March Break Around the Bay of Fundy

Every young student’s Spring benchmark, March Break, tends to sneak up on parents from all over the Maritimes. The holidays just wrapped up, regular routines are back in play and inklings of summer vacation plans are creeping into your mind; it’s easy to be caught off guard with five whole days of kids at home to entertain mid-snowy season. Before you let the pressure of filling up an entire week with fun activities get the better of you, take a breath and know that we have you covered. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite family-friendly activities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to help you curate the week of your child’s dreams.

Did March Break really catch you off guard? Before you go any further, let us remind you exactly when it is, based on your province:

• New Brunswick’s March Break is March 4 – 8
• Nova Scotia’s March Break is March 11-15

Now, to the fun stuff!

Sugar Moon Farm is open all year round, but exploring this piece of Northern Nova Scotia is extra special when there is a chill in the air. Surrounded by sugar maple trees, the whole family can enjoy learning the ins and outs of a working maple farm, taste the sugary goods in the form of the iconic sugar-on-snow treat, dine on traditional sugar cape food and hike along the majestic trails. Pack your snowshoes and make it a March Break day trip to remember!

Growing up, one of our favourite things to do was to spend a night or two at a fancy hotel with our parents. It made us feel so special. For MV Fundy Rose guests, a night away with the little ones in tow is easy and affordable. You can sail across the bay in style to the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa and soak in the luxury of their heated pool and spa, play games in a fire-lit room, relish in room service and more. Check out a few of the amazing hotel packages they have available for guests and find the perfect option for you and your family today!

Some of our best childhood memories are made on a skating rink. In the Maritimes, it’s in our blood to find a sense of comfort and connection on and around water, liquid or frozen! So bundle the kids up and head to your local rink to burn off some energy and then enjoy a hot chocolate while you watch the Zamboni flood the ice for the next group. It’s tradition. By the end of March, many skating rinks will be wrapping up their season, so now is the time to lace up those skates! In Saint John, check out Charles Gorman Arena, Stewart Hurley Arena and Peter Murray Arena. In Digby, try the Digby Arena. The skating season only lasts so long! Take advantage while you can!

A drive down the coast from Saint John is the Huntsman Marine Science Centre and the Fundy Discovery Aquarium. Here, you can learn about the power of the Bay of Fundy while you watch Harbor Seals play and marvel at the fish usually shrouded by the mystery of the Atlantic. Parents and kids alike will love giggling together over the gigantic subtidal pool and Tide Tank. Here, you’ll form core memories together and teach each other about the natural world and the ocean we call home.

In Saint John, New Brunswick, wow your family with a walk to the reversing falls, take a swim in the provinces only 50-metre pool at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and immerse yourselves in the arts by attending a play at the Saint John Theatre Company. Of course, being so busy running around Saint John is sure to build your appetite, so stop by the Saint John City Market to stock up on fresh food and tasty meals to go!

For a relaxing experience that’s ideal for the whole family, make your way to Renforth Wharf in Rothesay for a day of ice fishing. You can hit the ice with your own equipment and if you don’t have all the gear you need, don’t worry — The Shacks has you covered. They offer everything you need to experience the fun of ice fishing with your little ones, without the need to purchase expensive equipment. Each of their ice fishing shacks comes equipped with seating for up to six, four fishing poles, pre-cut holes to cast your line, bait and even a small wooden stove to keep things toasty warm. Your kids will love learning all about the sport of ice fishing and maybe even catch a fish of their own!

For nearly 70 years, Poley has been the go-to destination for skiers and snowboarders across New Brunswick. And it’s easy to see why! With 30 developed trails, five glade trails, 10 trails available for night skiing and over 100 acres of skiable terrain, Poley is the perfect place to spend a day on the slopes. Best of all, it’s less than an hour from Saint John, meaning it’s a convenient spot to take the kids over March Break for a day of fun. Take a lesson to learn the basics, or, if you’re feeling brave, make your way to the terrain park to catch some air or ride the rails. Or, if skiing or snowboarding aren’t your thing, rent a pair of snowshoes for a more relaxed day of exploration. Afterward, pay a visit to the Slope Side Bar & Grill for a family meal after a memorable adventure on the mountain.

This March Break, let MV Fundy Rose take you on your next great family adventure. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard our ship and we hope your March Break is just as fun now as it was when you were young. Let the good times begin!