Montreal is pulling out all the stops to help you celebrate Mother's Day in style. You can start the day with an outdoor activity, if you're looking to add a little pep to your mom's step on the special morning. Or, opt for a more elegant gathering where tea and delicacies are the main event, if leisure is more her pace.
A hidden oasis in Old Montreal is offering a unique way to unwind, or, you can plan a picnic in one of the city's most scenic parks. Whether you are looking for a large organized group activity or a small and private brunch, there are tons of things to do this Mother's Day.
Here are some of the best things to do in Montreal to spoil your mom:
Spoil your mom with brunch
Cost: $43 per person
When: May 12 (The event is split into two-time slots: 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.)
Where: Kwizinn — 311, rue Saint-Paul E.
Reason to go: Who doesn't love brunch? Kwizinn is offering a Mother's Day brunch special for $43 per person, which includes a mimosa and a selection from Chef Mike's signature Mother's Day menu including Tropiks Lost and Found, Choko Zabelbok, Pao de Queijo Burger, Bao Pollo Frito, Chef Lafaille’s Griot, Eggplant T-Malice, or Creole Birria Tacos. You'll be able to enjoy all of this while DJ Leavy plays old-school R&B tunes all morning long.
Take a scenic route at the Montreal Mother's Day Run/Walk 2024
Courtesy of National Runs.
Cost: Prices vary
When: May 12, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Along de la Commune Ouest
Reason to go: You can spend the day by the beautiful Montreal Old Port waterfront with your family, friends, and loved ones for the Montreal Mother’s Day Run/Walk. Whether you prefer an athletic activity or are just looking to for a scenic walk along the water, the event is sure to allow you and your mom to bond. The event kicks off with the 10k competitive run. Throughout the rest of the morning, there are run and walk start times almost every hour. A brunch is set for 9:30 a.m. and then a free Mother's Day market and picnic area is open to the public starting at 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Sample a new infusion at the Mother's Day Tea Party in Hudson
Cost: $50/person
When: May 12, 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 273, rue Main, Hudson, QC
Reason to go: This is no ordinary tea party! You can learn the art of tea blending and cultivating with your mom (or your children). The event allows guests to not only try a variety of different hot infusions but also pick their own ingredients to create different flavours and learn about creating a personal tea garden. There are two seatings for the event, depending on whether you prefer a morning or afternoon activity. Each guest will leave with their own pack of seeds to start growing ingredients for tea at home. This event is limited to guests aged four and up.
Relax at the Scandinave Spa in Old Montreal
Cost: $80/person
Where: 71, de la Commune Ouest
Reason to go: What’s better than a relaxing spa day with your mom or kids? You can take the time to unwind and bond with your loved ones at Old Port’s Scandinavian Spa. The spa offers guests a variety of thermal experiences with a dry sauna, cold plunge, pool, steam bath, and relaxation areas all in the heart of Montreal. You can also treat yourself or your loved one to a massage to top off the experience.
Have a picnic at Mount Royal Park
Cost: Free
Where: 1260, chem. Remembrance
Reason to go: What better place for a picnic than in beautiful Mount Royal Park. The expansive green space with picnic tables and benches all surrounding the beautiful pond is a great place for family members of all ages. For those with accessibility concerns, there is parking nearby as well as paths to the different areas of the park. You just need to pack your own food and beverages to enjoy the gorgeous outdoors and even take a walk to get a stunning view of the city.
Have brunch at Dandy
Cost: $20+/person
Where: 244, rue Saint-Jacques
Reason to go: Brunch is probably the best meal of the day and it's even better when you are with those that you love. If you are looking for an elevated brunch experience to kickstart your Mother's Day, Dandy is a great option. The all-day brunch menu has something for everyone from fluffy ricotta pancakes ($19) to endless summer breakfast with avocade on sourdough toast, fried egg, house tzatziki, heirloom tomato, cucumber and charred pepper salad ($22). There's also a full coffee and cocktail menu to pick form, featuring an exquisite espresso martini.
Enjoy the flowers at the Montreal Botanical Garden
Cost: $20.75/person
Where: 4101, rue Sherbrooke Est
Reason to go: Everyone loves flowers, especially when you live in Canada and haven’t seen them growing for the last six months. The Montreal Botanical Garden has over a dozen themed gardens, ranging from a Japanese garden, to an impressive tropical greenhouse and a poisonous plants garden. A visit is perfect for those bringing along small children, as there are large areas to explore and kid-friendly activities along the way!
Head to the theatre
Cost: Prices vary
Where: Across Montreal
Reason to go: There’s always a show or exhibition on in the city and for those who love to experience the arts. Place des Arts has a variety of listings of all the different plays, concerts, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences happening over the Mother’s Day weekend. You can head to a Beatles tribute in downtown Montreal on May 10 or choose a classical piano recital on May 12, depending on your mom's musical tastes.
Experience Aura at the Notre-Dame Basilica
Cost: $45/person
Where: 110, rue Notre Dame Ouest
Reason to go: This basilica in Old Montreal is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city and the inside has been renovated to feature a breathtaking light show. Set against the French-inspired gothic revival architecture, the Aura Experience displays dynamic projections in sync with orchestral music creating an awe-inspiring four-act event.
Get your nails done at MAU Studio
Cost: Prices vary
Where: 2008, boul. Saint-Laurent
Reason to go: Pampering is always a good gift, whether it's for yourself or your mother. So consider setting some time aside on Mother’s Day weekend to get your nails done at MAU Studio. The Plateau nail salon is one of the highest-rated in the city and offers shellac, gel, and dip nail varnish.
Take a pottery class at Atelier Cône10
Cost: $70/person
Where: 3941, rue Saint-Denis
Reason to go: Learning a new skill is always fun, especially when it's done with those you love most. At Atelier Cône10, each student is given a wedge of clay, their own wheel, and a set of tools to start creating. You will be taught the basics of wheel throwing and given two hours to create something new. At the end of the session, your piece will be glazed and fired by the staff. It's a chance to make something beautiful this Mother's Day with your family members.
Try a cooking class with Ateliers & Saveurs
Cost: $105 to $120/person
Where: 705, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Reason to go: Food is the way to the soul and learning to create a dish with your mother or children will leave you with a wonderful memory along with something new to prepare together when you gather around the table. The class is given in a beautiful kitchen located in Time Out Market in Centre Eaton. You'll learn a new recipe and make a tasty meal at this wonderful way to bond with your family.