Spring has finally sprung! Before you know it Mother’s Day will be here. Once again it’s time to look for that perfect gift for the one who would do anything for you. This year, why not try starting a new tradition? You can spoil her like the queen she is by whisking her away on a fun adventure. Ready, set, plan – for an unforgettable Mother’s Day in Victoria!
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1. Enjoy an Explosion of Color at The Butchart Gardens
For moms who have a green thumb, it’s hard to beat a day spent tip-toeing through the 55 acres of colorful floral splendor inside The Butchart Gardens. One of the Top 10 Gardens of the World, wander the stone paths that loop around its crown jewel, the Sunken Gardens, exploring vibrant beds of perennials in a rainbow of colors. And don’t forget about the Japanese Garden. Dotted with exotic Himalayan blue poppies, azaleas, and trickling streams, the moss-covered grounds are stunningly peaceful and serene.
Not only will mom dig the chance to get her garden fix, but the array of sweetly-scented blooms can provide inspiration for decking out her own backyard. If you’re feeling extra thoughtful, present her with a packet of seeds of her favorite flower from The Gardens’ gift shop so she can enjoy them at home.
2. Treat Mom to Afternoon Tea
Treat mom to an afternoon of indulgence with a quintessential tea experience just steps away from the FRS Clipper terminal at the Pendray Inn and Tea House. A stunning 1890 heritage property (formerly the Gatsby Mansion), it’s brimming with charm. You might go for the exquisite Traditional Afternoon Tea with fresh-baked scones, signature pastries, and savory bites. If mom is a seafood lover, you’ll want to order the West Coast Tea featuring mouthwatering seafood-focused treats along with those delectable baked goods. No matter which you choose you’ll have an extensive list of gourmet TWG teas to pair with it.
Tea at the Fairmont Empress is sure to impress too. An iconic Victoria landmark, it’s renowned for its breathtaking setting on the banks of the Inner Harbour and its afternoon tea, enjoyed since 1908. Sip while immersed in the historical grandeur – the storied Lobby Lounge serves ethically sourced teas created exclusively for the hotel by the Metropolitan Tea Company The elevated food menu is a perfect complement, with dishes featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients like honey and lavender from the hotel’s own bee hives and rooftop garden.
Inn at Laurel Point is another one of our favorites just a five-minute walk from our terminal. It hosts Aura’s Afternoon Tea which can be enjoyed on the patio with a postcard-perfect view of the Inner Harbour. A creative, Japanese-inspired take on the time-honored tradition, you’ll have your choice of locally blended Silk Road tea enjoyed with seasonal fruits, chantilly cream, and rambutan, and a few surprises. Perhaps chicken katsu brioche and beet with shiso challah accompanied by blueberry and black currant scones, clotted cream, and sakura almond jam.
3. Pamper Mom at One of Victoria’s Best Hotels
Mom juggles the family social calendar, keeps Fido and Fluffy fed, works 9-to-5, and manages to ensure the house is in sparkling condition. Let’s face it, she’s superwoman. While you might not be able to tell Mom you appreciate everything she does on a daily basis, now is the perfect time to reward her with an ultimate day of relaxation.
The Fairmont Empress not only offers its renowned Afternoon Tea but it’s home to the Willow Stream Spa. Mom deserves some pampering and it’s sure to be blissful here, starting with the spa ritual. It includes time in the Finnish-style sauna, steam inhalation room, and mineral pool which can be followed by everything from a facial to a massage.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel is another great option, set within a historic building in an oceanside neighborhood, 15 minutes from the FRS Clipper terminal. Built around a series of mineral pools that hug the sea with a backdrop of the Pacific and Mount Baker, the views are jaw-dropping in every direction. Its luxurious Boathouse Spa & Bath offers a menu of rejuvenating massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. All can be paired with a soothing soak in the steaming hot seaside mineral pool. If that doesn’t leave Mom blissed out, we don’t know what will!
4. Wine and Dine on a Cowichan Wine Country Tour
Give Mom a different take on the usual rosés and bouquets by exploring Vancouver Island’s flourishing wine scene on a Cowichan Valley Wine Country Tour. After all, there’s nothing like the pink blush of a fine rosé or the fragrant bouquet of a white wine. Mom can sit back, relax, and enjoy a wonderful day of sampling liquid perfection while someone else does all the planning AND the driving.
Enjoy the serene beauty of Vancouver Island’s stunning countryside as you cruise up forested Malahat Drive. Look down on the glistening Saanich Inlet below before descending into the lush, open Cowichan Valley. A glorious afternoon with a local wine expert follows with visits to three boutique wineries where you’ll have the opportunity to pick up insider knowledge from the winemakers themselves.
5. Spoil and Splurge at Victoria’s Unique Boutiques
Sure, there is nothing Mom loves more than spending some much-needed quality time with you, but let’s be honest, shopping takes the experience to a whole other level. Show her all those hours you spent with your friends at the mall were actually a prerequisite for becoming a savvy shopper. Expand her horizons with a shopping spree to Victoria’s growing collection of stylish shops, filled with quality locally-sourced products.
From incense to artwork, bitters to botanics and so much more, you’ll have a blast checking out the variety of local goods curated at Public Mercantile. Have a bibliophile on your hands? The world-renowned Munro’s Books is guaranteed to feed Mom’s inner bookworm. Cap off the day at Bon Macaron Patisserie where you can nosh on melt-in-your-mouth macarons. They taste as though they came straight from France!
No matter which option you choose to pamper your mom with this year, rest easy knowing FRS Clipper’s travel experts are ready and waiting to help. Let the knowledgeable staff guide you to the best possible options for creating an escape she’ll never forget. Sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of finding a gift that is sure to make Mom proud. You can thank us later!
Feature Photo: Scott Meis