20 things to do with your mom in Montreal this Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is coming up quickly, so it’s time to start planning something special.

Whether your mom’s into picturesque bike paths, Scandinavian spa experiences, springtime artisanal markets, or retro fashion exhibitions, there is something for her in Montreal.

Check out 20 things to do with you mom in Montreal this Mother’s Day.

Treat your mom at Scandinave Spa Old Montreal

Moms are free this Sunday only at Scandinave Spa Old Port. For the ultimate Mother’s Day promotion, they are offering free access to the baths for all mothers with the purchase of a regular priced bath access ticket. In addition, moms and daughters will be given free samples of France Laure spa products, as well as a voucher that gets you two free glasses of sangria at Sinclair Restaurant. Getting pampered in Old Montreal sounds like a pretty good way to spend Mother’s Day! This exclusive offer is valid between 9am and 9pm on Sunday, May 14.
Where: 71 Rue de la Commune Ouest

Stroll through The May Market

The Plateau’s May Market returns with food, drinks, live music, an epic seedling sale, and handmade artisanal goods. Strolling through this pop up market, attending a gardening workshop, and doing a little Sunday shopping sounds like the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day! Remember to bring along some cash so you can treat your mom. The market starts at 10 am and finishes at 5 pm this Sunday.
Where: 6750 Avenue de l’Esplanade

Explore the Montreal Botanical Garden

Take your mother to enjoy the pristine Montreal Botanical Garden. Featuring a tree pavilion, tropical food, the garden of weedlessness, and best of all, Montreal’s very own Japanese garden, the Montreal Botanical Garden is a great way to show your mom you love her.
Where: 4101 Rue Sherbrooke Est

Have dinner at a bring-your-own-wine restaurant

For all the wine-loving moms out there, taking your mother to a bring your own wine restaurant is an ideal way to spend the holiday. From spicy Indian food to classic French cuisine, Montreal has a BYOW restaurant for all tastebuds. Check out this list for a little inspiration.
Where: Various locations

Attend Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA

Canadian entertainment company, Cirque du Soleil, has returned to its hometown this spring to perform its newest show, VOLTA. Volta is the travelling company’s latest show which tells a story centered on the freedom to choose and create your own path. Inspired by action sports, the show will feature a series of acrobatic stunts, an emotional score, a “visually striking” set, and a spiritual theme. Prepare for one of the most raw and emotional stories ever told by Cirque du Soleil. We’re confident your mom will love it! Be sure to get tickets in advance as there are only two Mother’s Day performances (12pm and 4:30pm)
Where: Under the Big Top, Old Port of Montreal

Go for a springtime walk up Mount Royal

The weather has finally turned so why not take advantage? Go for your first spring walk up Mount Royal! Explore the flora and fauna, wander a new trail, or even have a picnic at Beaver Lake. There is so much to explore at this Montreal landmark.
Where: Mount Royal

Check out the exhibits at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Boasting one of the most impressive art collections in Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a true gem, so why not surprise your mom with a trip to this incredible museum? Show them around the permanent collection or wow them with one of the museum’s temporary exhibitions, like Chagall: Colour and Music!
Where: 1380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest

Embark on a Mount Royal Discovery Walk

May is Mount Royal Month which means Les Amis de la Montagne are hosting several exciting mountain activities all month. One such activity are their three-summit discovery walks. In honour of the city’s 375th anniversary, Les Amis de la Montagne has planned a 14km guided hike that takes Montrealers through the entire Mount Royal territory. The discovery walks highlight breathtaking views, as well as Montreal’s anniversary legacy projects. It also promises to be “an exceptional way to learn more about the mountain and the issues of ecology, urban planning and landscape architecture that define it.” Tickets are $20 per person, the walks are in French only, and a reservation is required in advance.
Where: Sir George-Etienne Cartier Monument (reservations required in advance)

Fashioning Expo 67

The McCord Museum has opened a temporary exhibition on fashion from the Expo 67 era. The exhibit, titled Fashioning Expo 67, explores the “effervescence of Montreal’s fashion moment.” Over 60 outfits make up the exhibition, ranging from hostess uniforms to paper dresses, all of which have been created by Quebec designers. Further, Fashioning Expo 67 features accessories like hats, gloves, umbrellas, purses, and jewellry, as well as drawings, photographs, documents, and film footage of the fashion at Expo 67. We’re confident your mom will love this retro fashion exhibition!
Where: McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke St W

Attend a cocktail festival

Margaritas, mojitos, daiquiris, and more. Invasion Cocktail, Montreal’s own cocktail festival takes over the city this weekend. This is the 4th edition of Invasion Cocktail, and over 30 bars and restaurants are participating, not to mention the 200 cocktails available. And new this year, the signature Invasion Cocktail Passport (that gets you cocktails for just $7) is completely free of charge. Treat your mom to a weekend of fancy mixed drinks and surprise her with an Invasion Cocktail Passport!
Where: For a list of locations, click here

