DJs. Activities take place both indoors and out, and the ticket price includes a Brewfest souvenir glass and access to the cloakroom.

On March 10, attend a special evening of food and craft beer pairings hosted by À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale. Enjoy three versions of mussels and fries and a dessert, each course paired with an appropriate beer. The evening includes food presentation by chef Aaron Graham and beer presentation by brewmaster Jean-François Cardinal. You’ll even get to take home four new beers. Reserve your seats now!

From March 10 to 12, meet at the Palais des congrès de Gatineau for the third edition of the Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show. Find the most beautiful cycling routes and plan your next vacation based on the landscapes you want to see or the challenges you want to take on. Meet local exhibitors who are just as passionate about cycling as you are and discover brands from the region. The latest cycling trends are waiting for you!

On March 11, join the region’s quad enthusiasts for the Randonnée aux flambeaux (torchlight ride) organized by the Club Quad Petite Nation. Drive from Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix to Plaisance; return by torchlight to the Plaisance area and warm up by the campfire at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix shelter.

On Thursday nights, meet at Le Troquet café and bar in the heart of Old Hull to relax over a drink with friends and laugh at the guest comedians’ jokes at the “Stand-up Thursdays” comedy nights hosted by Julien Dionne and Steven Bilodeau. Tickets are available every week via their Facebook page.

On March 11, have a drink and a meal at the Bar de L’Encan before enjoying a live performance by the band Le Diable à Cinq. Get set for a great night out in a super friendly atmosphere.

For even more suggestions, consult the events calendar on our Events and Festivals page.

More to discover in the Outaouais

Sushi fans will love Comptoir Sushi à la maison. Choose from a great selection of comfort food, or try the maki. Add a little fun to your daily routine with creative sushi platters. The menu includes vegetarian and low-carb options as well as items for pregnant women.

Treat yourself to a stay at the Chalet of the Colony, a unique and peaceful getaway that offers the perfect blend of modern conveniences and unspoiled nature. Gaze out at the view of the mountains and Lake St-Antoine as you sip your morning coffee. Unwind in the hot tub and relax by the outdoor or indoor fireplace.

Fill up on positive energy at the Centre de Vie wellness centre in Ripon and revitalize yourself in a peaceful setting. Looking for a family getaway during spring break? The centre is offering special family rates from March 3 to 12. Find out about the packages available and book your stay!

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Book an Experience Outaouais package and discover what the Outaouais has to offer in March.