Canada, U.S. cities dominate high-demand Spring Break travel in March

Elisabetta Bianchini
·6 min read
A mother and two brothers watch their father blow out the flame of his charred marshmallow. The four family members sit around an open fire pit. They all wear warm outdoor winter apparel. There is snow on the ground and in the surrounding trees.

While some provinces, particularly Ontario, are less than a week away from the beginning of March Break, travel within Canada and to the U.S. seem to be the theme for Spring Break travel this year.

According to data from Expedia, based on lodging searches, these are the Top 10 most popular destinations for the week of March 14:

  • Niagara Falls

  • Orlando

  • Banff

  • Whistler

  • Mont-Tremblant

  • Toronto

  • Miami/Fort Lauderdale

  • Collingwood

  • Montreal

  • Punta Cana

Expedia’s research, conducted with 12,000 respondents in 12 countries, including 2,000 in Canada, from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, 2021, found that around 61 per cent of Canadians are planning to “go big” on their next trips in 2022 with a “no regrets” style of travel.

“Travel is no longer just about ‘going somewhere,’” a statement from Expedia reads. “Despite some still feeling cautious towards travel, a new wave of excitement is bubbling as travellers chase travel greatness to get their GOAT.”

“Coming out of such a long period of constraints and limitations impacting Canadians, travel in 2022 will be about wringing every bit of richness and meaning out of our experiences, both domestically and internationally.”

Niagara Falls WildPlay Zipline experience (Niagara Falls Tourism)
Niagara Falls WildPlay Zipline experience (Niagara Falls Tourism)

Niagara Falls

A popular destination for both national and international travellers, Niagara Falls has a ton of family-friendly activities for March Break, and if you’re from Ontario, it also makes for a convenient family journey.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit, which allows Ontario residents to save up to 20 per cent on accommodation expenses.

Book the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark hotel package, which includes four waterpark passes and your choice of a one-night stay at one of four hotels: Sheraton Fallsview, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls, Skyline Hotel & Waterpark or Clifton Victoria Inn. From March 12 to 19 enjoy Peter Pan & Friends and princesses Elsa & Anna perform Disney songs, with meet-and-greets with the characters.

You can also explore the Odditorium with over 400 exhibits at Ripley’s Believe it or Not, go for a ride 67 metres above the Falls with WildPlay Zipline to the Falls, and find some speed on North America’s largest elevated go-kart track, the Niagara Speedway.

A perennial guest-favorite springtime event at Walt Disney World Resort is now bursting with fragrant blossoms, seasonally inspired flavors and lively entertainment. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs March 2 through July 4, 2022, cultivating fresh experiences for the entire family as part of the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary. The park-wide event features fun for the whole family inspired by the season, from spectacular Disney character topiaries to lush gardens to fresh flavors from Outdoor Kitchens and more. (Courtney Kiefer, Photographer)

Orlando

Orlando is always one of the most popular travel destinations for Canadians, but particularly for families. The best part is, there are always new, innovative attractions coming up in the city.

If you’re ready to take that trip across the border, you can be one of the first guests at the new Orlando World Center Marriott’s River Falls Water Park, opening March 16, with a 575-foot-long lazy river and three inner tube waterslides.

Orlando is now also the home of the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The park is a Certified Autism Center with International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), including specific employee training and a sensory guide for all attractions. The park includes the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad, Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse outdoor playground, Granny Pig’s Garden maze, a roller coaster and a pirate boat ride.

If Disney World is more your speed, this is the time to check out the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival from March 2 to July 4, with 18 outdoor kitchens, the Garden Rocks Concert Series, and the new fragrant garden presented by Scentsy, with six scent stations surrounded by butterfly topiaries.

One of the most highly anticipated Disney World adventures is Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser two-night vacation experience, which made its debut on March 1. Guests stay on the Halcyon starcruiser and enter this interactive world, joining the rule of the First Order or the Resistance in a secret plot, with activities like lightsaber training.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Banff

Banff is one of the most popular mountain destinations in Canada, with beautiful landscapes that remain incredibly popular.

For first-timers, or return visitors who want to take some great photos, the Scenic Insta Tour with Fairmont Banff Springs takes you to the most Instagram-worthy spots, including Surprise Corner, Mt. Norquay lookout, Lake Minnewanka.

Even if there’s still snow on the ground, try travelling through the Banff Townsite via “fat bikes.” This type of bike was initially created for desert use, with wide tires that also make them perfect for maintaining stability through the snowy trails in Banff. Bikes can be rented at Snowtips-Bactrax or Chateau Mountain Sports at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, while Bikescape Winter Fat Biking Tours operate guided experiences.

Delta Hotels Whistler Village Suites
Delta Hotels Whistler Village Suites

Whistler

When in Whistler, the world is your oyster in terms of the breadth of activities to experience. If you’re hoping for a quieter visit, we recommend a mid-week stay. Between March 1 and April 30, you can also take advantage of a $50 voucher for participating restaurants after you book a three-night stay.

This March break, build your own “try-athlon” at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, pairing guided activities including hiking, frisbee golf, bike rides and axe throwing, among more.

Alternatively, the team at Delta Hotels Whistler Village Suites can show you the areas in-bounds that are less populated. Enjoy skating under the stars, Finnish saunas and old-growth forests with breathtaking views.

Le Westin Resort & Spa, Tremblant, Quebec
Le Westin Resort & Spa, Tremblant, Quebec

Mont-Tremblant

For locals, Quebec Spring Break is a week earlier than provinces like Ontario, but the region is very prepared to welcome visitors from the neighbouring province.

Until March 20, visitors to Mont-Tremblant can experience the Jardins de glace, which includes two 2.5-metre high frozen slides and ice sculptures. Until the same date, you can also skate on the outdoor rink at Tremblant Resort, and then cozy up by the bonfire.

Of course, Tremblant is the home of some of the greatest skiing and snowboarding terrain in the world, and you can also take advantage of the ski school at the Centre Aventure du Sommet des Neiges.

Some of the best-ranked hotels to stay on Expedia’s booking site are the Le Westin Resort & Spa, Tremblant, Quebec, Fairmont Tremblant and the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Tremblant.