Busy March break travel season kicks off in Ottawa

Ottawa residents are heading out of town for March break, and officials are reminding travellers to be prepared. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year with thousands of families heading out of town for March break vacations, making Ottawa’s airport and train stations busier than usual with people coming in and leaving the city.

At Ottawa’s Via Rail station, travellers like Jeff Castillo and his son are among those lining up to head out of town.

“To get away from the city for March break,” he says. “For his break usually and me as well. Winter has been tough here, so it’s time to get away.”

Via Rail says the Quebec City to Windsor corridor will be busy during the next week and some trains are running at near capacity.

“We encourage passengers to plan ahead and arrive early at the station to ensure a smooth travel experience, and our teams are fully mobilized to welcome travellers and help make their journey safe and comfortable,” says Via Rail in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

At the Ottawa Airport, airport officials say sunny destinations are among the most popular for those travelling during the school holidays.

Gabriel Dahdouh is among those chasing the sun. He says he booked a very last minute trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

“We booked it last night around 10 p.m., so it took us about an hour and a bit to pack our bags. So, really is a last-minute thing,” he says.

“It’s spring break for my young guy here. It’s been a little while since we’ve taken a vacation. Very excited to get away and just enjoy some sun and take advantage.”

Toronto’s Pearson Airport, is expecting 1.7 million travellers for march break, but things are off to a bit of a rough start, with a snowstorm causing dozens of delays and cancellations on Friday.

In Ottawa, airport authorities are reminding families to leave plenty of time to get through security and check flight status before leaving.

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