Easter Activities and Events Around Ottawa 2026

What Is Easter Weekend in Canada?

Easter is one of Canada's major long weekends. Good Friday and Easter Monday are statutory holidays, giving most people a four-day break. The date shifts each year because it's tied to the lunar calendar — in 2026, Easter Sunday falls on April 5.

In Canada, Easter traditions blend the religious holiday with secular springtime celebrations. Egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and farm visits are popular family activities. For many Ottawa families, it's also the first real outdoor weekend of the year — a chance to shake off the last of winter.

Easter weekend in Ottawa (April 3–6, 2026) falls right at the start of spring, when the city is starting to come alive. Here are the best things to do with the family over the long weekend.

Easter Egg Hunts and Farm Visits

Easter at The Log Farm

The Log Farm on Cedarview Road runs an Easter celebration from April 3–6. The property is set in a forested area south of the city, and activities include a forest egg hunt, sugarbush tours, wagon rides, and visits with farm animals including bunnies.

• Dates: April 3–6, 2026
• Admission: $14.49 + HST per person (ages 1+), free for infants under 1
• Location: 670 Cedarview Road, Ottawa
• Note: Advance tickets required — they tend to sell out

See full details and book tickets →

Easter Egg Hunt at Valleyview Little Animal Farm

Valleyview Little Animal Farm in Nepean hosts their annual Easter egg hunt over four days (April 3–6). Along with the egg hunt, kids can visit a variety of farm animals — alpacas, goats, geese, and more.

• Dates: April 3–6, 2026
• Admission: $15 per person
• Location: 4750 Fallowfield Road, Ottawa
• Note: Online reservations required

See full details →

Things to Do Over the Long Weekend

Visit ByWard Market

The ByWard Market is a good destination for an Easter weekend outing. The indoor market building is open year-round, and by early April some of the outdoor vendors are starting to set up. It's a nice place to wander with kids — grab a BeaverTail, browse the shops, and check out the Heritage Building's food vendors.

If the weather cooperates, the Parliament Hill grounds are a short walk away. The Centennial Flame and the river views are free and open year-round.

Catch the Last of Sugar Season

Early April is the tail end of maple sugar season. Some sugar bushes may still be running, depending on the weather. Check our guide to sugar bushes around Ottawa → for options — though calling ahead is a good idea, as the season can end abruptly when temperatures rise.

Museum Day

If the weather turns cold or rainy, Ottawa's museums are a reliable backup plan:

• Canadian Museum of Nature — Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton, and an Arctic gallery. Free Thursday evenings 5–8 PM
• Bank of Canada Museum — Free for everyone. Interactive exhibits about money
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum — Free daily 4–5 PM. Over 130 aircraft

Ottawa Parent & Child Expo

Later in April, the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo (April 18) brings together family-focused vendors, activities, and entertainment. It's a one-day event worth checking if you're looking for ideas heading into summer.

See expo details →

Practical Tips

• Book farm visits early — Both The Log Farm and Valleyview sell out, especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale
• Dress for mud — April in Ottawa means melting snow. Rubber boots are essential for any farm or outdoor activity
• Easter Monday closures — Some businesses and attractions may have modified hours on Easter Monday (April 6). Check websites before heading out
• Easter 2026 dates: Good Friday (April 3), Easter Saturday (April 4), Easter Sunday (April 5), Easter Monday (April 6)