Marvel at Montreal Avudo

A dazzling water show paying tribute to the Saint Lawrence River has taken over Old Port. Titled Montreal Avudo, this spectacular water show projects life size images inspired by the city’s history onto the water. The event’s official site promises that “Young and old will be dazzled, moved and transported by the magic of images and scenes projected on rippling water walls and other spectacular installations.” Scenes include archived images, city documents, 3D animations, and relevant illustrations. How does water enter the equation, you may ask? Water jets from 30 fountains create huge 30 x 11.5 meter tall screens of water. The show also includes an 11-storey tall shipping container tower (the largest in the world). Be sure to take your mom to watch the show at 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm this Sunday.
Where: Old Port, near the King Edward Pier and the Montreal Science Centre

Relax at Spa Bota Bota

Has your mom been hinting she’d like a relaxing afternoon at the spa? There’s nowhere better than Spa Bota Bota! Situated in Old Port overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, this tranquil setting is the ideal spot to spend a Sunday afternoon. Treat your mom to a specialty package, or enjoy some quality mother/daughter time in their famous water circuit!
Where: Entrée McGill Coin De la Commune et McGill, Promenade du Vieux-Port

Enjoy High Tea

Treat yourself a la the queen of England with an exquisite high tea. Tiny cucumber sandwiches, small French pastries, scones with cream and jam, cupcakes, and macarons on a three-tiered platter are sure to delight you. Bar A Beurre serves up a yummy and colourful afternoon tea, however if you’re looking to splurge, the Ritz-Carlton is known for their fancy high tea. In addition, Le Parloir serves up a mean vegan high tea!
Where: 350 Rue Notre-Dame E (Bar A Beurre), 1228 Rue Sherbrooke O (Ritz-Carlton), 4354 Ave Christophe-Colomb (Le Parloir)

Order the chocolate bomb from C’ChoColat

Treat your mom to an incredible chocolate experience. In case you weren’t aware, Montreal chocolate restaurant, C’ChoColat, offers a unique dessert on their menu called the C’Wow. Though you can’t decipher this from the name, the C’Wow is actually what is known as a chocolate bomb. C’ChoColat’s C’Wow is a 70% dark chocolate dome filled with pieces of Belgian waffle, brownie, gelato, crumble, berries, and pecans. When hot caramel is poured overtop it, the dome melts to reveal its delicious contents.
Where: 1255 Rue Bishop

Get your nails done at NStyle Nail Lounge

Who can resist a mani pedi? Plan a nail day with your mom at NStyle Nail Lounge. Located inside Place Montreal Trust, this upscale beauty salon will pamper you from head to toe. You can choose from both shellac and classic mani pedis, as well as a variety of other beauty treatments including lash extensions and eyebrow shaping.
Where: Place Montreal Trust, 1500 McGill College Ave

Have Bottomless Brunch at L’Atelier d’Argentine

Partaking in bottomless brunch is great option for you and your mom. Once you’ve paid the bill, the drinks can just keep on coming. L’Atelier d’Argentine is one of the classiest bottomless brunch joints in Montreal. In addition to your hollandaise-covered eggs benedict and warm beignets, you can choose between two bottomless brunch options: the bottomless bloody Mary and the mimosa kit.
Where: 355 Rue Marguerite d’Youville

Go for ice cream at Kem CoBa or La Diperie

Ice cream season has arrived, and there’s nowhere better to get your ice cream fix than the Mile End’s Kem CoBa or the Plateau’s La Diperie. Whether you’re into sorbet, dipped soft serve, or creamy handmade ice cream, these joints have it all. Take your mom on a scenic stroll through the neighbourhood before finishing your day off with a frozen treat.
Where: 60 Avenue Fairmount Ouest (Kem CoBa), and for a list of La Diperie locations click here

Walk under the rainbow balls

The rainbow balls art installation, otherwise known as Aires Libres, is complete! As per usual, the installation features roughly 180,000 balls, however instead of the pink balls of the past, 2017 marks the first year that a rainbow design made up of 18 different shades has been used. Marvel at this colourful installation in the Gay Village’s newly opened pedestrian strip this Mother’s Day!
Where: Sainte-Catherine Street East between St-Hubert and Cartier

Explore a new bike path

Bixi bikes are back on the roads which means it’s time to start exploring our city’s beautiful bike paths. With bike paths all around the city, cycling in Montreal has never been easier. And if you know where to go, you’ll find that Montreal boasts some pretty magical bike paths – so magical in fact, they may give you a whole new perspective on your favourite city. So hop on your bike, borrow one from a friend, or take advantage of the city’s Bixi bikes and get pedalling! This is sure to be a hit with all the active moms out there. For a little inspiration, check out the most beautiful bike paths in Montreal.
Where: Various locations

Take advantage of Montreal’s picnic law

The sun is out, the grass is green, so you know what that means…it’s time for a picnic! Grab your sangria kits and some cheese and crackers and head to your favourite park for a day of fun and relaxation in the sun. Don’t forget your picnic blanket, and a heartfelt card for your mom!
Where: Any of Montreal’s beautiful parks