March Break is right around the corner, and with time off school and work comes the chance to enjoy some family time. Take advantage of the break for a getaway – or a staycation – to explore some Mississauga hidden (and not so hidden) gems.

Try this itinerary for a fun-filled Mississauga excursion.

Start your Mississauga adventure in the heart of the city. Head to Celebration Square’s ice rink right when it opens at 10 a.m. to beat the crowds and enjoy the fresh ice. No skates? No problem – rentals are available. Once you’re done, grab a bite at the food trucks while enjoying the rink-side lounge.

Once you’re ready to get out of the cold, what better way to warm up than by visiting Ontario’s largest shopping centre. March is the perfect time to do some shopping for a new Spring wardrobe or home décor, and Square One has hundreds of stores to choose from. In fact, you might need to plan another excursion just to hit all the stores!

After all that skating and shopping, you’re sure to need an energy boost. Luckily, Mississauga’s downtown core is filled with incredible restaurants. One popular family favourite is Gabby’s, a casual dine-in restaurant that offers everything from classic pub fare to energy bowls.

After lunch, take some time to explore the city. Within a ten-minute walk of Celebration Square you’ll find attractions to suit a variety of interests:

Before you call it a night, take in some evening entertainment. During March Break you can catch a game – either the Mississauga Steelheads for hockey fans or the Raptors 905 for basketball fans – or even join an evening of conversation with Trevor Noah at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Be sure to check out the events calendar before your visit to see what’s on.

If you live locally, you might think there’s no need to book a hotel stay, but if you’re looking for that real vacation feeling, don’t underestimate how exciting and relaxing it is to stay in a comfortable hotel. From the amenities (care for a swim, anyone?) to the rooms you don’t have to clean, a night or two away from home can really turn a staycation into a vacation.

There’s never been a better time to book that luxury hotel you’ve been eyeing. Throughout 2022, Ontario is offering a staycation tax credit of up to 20% off your accommodations, so you can take advantage of some savings. Plus, if you’re looking for a longer getaway, it pays to stay in Mississauga. When you book two or more nights in a participating hotel, you’ll receive a $100 VISA gift card to spend in the city, so you can do more for less!

If you’re a local or are visiting Mississauga for an extended stay, be sure to get your free Local Gems Pass so you can spend a day or two exploring the best that Mississauga has to offer, while enjoying special deals and offers. With your pass, you can head out on a cross-city adventure to find some of the best local restaurants, landmarks and hotspots, all while unlocking gems that can earn you even more great prizes. 

For more Mississauga adventure itineraries, events and more, follow Visit Mississauga on Facebook and Instagram.