🎉 Spring has sprung in Ottawa, and this weekend brings an incredible lineup of events that celebrate sports, local traditions, and the arrival of warmer weather. From professional soccer to sweet maple syrup experiences, April 5-6 offers something for everyone in the nation’s capital.
Your Weekend at a Glance
This weekend marks several exciting milestones: Atletico Ottawa kicks off their home season at TD Place, Ontario’s maple producers welcome visitors for the final weekend of maple season, and the Canadian Ringette Championships crown national champions. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, foodie, or family looking for outdoor adventures, Ottawa delivers an exceptional weekend experience.
Quick Facts: Ottawa Weekend April 5-6
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Weekend Dates | April 5-6, 2025 |
| ⚽ Atletico Home Opener | April 5, TD Place Stadium |
| 🍁 Maple Weekend | April 5-6, Various sugar bushes |
| 🏒 Ringette Finals | April 5-6, Ottawa arenas |
| 🌡️ Expected Weather | Spring conditions, 10-15°C |
| 🎟️ Featured Event | Atletico vs Halifax (Pay What You Can) |
| 🚌 Transit Tips | Extra service for TD Place events |
Saturday April 5: Atletico Ottawa Home Opener
⚽ Kick Off the CPL Season
Atletico Ottawa launches their 2025 Canadian Premier League season with a home opener against Halifax Wanderers FC at TD Place Stadium. This highly anticipated match marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for Ottawa’s professional soccer club.
What makes this opener special: Atletico is offering Pay What You Can tickets with all proceeds supporting CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario). This community-focused initiative allows families to attend regardless of budget while raising funds for an incredible cause.
Pre-game festivities begin several hours before kickoff, with fan zones offering food trucks, live music, and activities for kids. Wally the mascot will be entertaining young fans, and the supporters’ section promises to bring incredible energy to TD Place.
The atmosphere at TD Place for soccer matches is electric, with passionate fans creating a European-style football experience right here in Ottawa. Even if you’ve never attended a CPL match, the home opener is the perfect introduction to professional soccer in the capital.
Check out our detailed Atletico Ottawa 2025 season preview for more information about the team, players, and season schedule.
Ontario Maple Weekend: Final Chance for 2025
🍁 Sweet Spring Tradition
April 5-6 represents the last weekend of Ontario Maple Weekend 2025, offering your final opportunity this season to visit local sugar bushes and experience maple syrup production firsthand.
Featured Maple Destinations Near Ottawa
Fultons Pancake House & Sugar Bush (Pakenham): One of the region’s most popular maple destinations, Fultons offers pancake breakfasts with fresh maple syrup, sugar bush tours, and family-friendly activities. Their authentic maple operation provides insight into both traditional and modern syrup production methods.
Richelieu Park Sugar Bush (Orleans): Closer to the city, this accessible sugar bush offers guided tours, tastings, and educational programs explaining the maple sugaring process from tree to table.
Temple’s Sugar Bush (Wakefield, Quebec): Just across the river, Temple’s combines maple experiences with beautiful Gatineau Hills scenery. Their rustic setting and traditional methods create an authentic maple experience.
What to Expect at a Sugar Bush Visit
- Pancake meals: Many operations serve all-you-can-eat pancakes with fresh maple syrup
- Sugar shack tours: Learn how sap becomes syrup through boiling and evaporation
- Maple taffy on snow: The quintessential maple experience - hot syrup poured on snow creating chewy taffy
- Product sales: Purchase maple syrup, maple butter, maple sugar, and other maple products
- Family activities: Horse-drawn wagon rides, nature trails, and outdoor play areas
Most sugar bushes welcome visitors throughout the day Saturday and Sunday, though calling ahead for reservations is recommended, especially for meal service. Dress warmly in layers as activities involve both indoor and outdoor experiences.
“Ontario Maple Weekend showcases the incredible tradition of maple syrup production while bringing families together to celebrate spring’s arrival.” - Ontario Maple Syrup Producers
Canadian Ringette Championships Finals
🏒 Crowning National Champions
The Canadian Ringette Championships conclude this weekend with championship finals across U16, U19, and National Ringette League divisions. Teams that survived intense semifinal competition on Friday now compete for national titles.
Championship game atmosphere: Finals day brings peak excitement as the best ringette teams in Canada battle for supremacy. The skill level, speed, and strategic play on display represents the pinnacle of Canadian ringette.
Medal ceremonies: Following championship games, medal presentations honor the top teams and outstanding individual performers from the tournament. These emotional ceremonies celebrate the culmination of months of training and competition.
Ringette finals welcome spectators of all ages and offer an affordable, family-friendly sporting experience. The fast-paced action and team-oriented play make ringette exciting even for first-time viewers.
Read about yesterday’s semifinal action and championship preview to understand the storylines heading into finals.
Other Weekend Highlights
🎨 Cultural Experiences
National Gallery of Canada: Spring exhibitions continue, with world-class art collections and special installations. The gallery’s impressive architecture and riverside location make it a perfect indoor option if weather doesn’t cooperate.
Canadian Museum of History: Across the river in Gatineau, Canada’s most-visited museum offers fascinating exhibitions on Canadian history, Indigenous cultures, and world civilizations.
