Happy Mother’s Day, Victoria!
It’s the time of year to express our love and gratification for the mothers out there, and we’ve compiled a list of activities to give you ideas.
Choose from carriage tour packages, an abundance of brunches, the perfect photo-op, a garden tour, and more!
Hotel Zed is even offering a special ‘gift a nap’ for moms, giving them that much needed rest—mothers will get access to all hotel amenities as well as their room.
Without further ado, here’s 11 of activities in and around Victoria to enjoy with mom:
Esquimalt Buccaneer Days
Esquimalt’s beloved Buccaneer Days is returning on Friday, May 10th and running until Sunday, May 12th at Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Sport Centre.
This community celebration brings a flurry of family-friendly activities, including the famous parade on Saturday, May 11th at 10 a.m.
Other activities include a community BBQ, Midway by West Coast Amusements, a collection of vendors in a pop-up market place, a pancake breakfast, and much more.
New this year will be music bingo, with Friday’s slot reserved for all ages and Saturday’s evening for adults 18 and up—there are plenty of prizes to be won!
For the full list of activities along with their dates and times, you can visit the Buccaneer Days website.
Wristbands are required to enjoy the Midway rides and can be purchased for $47.
- When: Friday, May 10th to Sunday, May 12th
- Where: Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Sport Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road
Photo Pop-Up at Hillside Shopping Centre
Looking to take an updated photo with your mom?
Take a break from your shopping at Hillside Shopping Centre and stop by their photo pop-up on Saturday afternoon!
Walk-ins are welcome, but you can book a time at their Guest Services desk too. Price is $10, which includes a 5×7 photo, a floral folder frame and a digital copy of the image.
Proceeds go towards BC Cancer Foundation VI!
- Where: Hillside Shopping Centre, 1644 Hillside Avenue #21
- When: Saturday, May 11th at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tally-Ho Carriage Tours
For this Mother’s Day, Tally-Ho Carriage Tours is offering a variety of different events that will cater to each unique interest!
For the animal lover, you can take your mom on a ‘behind the scenes‘ experience to meet their herd of horses on Saturday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
If your mom is more of a relaxed adventurer, consider a country carriage ride to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse on Saturday, May 11th at either 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 1:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
For the historian, embark on a fun-filled, historical tour of James Bay, Beacon Hill Park and the Salish Sea waterfront on Saturday, May 11th or Sunday, May 12th from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Where: Location will depend on tour
- When: Treat your mom this Mother’s Day weekend!
Mother’s Day at The Malahat SkyWalk
Surround yourself with the beauty of Vancouver Island at the Malahat SkyWalk this Mother’s Day!
With the purchase of a ticket on Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th, you’ll receive one free ticket for mom.
Spend quality time together while you enjoy the panoramic views, food trucks and giant slide!
- Where: Malahat SkyWalk, 901 Trans-Canada Highway, Malahat
- When: Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pick a Mother’s Day Bouquet: Westshore Town Centre
If you’re in need of a gift for mom, Westshore Town Centre has a solution!
Poppy, the Flower Truck by Platinum Floral Design, will be parked in the Centre Court (near Coast Capital Savings) for all of your floral needs.
Poppy will pop up during Saturday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 12th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You’ll be able purchase ready-made bouquets, or build your own. You’ll also find a seasonal selection of potted herbs, succulents and air plants.
Looking to pre-order your bouquet for pick up? You can do so via Platinum Floral Design’s website.
- Where: Centre Court, Westshore Town Centre, 2945 Jacklin Road
- When: Saturday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 12th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fairmont Empress: Mother’s Day Brunch
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Q Restaurant and Veranda at the Fairmont Empress for a special brunch!
An expertly curated three-course menu will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Veranda extending its service until 3 p.m.
Guests will be able to choose from a selection fo appetizers and main courses, and there will be a luxurious dessert buffet!
The price for each adult will be $79 and reservations are highly recommended.
Can’t make brunch? No problem, the Empress has brought back their a luxurious, elevated cocktail evening inspired by the roaring 20s, Sunset Sips!
Sunset Sips is an incredible experience that puts a twist on tradition with tea-infused cocktails and mocktails presented in elegant glass teapots.
To complement these delicious drinks, guests receive delectable plates of appetizers.
Bookings are $48 per person and you do so here, as well as view their menu.
- Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
- When:
- Brunch: Sunday, May 12th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Veranda extended until 3 p.m.)
- Sunset Sips: Thursday to Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Harbour Ferries Water Ballet
Head over to Ship Point to catch the best view of the Water Ballet, put on by the water taxis of Victoria!
They’re set to kick off their season on Sunday, May 12th at 10:45 a.m.—right on time for Mother’s Day.
Check it out after breakfast or before you go for brunch to make it an action-packed morning for your you and your mom.
It’s free to view!
- Where: Best spot to view: Ship Point, Wharf Street
- When: Sunday, May 12th at 10:45 a.m.
Victoria Conservatory of Music Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour
The Victoria Conservatory of Music invites you to their signature annual fundraising event!
As described, this beloved self-guided garden tour celebrates mothers, music, and the rich garden culture right here in the City of Gardens.
Your ticket includes two days of exclusive access to ten private gardens, musical performances by their talented students and faculty, and master gardeners at select locations.
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here.
- Where: Gardens all across Greater Victoria!
- When: Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel: Mother’s Day Brunch
Surprise your mom with a lovely Mother’s Day brunch buffet set in the ocean view Grand Lobby at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel!
Your experience will include a live pianist, plus a gift for mom from their Boathouse Spa partner.
There are seatings at 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and reservations are required.
Tickets are $129 per adult and $59 for children (kids three and under are free).
- Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Drive
- When: Sunday, May 12th—different seating times available
Gift a Nap at Hotel Zed
For this Mother’s Day, Hotel Zed wanted to provide something unique, and much needed for many of our precious moms out there—the gift of a good nap!
The package includes three hours of blissful shut-eye time at any of the Hotel Zed locations as well as a $100 gift card to spend at the Zed Official Store.
Plus, you can enjoy the hot tub and sauna while you’re there!
Book your room for $119 and take that much needed alone time!
- Where: Any of the Hotel Zed locations
- When: Sunday, May 12th—whenever you wish to score that nap
Mom’osas at OEB Breakfast Co.
Grab you and your mom a delicious breakfast and mimosa at OEB Breakfast Co.!
Throughout the entire month of May, OEB will be serving up a limited-time feature Mom’osa cocktail for just $10!
It’s crafted with coconut rum, sparkling wine, pineapple juice, and garnished with shaved coconut and fresh pineapple—the perfect blend of tropical flavours to bring a slice of a paradise.
- Where: All participating OEB restaurants
- When: Throughout the entire month of May!
