The Science North Planetarium

Make the Most of your March Break

From polar bears in Cochrane to underground mines in Sudbury and ski runs in Mattawa, Northeastern Ontario has a full week of March Break covered—whatever the weather. Because "boring" isn't in our vocabulary.

The Science North Planetarium

By The Seven—Northeastern Ontario Welcome to The Seven, starting three hours north of Toronto and stretching as far as your imagination. We’re the memories you’ve made—and are yet to make—with the people you love. Ready? Let’s go. We’re outside.

March 12, 2026

March Break in Northeastern Ontario: Family Adventures Worth the Drive

The March Break is quickly approaching, and that means that you need to decide what you are going to do with your kids for the week-long vacation from school. If you explore Northeastern Ontario, you will find so many things for the whole family to do, it will be hard to fit them all into one week! Plus, there are lots of opportunities for the kids to learn, while still having a ton of fun! (And PS: many of these places offer annual memberships, in case you love them so much and you want to come back... we think you will!)

Science and Wonder in Sudbury: Science North and Dynamic Earth

Two of the most popular attractions are Science North and Dynamic Earth, and they're a natural anchor for any March Break itinerary. At Science North, the current featured exhibit is PHENOMENA: The Exhibition — running until April 30 — which explores optical illusions, cognitive distortions, and the science behind things that seem impossible. The permanent exhibits, IMAX Theatre, and Planetarium round out a full day easily. The IMAX is currently screening Kiki's Delivery Service (newly restored in 4K) for three shows only, alongside nature documentaries and concert films.

Dynamic Earth goes underground. The Underground Mine Tour drops visitors seven storeys below surface in hard hats to walk through a demonstration mine tracing the evolution of mining from the 1900s to today — about 75 minutes, bring a jacket as temperatures run around 13°C. Back above ground, the Earth Gallery covers earthquakes, plate tectonics, and Sudbury's meteorite history; the MacLeod Rock Gallery has gold panning and mine simulators; and the Outdoor Science Park in the shadow of the Big Nickel lets kids climb, dig, and operate a real underground loader. The Big Nickel itself — a 13,000-kg replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel — remains the iconic photo stop.

For families hitting both, the All Attractions Family Bundle includes an All Attractions Pass for two adults and two children, plus your choice of Family Meal in Elements and four $10 gift cards for Whizards and the Big Nickel Boutique gift shops

Hit the Slopes in Mattawa: Antoine Mountain

Winter isn't done yet in Northeastern Ontario, and Antoine Mountain in Mattawa is proof. Ontario's longest ski run sits on one of the province's highest peaks, with 15 runs across all skill levels — from first-timers to riders who need a genuine challenge. March Break ski and snowboard camps are available for kids who want to learn properly, and the conditions this time of year are typically at their best.

If you want to extend the stay, Otter Pointe Resort offers gorgeous waterfront cabins and glamping domes with space for the whole family!

Polar Bears in Cochrane: Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat

The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat is the only wildlife centre in the world dedicated purely to the care of polar bears — a non-profit sanctuary giving bears in need of human care a home as close to the wild as possible. Current residents Ganuk and Henry have 24 acres of natural Northern Ontario environment to roam, which means sightings are genuine wildlife encounters, not zoo visits. If you can't see them on your first pass, they're likely exploring another part of the property.

Beyond the bears, the site has more going on than most visitors expect. The on-site Snowmobile Museum holds Ontario's largest public collection of vintage snowmobiles and is a real hit with kids and parents alike. The Heritage Village recreates early 1900s Cochrane life with replica buildings and donated artifacts. Keeper talks, guided tour experiences, and educational bear presentations are available throughout the day—check the habitat's website for current scheduling before you visit.

Winter hours run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.

So, if you're looking to make the most of the March Break, be sure to look up Northeastern Ontario and take your family on an adventure they won't soon forget!

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About The Seven—Northeastern Ontario

Starting three hours north of Toronto and stretching as far as your imagination.

Welcome to The Seven: To the loon call at dawn and sand in your toes. Bug bites, sunburns, and marshmallows charred just right. The stars you forgot existed, and that cozy cabin glow after a midnight swim. We’re festivals, family, and unforgettable moments—rain or shine. We’re the memories you’ve made—and are yet to make—with the people you love. Ready? Let’s go. We’re outside.