Celebrate Mother's Day in Victoria, B.C.

Updated May 2018

Mother’s Day is always a wonderful reminder to show your mom how much you care. But you don’t have to save your love for just one day. Here’s our guide to some fun ways to spend quality time with your loved ones in Victoria, B.C. – on Mother’s Day and beyond.

1. ENJOY BRUNCH IN A GARDEN

Fuel yourself for a big day by partaking in one of our city’s preferred weekend pastimes: brunch! And as the brunch capital of Canada, we’ve got you covered. 

If you want to combine breakfast with a scenic drive on the Saanich Peninsula, then head to The Butchart Gardens. Take your pick between a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet in the Blue Poppy Restaurant, or indulge in Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room Restaurant. Finish it off with house-made gelato as you wander the gardens. 

Tip: there are so many brunch options in Victoria, so check out our designated brunch blog for more!

2. DAY TRIP

Escape the city and take BC Ferries to Salt Spring Island to experience their homespun Saturday Market. With over 140 artisans and food producers, who “make it, bake it, or grow it” you’ll have your work cut out for you to see everything. Then spend the rest of the day sampling the island’s offerings at Salt Springs Brewery, Salt Spring Island Ales, Wild Cider, Island Cheese Company, delicious eateries and boutique shopping. Salt Spring Island will not disappoint!

3. SHOP LOCAL 

Explore a unique selection of handcrafted pieces by woodworkers, potters, jewellers, leather workers, artists, fashion designers and more at the Bastion Square Sunday Market. You’ll meet local makers while immersing yourself in one of Victoria’s most famous historic squares. Stroll through the market, chat with the artisans, and see if you can find something special as a Mother’s Day gift. 

Is your mom an artistic spirit who lives for paint-ins and craft fairs? Head to Royal Roads University and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor festivities. Then take a walk around the grounds and discover Hatley Castle and the blooming gardens.

Tip: The Bastion Square Market is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. 

Image of Bastion Square Market

4. CELEBRATE MAY DAY

Celebrate Mother’s Day and May Day at the same time at the Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. Indulge in food, experience live music, children’s activities, guided tours, and of course –cider Tastings. 

 Image by @mpepperdine via Instagram

5. TOUR VICTORIA LIKE A LOCAL

If you want an in-depth experience of Victoria, take your mom on a bike tour with The Pedaler. Or if your next meal is already on your mind, head out on a walking tour and taste some of Victoria’s local cuisine with Victoria Food Tours. You’ll stay close to town, be able to sample some of Victoria’s finest offerings. Then come back to your favourites later and linger.

6. GET OUTSIDE

Victoria is the gateway to well-kept parks, gardens, trails, paths and bike lanes. 

Wander through Beacon Hill Park and discover totem poles, goats and gardens.  Then grab a coffee in Cook Street Village and head to Dallas Road for a beach walk. Or grab a U-Bike and take a leisurely cruise along the shoreline together. 

Tip: Experience the running of the goats twice a day at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. 

7. PAMPER YOURSELVES

The best part of taking your mom to the spa for Mother’s Day is you get to go too! This year, try an immersion treatment at Sattva Spa in downtown Victoria, or opt for their signature self-guided Waterknot Sensory Journey, a treatment that includes aromatic steam, therapeutic ice, mud and a sensory shower.

You can also choose to make an afternoon of it with an aromatherapy spa treatment at the Villa Eyrie Resort and Tuscan Spa. Located at the summit of the Malahat, you’ll feel as though you’re a world away as you take in spectacular views over the Saanich Inlet and enjoy the ultimate in relaxation.

Tip: Stay for dinner, or even stay the night! 

Photo of Villa Eyrie view

8. TOAST TO MOM

Say cheers to mom with a craft cocktail at one of Victoria’s many wonderful cocktail lounges or wine bars. Victoria Distillers (home of the famous Victoria Gin) has live music every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Rumour has it they also have an amazing patio, now open for the season.

If you’re staying near downtown, Veneto Kitchen + Bar is always a hit with moms who like a bit of Spontaneity with their libations. Here, you’ll “spin the wheel” for a creative cocktail made with your choice of base liquor and flavour profile. You can also find fabulous cocktails at Ferris’ Grill and Oyster Bar, another local’s favourite.

Or if you and your mom love to share laughs over a bottle of wine, gift your mom an experience and discover the Napa Valley of the North with a wine tour of Cowichan Valley. A wine tour means you can sample some of the Islands finest and see some of the gorgeous scenery the island has to offer while someone else does the driving.

Photo of Ferris’ Grill and Oyster Bar

Whatever you choose to do with your mom, all you really have to do is make sure you do it together. Use these ideas as starters, then put your own spin on the day! Check out more Things to Do and don’t forget to look at the Calendar of Events to see what’s going on in Victoria all weekend.

#ExploreVictoria