When it comes to planning the perfect Mother’s Day, the first things that come to mind are bouquets of flowers, a meal out and a gift. Skip the predictable, the ordinary and the mundane and whisk your mom off to a new and imaginative adventure. No matter what your mother’s interests may be, Victoria holds the solution to creating a unique and memorable experience.
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For the Adventurer
Beautifully manicured parks, jaw-dropping scenery and a plethora of outdoor activities, satisfy the mother figure in your life one new-found memory at a time.
Sunny skies shine above the Inner Harbour, a cool breeze graces your skin as you leisurely pedal side by side around the city, it’s spring in Victoria and the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and take in the sites. Soak up the sun as you ride along the scenic Dallas Waterfront Trail and treat mom to a picnic at some of our favorite spots, such as Beacon Hill Park or Moss Rock. (Insider tip: pick up local goodies from the Moss Street Market beginning in May, for all your picnic necessities.)
A picture-perfect moment to fill that empty frame, take your adventure upward and experience Vancouver Island’s incredible scenery with a Malahat Skywalk Tour. Departing directly from the FRS Clipper terminal, hop on a motorcoach and from 820 feet above sea level, enjoy 360-degree views of islands, forests, fjords, and mountains.
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Seeking a day well spent on the water? Home to a spectacular array of marine life, treat mom to an adventure for the books and explore Victoria’s stunning coastline along on a naturalist-led whale watching tour. Cruise the water as you both experience the regions world-renowned orca, minke, and humpback whales as sealions sunbathe on nearby rocks and seabird soar overhead.
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For the Foodie with a Love for Indulgence
Time-tested traditions, award winning restaurants and seasonality at the forefront, Victoria, BC is the ideal destination to leave a lasting impression on the connoisseur of all things delicious.
The true epitome of royal treatment, step into the iconic Fairmont Empress for an authentic British Afternoon Tea experience. Featuring 21-fine loose-leaf teas from the top tea producers in the world, ignite your senses through the aromatic flavors of award-winning teas and pastries as you sip from the same patterned china originally presented to King George V in 1914. As you relax and converse in the elegant lobby lounge, take your afternoon of indulgence one step further by adding a bottle of bubbly to celebrate.
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A tradition to never be overlooked, treat your mom to something special in a city known for doing brunch right. Up your game and charm the socks off your mom with a gastronomical adventure to one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
For a laidback vibe, stop by the hip, brick-walled Blue Fox Café, where you can feast on ten different types of mouth-watering eggs Benny’s, fluffy griddle cakes made from scratch or extra-thick slices of French toast any time of day. If you really want to wine and dine your mom, visit the award-winning AURA restaurant at the Inn at Laurel Point and savor outstanding views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and a smorgasbord of tantalizing treats by Chef Nakano and his team.
For the Bibliophile
Housed inside a gorgeous neo-classical building that was formerly the Royal Bank of Canada, the world-renowned Munro’s Books in the perfect place to feed your mom’s inner bookworm. The shop’s stunning 24-foot coffered ceilings, marble and hardwood floors create a lovely showcase for the stacks upon stacks of books. Relax in the calm, friendly atmosphere and spend hours browsing their impressive and diverse selection of books.
For the Garden Enthusiast
Brimming with everything from cherry trees covered in fluffy pink blossoms to bright yellow tulips, it is no surprise that Victoria is often called the City of Gardens.
Stroll through 55-acres of a green thumbs’ paradise at the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. As you walk through pathways lined with incredible spring foliage, cap off your experience with afternoon tea in the dining room.
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One of Saanich’s best-kept secrets, visit the quiet and secluded Playfair Park bursting to life with hundreds of rhododendron and azalea blossoms from May to June. The park also has a three hundred foot perennial border dotted with vibrant and fragrant blooms that is said to rival that of the Butchart Gardens.
For moms yearning for even more blooms, immerse yourselves in the lush, lavish gardens of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and discover the diversity of Pacific Northwest plant life as you stroll through six acres filled with more 10,000 plant varieties. Be sure to set aside a few hours to wander the expansive grounds and visit the 28 themed gardens, enjoy colorful displays of heathers, fuchsias, and lilies, plus a tranquil Japanese garden on a wooden hillside.
For the History Buff
Home to extravagant castles as well as numerous historic buildings constructed in the elaborate 19th century style, Victoria is the perfect place to indulge your inner history buff and explore gorgeously restored edifices.
With turrets, spires and a crimson tiled roof, the massive Craigdarroch Castle looks as though it’s been plucked from Cinderella’s fantasy land.
Enter the legendary landmark and get a glimpse of what privileged life was like in the 1890s as you travel through the 39 high-ceilinged rooms packed with rich, Victorian-era furnishings, vintage photographs and some of the finest stained glass in North America. Don’t forget to climb the 87 stairs to the tower for views of the city and the Olympic Mountains.
For the Mom Who…Just Needs a Break with a Side of R&R
Featuring spectacular panoramic ocean views and sun-drenched gardens, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel provides the perfect locale to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and indulge in some much needed mom and daughter time. Slow down and rid yourself of stress with a relaxing soak in steaming seaside mineral pools. Pamper yourselves with one of the five-star spa’s luxurious treatments while you sip on a crisp glass of sparkling wine and catch up on your lives.
From bicycle tours to spa visits and reading to eating, Victoria is chock-full of activities that allow you to spend quality time with your mother. Set out or a day or opt for an overnight adventure and treat her to a day of appreciation she will never forget.
Photo Credits From Top: Pedaler Bicycle Tours, Brian Voth and Steve Roper