🌳 Outdoor Activities
Rideau Canal Pathway: With spring weather arriving, the Canal pathways are perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers scenic routes through the heart of Ottawa.
Experimental Farm: Visit the Ornamental Gardens as early spring flowers begin blooming. The farm’s grounds provide peaceful walking and opportunities to see heritage farm animals.
Gatineau Park: Just minutes from downtown, Gatineau Park trails are accessible for spring hiking. The park’s lookouts offer spectacular views of the Ottawa Valley.
🍽️ Spring Dining Scene
Many Ottawa restaurants are preparing patios for the season, with some already offering outdoor seating on warmer days. The ByWard Market, Westboro, and Elgin Street areas feature diverse dining options perfect for post-event meals.
For brunch enthusiasts, explore our guide to Ottawa’s best brunch spots for spring 2025.
Neighborhood Spotlights
ByWard Market
The Market springs to life this weekend as vendors return for the outdoor season. Browse local produce, artisan goods, and crafts while enjoying the historic neighborhood’s energy. Nearby restaurants and pubs offer pre-game or post-event dining for Atletico fans.
Lansdowne Park/The Glebe
TD Place Stadium anchors this revitalized area that combines sports, entertainment, and dining. Before or after the Atletico match, explore Lansdowne’s shops and restaurants, or venture into the Glebe for its charming streetscapes and independent businesses.
Westboro Village
Known for its brunch scene and boutique shopping, Westboro offers a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. Independent cafes, bakeries, and restaurants make it perfect for a leisurely weekend outing.
Getting Around This Weekend
Transit and Traffic Tips
OC Transpo: Plan routes in advance using the Transit app. Extra O-Train service operates for TD Place events, with Lansdowne Station providing direct stadium access.
Driving and Parking: TD Place parking fills quickly for popular matches. Consider parking in nearby neighborhoods and walking, or use designated event parking areas managed by stadium staff.
Cycling: Ottawa’s bike infrastructure makes cycling a convenient option for reaching many weekend venues. TD Place and other major attractions offer bike parking.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Ottawa, with pickup zones designated at major venues.
Family-Friendly Weekend Planning
This weekend offers exceptional family activities spanning sports, nature, and culture. Consider creating a multi-event itinerary that balances active and relaxed experiences.
Sample Family Weekend:
- Saturday morning: Visit a sugar bush for pancakes and maple activities
- Saturday afternoon: Attend Atletico Ottawa home opener
- Saturday evening: Dinner in the ByWard Market
- Sunday morning: Brunch in Westboro or the Glebe
- Sunday afternoon: Ringette championships finals or museum visit
Pack layers for changing spring weather, and build flexibility into plans to accommodate kids’ energy levels and interests.
FAQ: Ottawa Weekend April 5-6
Q: What’s the weather forecast for this weekend? A: Spring conditions are expected with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C. Dress in layers and be prepared for potential showers. Check current forecasts before outdoor activities.
Q: Are Atletico Ottawa tickets still available? A: Yes! The Pay What You Can promotion makes tickets accessible at various price points. Purchase online or at TD Place box office.
Q: Which sugar bushes are closest to downtown Ottawa? A: Richelieu Park in Orleans offers the closest major maple experience, approximately 20 minutes from downtown. Several Gatineau operations are also nearby.
Q: Can I attend ringette finals without prior tickets? A: Yes, tickets are available at arena box offices on game day. Arrive early for championship games as they typically draw large crowds.
Q: Are restaurants busy during event weekends? A: Popular restaurants near TD Place and the ByWard Market can be busy, especially around game times. Reservations are recommended for dinner service.
Q: Is Ontario Maple Weekend running next weekend too? A: No, April 5-6 is the final weekend of the 2025 season. This is your last chance until 2026 to experience maple weekend events.
Q: What COVID-19 measures are in place for events? A: Check individual venue websites for current health and safety protocols, which may evolve based on public health guidance.
Making the Most of Your Weekend
With such diverse offerings, this weekend invites you to explore multiple facets of Ottawa’s spring season. Whether you’re cheering at TD Place, tasting fresh maple syrup in a sugar bush, or watching elite athletes compete for ringette championships, April 5-6 delivers memorable experiences.
The arrival of spring brings renewed energy to Ottawa’s streets, parks, and venues. Embrace the season by getting out and participating in the events that make the nation’s capital such a vibrant place to live and visit.
Pro tip: Many weekend activities are outdoor or involve venue transitions. Carry a small backpack with water, snacks, hand warmers, and an extra layer to ensure comfort throughout your day.
Don’t miss our comprehensive guides to Ottawa’s top attractions and seasonal events calendar.
Looking Ahead
Next weekend brings additional spring events as Ottawa transitions fully into the season. Keep checking ViaOttawa.ca for updates on upcoming festivals, sporting events, and cultural activities.
The CPL season continues with Atletico Ottawa’s next home match later in the month, while spring festivals and outdoor markets begin their regular schedules. Tulip Festival planning is underway for May, promising one of Ottawa’s most spectacular annual celebrations.
Sources:
- Atletico Ottawa Official Website
- Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association
- Canadian Ringette Championships Program
- City of Ottawa Events Calendar
- OC Transpo Service Information
Plan your perfect Ottawa weekend with ViaOttawa.ca - your complete guide to events, attractions, and experiences in Canada’s capital.
