Mother’s Day is just a few short spring weekends away, and if you’re lucky enough to share the GTA confines with your mom – or she happens to be in town for the occasion – you really should celebrate her and all our city has to offer.
Whether your mom is in the market for a quality brunch, an indulgent spa day, or a feel-good theatre production, here are the best places to celebrate Mother’s Day in Toronto.
Spoil Her (and Yourself) at the Spa at Four Seasons Toronto
She’s doted on you your entire life; play role reversal with a little pampering at the newly remodelled Spa at Four Seasons Toronto. Let your mom leave her endless to-do list behind and indulge in a day of body treatments, facials (including the popular rose gold facial), and water therapies at the pristine spa. Pre or post-treatment, hit Café Boulud (you’ll want to make a reservation) and enjoy their Mother’s Day Brunch Menu, which includes things like their sweet Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes or their savoury Eggs Benedict (and perhaps a mimosa).
Hop on Board at Mariposa Cruise
Take in the city skyline (the perfect backdrop to take a cute pic with mom) from the water aboard a Mariposa Cruise for their Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise. You’ll enjoy a two-hour getaway on the newly renovated Northern Spirit as mothers enjoy the royal treatment with a brunch from new executive chef Andrew Capone’s (formerly of The Drake, Harbord Room and JW Marriott) elevated culinary offerings. This includes things like a decadent cinnamon French toast, gourmet smoked salmon platter, and an assortment of freshly baked goods. Added perks include a free family portrait, a complimentary glass of rose for moms, and a selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.
Stop and Smell the Flowers at Toronto Flower Market
The 2018 season of the Toronto Flower Market kicks off this Mother’s Day weekend on Saturday, May 12 at CAMH, providing both an opportunity to celebrate the occasion a day early with mom, or to pick her out the perfect bouquet. Offering both seasonal showstoppers like tulips, daffodils, gerbera, orchids, hyacinths, muscari, and lilacs, and an array of dahlia tubers, seedlings, garden planters, handmade pots and indoor plants, you can expect an uplifting experience that won’t leave you empty-handed. As a sweet added touch, The Pop Stand will be on-site to dish up their handcrafted ice pops.
Bliss-Out at Blitz Facial Bar
If you want to celebrate your mom with a little pampering that doesn’t break the bank, hit one of Blitz Facial Bar’s sleek locations (most of which are conveniently located near brunch, boutique and gelato spots) for an afternoon of indulgence that cuts no corners. Treat the queen in your life to The Works, complete with microdermabrasion, steam, and a lymphatic massage. While you’re there, mom can leave with an added gift if you take advantage of the Mother’s Day Special on Blitz Facial Bar sheet masks, which includes a set of three skin revitalizing treatments for $35.
Eat as Local as it Gets at Brunch at Montecito Restaurant
Treat your mom to a quality California-inspired farm-to-table meal at Montecito Restaurant. In addition to quality eats, you can provide your leading lady with a solid backstory; famed Canadian director and producer Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Meatballs, Twins) owns the spot, and it’s a star-filled venue of choice once the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) rolls into town. Sample a variety of what the restaurant has to offer with the Mother’s Day Brunch buffet ($58 per person), which features everything from a fully stocked raw bar, to frittata and fried chicken, and is complete with a side of live music from Lady Be Good.
Enjoy Beer and Bites at Northern Maverick Brewing Co.
For a quality, casual brunch, treat the beer-loving mom to a meal at the new(ish) Northern Maverick Brewing Co. In addition to quality craft beer, the family can enjoy things like a diet breaking-worthy Eggs Benedict, Vegan Banana Pancakes, a 30-day Dry-Aged Steak and Eggs, and $5 MOMosas. Stop at the spot’s retail store on the way out and arm your mom with brews to take home with you (so she’ll remember you each time she cracks one open).
Sing Your Heart out at Mirvish’s Production of “Annie”
If your mom has a soft spot for musical theatre, book tickets to a performance of Annie the Musical at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. The feel-good, nostalgic family musical comes with an added bonus if your mom is also a fan of Downton Abbey; Lesley Nicol – best known as Mrs Patmore on the hit series – makes her Canadian debut as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. It also stars Chicago‘s Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks.
Browse Hidden Gems at Leslieville Flea Mother’s Day Market
For the mom who loves to shop, enjoy an afternoon of browsing vintage and handcrafted items from over 25 vendors, and take mom to the Broadview Hotel (the former Jilly’s strip club; another venue with a strong backstory) for the Leslieville Fleas Mother’s Day Market. Stay once you’re done and enjoy drinks and a barbeque on the spot’s Lincoln Terrace.
How are you going to celebrate Mother’s Day in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @mariposacruises