8 Mother’s Day events in Victoria to celebrate your mom this May

Mother’s day is coming up, and you know what she would really love this year? For you to take some initiative and plan a way to celebrate her!

Victoria is such a beautiful city, and we are truly lucky to have so many people and places here that understand the importance of Mother’s Day.

We know how much you appreciate your mom, and we want to help you come up with some ideas for you to show her how much she means to you.

Whether your mom is a garden fanatic, wants to hear some breathtaking music from the Victoria Symphony or is keen to relax with some high tea, there is something happening for every mom to make sure this is her favourite day of the year.

Here are 8 fun activity ideas that you can take your mom to do this Mother’s Day:

The Butchart Gardens

Take your mom to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens for a walk through the gardens and a special mother’s day lunch at the Blue Poppy Restaurant.

This is a classic choice for mother’s day. The gardens are absolutely beautiful this time of year, and the smells of spring are sure to make for a lovely day.

A walk through the gardens is always memorable, and who better to do it with than mom?

End your outing with a stop at the Blue Poppy Restaurant for their mother’s day lunch buffet, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Where: The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue
• When: Sunday, May 10th – 10:30 to 2 p.m. for lunch buffet, gardens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mother’s Day Market at Bilston Creek Farm

Get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather with an outdoor market!

Bilston Creek Farm will be holding an outdoor market all Mother’s Day weekend. Get out in the sunshine, wander the market and buy mom something special from a local vendor.

Of course she’ll say the real treat is getting to spend the day with you, but we’re willing to bet a pair of hand-crafted earrings or a bouquet of her favourite flowers won’t hurt.

Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road
• When: May 8th to 10th – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour

Spend the day touring gardens across the Greater Victoria area, put on by the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

This beloved annual fundraiser supports the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s mission to bring excellence and accessibility to music education, performance and wellness in your community.

Explore nine stunning private gardens across Greater Victoria, each alive with spring blooms and featuring live performances by talented students and faculty from the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

From classical to contemporary, enjoy soloists, duets and small and large ensembles performing in these beautiful outdoor settings.

Wander at your own pace and soak in the unique combination of landscape design and live music.

Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable with a weekend of gardens, music and giving back to your community.

Tickets for this year’s fundraiser can be purchased here. Be sure to grab them quickly, they are selling out fast!

• Where: various locations
• When: May 9th and 10th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Afternoon Tea at Pendray Tea House

There’s no better way to relax and de-stress than afternoon tea in the beautiful Pendray Inn.

The outdoor dining area looks over the beautiful Inner Harbour, offering stunning views of the water and skyline while you sip and nibble.

The indoor area is just as pleasant, with stained glass windows, striking vintage furniture, chandeliers and gorgeous Victorian architecture.

You’ll need to reserve a time slot ahead of time here. Don’t wait—spaces are filling up quickly!

• Where: Pendray Tea House, 309 Belleville Street
• When: Sunday, May 10th – afternoon tea served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Brunch at Finn’s Seafood Chops Cocktails

Making sure that mom doesn’t have to cook breakfast will definitely get you in her good books.

You could try your hand at cooking her breakfast in bed again, but why not avoid the burnt toast and crumbs in the sheets this year and take her out to eat instead?

Finn’s Seafood was recently ranked among Canada’s 100 best brunch and lunch spots according to OpenTable’s list. Head down for lunch and see what the hype is about!

• Where: Finn’s Seafood Restaurant, 1208 Wharf Street
• When: Sunday, May 10th – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mother at the Vic Theatre

Looking for a little more low-key way to celebrate Mother’s Day?

Head down to the Vic Theatre, who will be screening the topical 1996 film Mother. 

What happens when a grown man moves back home to solve his midlife crisis?

Albert Brooks delivers a comedic gem about a son seeking answers from the one woman he can’t escape.

Brooks and Debbie Reynolds perfectly capture the hilarious tension of family life.

Tickets are $14.29 plus fees, and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Vic Theatre,
• When: Sunday, May 10th – 5:30 p.m.

Marvelous Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Party at Oddfellows Hall

Dress in your finery and honor the amazing women in your life with an elegant afternoon of tea, treats and togetherness.

Put on your favorite floral dress or dapper attire and head down to Victoria Oddfellows Hall for a bubbly tea party celebrating the incredible women who make our world shine!

The afternoon begins with an assortment of delectable sandwiches and savoury pastries, followed by a selection of exquisite desserts. Complimentary tea, coffee and mimosas are included.

Want to honour your mothers or Grandmothers who have passed? Bring a photograph to add to our memories table or hang a heart on the memory tree.

There is also a place for moms without children, whatever that may look like for you.

Tickets for this event are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and can be purchased here.

• Where: Victoria Oddfellows Hall, 1315 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, May 9th – 1 p.m.

The Water Taxi Ballet at Ship Point

Looking for something to do after some morning activities with mom?

Grab a bite to eat from one of the many local food vendors downtown and catch the water taxi ballet at Ship Point.

The Water Ballet began in 1990 when the water taxi skippers, inspired by the RCMP Musical Ride, turned their boats into a choreographed performance.

What started as a playful idea became a beloved tradition in Victoria’s harbour.

Head down to Ship’s Point and be a part of the tradition!

• Where: Ship Point, Victoria Inner Harbour
• When: Sunday, May 10th – 10:30 a.m.