Does the mom in your life deserve more than just one day of celebration? We think so! This year let’s honour moms all month long. Ottawa has so many great ways to treat every mom to something special. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to celebrate Mother’s Day all May.
Wine and dine her
When it comes to moms, brunch is always a winner. Visit one of Ottawa’s hottest brunch spots for a meal any mom will love. At the elegant Cocotte Bistro, you’ll be transported to a chic French bistro for a gourmet brunch served with flair. Perspectives Restaurant at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata is another popular choice for brunch in Ottawa, featuring innovative, award-winning culinary creations showcasing a fresh take on fine dining.
For the wine-loving moms, sample homegrown vintages with a tour and tasting at one of Ottawa’s local wineries like KIN Vineyards in Carp or Domaine Perrault in Navan.
If dinner’s more her thing, Ottawa’s culinary scene has something for every taste. Try stylish Riviera for high-end, creative Canadian cuisine, Little Turkish Village for authentic Turkish fare, or Pure Kitchen for fun vegan and vegetarian dishes. After dinner, grab something sweet to finish your night.
Help her relax
If there’s one thing all moms can use, it’s rest and relaxation. Help bring some calm to her life with a yoga session at one of Ottawa’s many yoga studios like Pure Yoga or Yogatown. At Aquatopia Conservatory, you and the mom in your life can enjoy a special yoga experience surrounded by lush tropical greenery during the month of May.
For an all-day getaway from the everyday, the thermal experience at Nordik Spa-Nature and Koena Spa are an excellent choice for celebrating moms. The hot and cold pools, saunas, and relaxation areas will ease her stress and leave her relaxed and refreshed.
Explore Ottawa together
May is the perfect time of year to get outside in Ottawa. Many of the city’s farmer’s markets will be open for the season, offering fresh local produce and unique artisanal products. There are over a dozen markets in the Ottawa area, including the popular Carp Farmer’s Market, historic Parkdale Market and downtown Ottawa’s ByWard Market.
May is also when the Canadian Tulip Festival comes to Ottawa. One of Ottawa’s most popular annual events, the festival celebrates the seasonal flower’s historic ties to the city with over 300,000 tulips planted at Commissioners Park near Dow’s Lake. The breathtaking displays will put a smile on any mom’s face.
Speaking of flowers, Ottawa is full of gorgeous gardens that are open to the public to explore. Why buy a bouquet when you can enjoy the entire garden?
For active moms, you can celebrate by taking them out for a hike, bike or run. Ottawa offers extensive trails, pathways and routes for every skill level. Try this sightseeing cycling route for a unique way to experience the city together.
And if you’re feeling like a little road trip, Ottawa’s rural communities have a wealth of activities, attractions and small-town charm to offer, all just a short drive away.
Share a cultural experience
Ottawa’s many museums have something for every mom, especially since May also happens to be Museum Month! Ottawa boasts seven of Canada’s nine national museums, as well as 11 local museums. Moms will love to wander through the National Gallery’s extensive collection of contemporary and historical pieces, explore the First Peoples Hall at the Canadian Museum of History, or tour historic sites like the Billings Estate or the Cold War-Era Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum.
Grab tickets for a show and enjoy an entertaining outing with Mom at one of Ottawa’s many performing arts venues, including the Ottawa Little Theatre, the Kanata Theatre, the Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy and the National Arts Centre.
Be sure to consult the Ottawa Tourism Event Calendar for many more fun things to do with your favourite mom(s) in May. On a budget but still want to spend some quality time with the mom in your life? We’ve got you covered with this list of free or nearly free activities in spring, summer and fall in Ottawa.
