Your Ottawa Weekend Starts Now
Ottawa is in that sweet transitional stretch of late March where the days are getting longer, the snowbanks are retreating, and the city starts to feel alive again — and this weekend is a great excuse to get out and enjoy it.
From maple syrup season in the Gatineau Hills to gallery hops in the ByWard Market, there's no shortage of ways to spend a March weekend in the capital. Here's a look at what's worth your time from March 27 to 29.
Maple Season in the Hills
Late March is peak maple syrup season in the Ottawa Valley and Gatineau Hills, and local sugar bushes are welcoming visitors for tours, tastings, and full cabin-style meals. There's something distinctly Ottawa about heading out for a maple taffy pull on fresh snow — and this weekend might be one of your last chances before the season wraps up. Check out operations in the Outaouais region just across the river for a classic Quebec sugar shack experience.
Explore the ByWard Market
The ByWard Market is always worth a weekend wander, but spring weekends bring extra energy as patios start to eye their opening dates and vendors return with fresh local goods. Grab a BeaverTail, browse the indoor market stalls, and pop into one of the neighbourhood's independent boutiques or galleries. It's a low-key way to spend a Saturday morning before the tourist season kicks in.
Hit the Rideau Canal Pathway
The Skateway may be closed for the season, but the Rideau Canal pathway is fully open for cyclists, joggers, and walkers looking to soak up some March sunshine. The stretch from Dow's Lake down to the Locks offers some of the best views in the city, and the tulip bulbs planted last fall are just weeks away from breaking ground.
Culture and Indoors Options
If the weather keeps you inside, Ottawa's arts scene has you covered. The National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History (just across the river in Gatineau) both offer world-class collections year-round. Catch a local theatre production, hit an independent cinema, or browse one of the city's many neighbourhood galleries — arts-culture in Ottawa punches well above its weight for a city of its size.
Neighbourhood Dining
Ottawa's food scene has been on a serious run lately, and a weekend is the perfect time to try that new spot you've been meaning to visit. From Wellington West to Hintonburg, Little Italy to Chinatown, every corner of the city has something worth checking out. Brunch lineups tend to peak on Sundays, so plan accordingly or go early.
Keep an Eye on Local Listings
For the most current and complete event listings — including concerts, markets, community festivals, and pop-ups — check CTV Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism's events calendar, and local community Facebook groups. Late March often brings surprise pop-ups and one-day events as the city warms up.
However you spend it, make the most of the weekend, Ottawa. Spring is basically here.
Source: CTV News Ottawa — Things to Do in Ottawa: March 27–29
