Celebrating Mother's Day

My mom, Thevy, is the most amazing woman I know. Life has handed her more hardships and challenges than most, but she carries it all with a quiet strength and grace that never ceases to inspire me. She shows up—every single day—like a champion, for everyone around her.

Mother’s Day isn’t the only time we should celebrate the incredible women in our lives… but when it does come around, it’s the perfect excuse to make it just a little extra special.

A Brief History of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has deep roots, going all the way back to ancient civilizations that honoured maternal figures and feminine strength. The modern version, however, began in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held the first official celebration in West Virginia to honour her mother.

By 1914, Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States—a tradition that quickly spread to countries like Canada.

Today, it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder to pause and recognize the love, strength, and quiet sacrifices of mothers and mother figures in all forms—and a chance to celebrate them in a way that feels meaningful.

Tips for a Memorable Mother's Day Weekend

Planning a memorable Mother’s Day weekend in Ottawa really comes down to one thing—making it feel personal. Start by thinking about what she truly enjoys. Whether it’s a beautiful meal, time outdoors, or a bit of well-deserved pampering, tailoring the day to her interests is what makes it meaningful.

One of the simplest ways to elevate the weekend is by bringing people together. A small family gathering can make all the difference. Plan a relaxed brunch at one of Ottawa’s cozy cafés or pack a picnic and head to a scenic park. There’s something special about sharing a meal, slowing down, and just being present—it’s often those moments that mean the most.

You can also build in an activity she loves. If she’s into art, a visit to the National Gallery of Canada is always inspiring. If she prefers something outdoors, a stroll or even a boat ride along the Rideau Canal is a beautiful way to spend time together. These little outings add a thoughtful touch while creating space to connect.

If you’re looking to go beyond flowers this year, think in terms of experiences—moments you can truly share and enjoy together. From hands-on activities like a pottery class to a relaxing spa day in Ottawa or Gatineau, these kinds of gifts create lasting memories while offering a chance to unwind or try something new.

And don’t forget the small details. A handwritten card, a thoughtful surprise, or a personalized treatment just for her can make the day feel even more special. With so many ways to celebrate, it’s easy to create a Mother’s Day that feels intentional, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.

5 Mother's Day Cooking Experiences in Ottawa

Thoughtful, fun, and just a little bit special

If you’re looking to celebrate Mother’s Day with something more meaningful than flowers and a last-minute card, this list is for you. These are the kinds of experiences that feel personal, a little indulgent, and—most importantly—memorable.

1-Pelican Seafood Market & Grill

This one sits at the top of my list for a reason.

The School of Fish cooking classes are interactive, relaxed, and genuinely fun. You’re guided step-by-step through preparing seafood dishes, picking up techniques along the way—and then you sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve created together.

👉 Why I love it: It’s not just a gift—it’s a shared experience you’ll actually remember.

2-Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute

If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, this is such a beautiful option.

Le Cordon Bleu offers short culinary courses and workshops that are perfect for anyone who loves food but isn’t looking to commit to a full program. Think a few hours of learning, tasting, and enjoying—ideal for a Mother’s Day weekend.

You’ll find options like:

• Hands-on workshops (macarons, sauces, knife skills)

• Demonstration-style classes with tastings

• Short multi-day courses if you want to go deeper

👉 Why I love it: It feels thoughtful, refined, and just a little indulgent—with skills you’ll actually take home.

3-La Bottega Nicastro

If staying in feels more your style, this is a cozy and flexible option.

La Bottega’s virtual classes let you cook from your own kitchen while still being guided step-by-step. The focus is often on Italian dishes, and the experience still feels interactive and engaging—even from home.

👉 Why it stands out:

• No reservations or travel needed

• Perfect for a relaxed, low-key day

• Great if family wants to join from different locations

4-Supply and Demand

This one feels like a bit of a hidden gem.

These pasta-making classes are intimate and hands-on, where you learn to make fresh pasta from scratch with guidance from the chef. The best part? It usually ends with a beautiful, family-style meal—often paired with wine.

👉 What to expect:

• Small, intimate group setting

• Hands-on learning

• A shared meal to wrap it all up

👉 Good to know: Classes can be limited or seasonal, so it’s worth checking availability ahead of time.

👉 Why I love it: It’s not just a class—it’s an entire dining experience wrapped into one.

4-C’est Bon Ottawa

This is such a fun and immersive culinary experience right in the heart of the ByWard Market.

C’est Bon offers both in-person and virtual cooking classes, along with food tours that celebrate Ottawa’s diverse food scene. Their classes are hands-on, focused on techniques (not just recipes), and designed to be both educational and genuinely fun.

You can expect:

• Small, intimate group settings

• Guidance from professional chefs

• A relaxed atmosphere where you actually learn something new

• And of course… you get to eat what you make

👉 Why I love it: It strikes that perfect balance between learning and enjoying—plus it feels like a true Ottawa experience.

5 Mother's Day Spa Experiences in Ottawa and Gatineau

1-So Morocco

This is the closest thing to a true hammam experience you’ll find right here in Ottawa—and it feels like stepping into another world.

So Morocco blends traditional Moroccan rituals with a modern spa setting. Think warm steam rooms, black soap cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and nourishing oils—all designed to leave your skin incredibly soft and your body completely relaxed.

👉 What to expect:

• A steam-based cleansing ritual

• Traditional exfoliation (the kind that leaves your skin glowing)

• Use of natural oils and botanicals

• A slower, more intentional spa experience

👉 Why I love it:
It’s not just relaxing—it feels restorative. There’s something about the ritual of it all that makes it feel more meaningful than a typical spa treatment.

2-Uppliva Sauna & Spa

If you love the idea of a hammam but want something a little more Nordic and modern, this is such a beautiful alternative.

Tucked into Wellington West, Uppliva offers an intimate thermal circuit experience—built around the hot, cold, rest ritual. Think cedar sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge, and a quiet space to slow down and reset.

👉 What to expect:

• A full hot–cold–rest circuit (sauna, steam, cold plunge)

• A calm, intimate setting (perfect if you don’t love large crowds)

• Optional massages and holistic treatments to elevate the experience

👉 Why I love it:
It feels intentional and grounding—like a reset button right in the middle of the city. Smaller, quieter, and incredibly calming.

3-Au Naturel Spa

If you’re thinking about turning Mother’s Day into a full little escape, this is such a lovely option.

Tucked inside the Brookstreet Hotel, Au Naturel Spa offers that classic, polished spa experience—calm, quiet, and designed for full relaxation. From massages and facials to body treatments, everything feels thoughtful and unhurried.

👉 What to expect:

• A full menu of treatments (massage, facials, body care)

• A peaceful, hotel-spa atmosphere

• The option to turn it into a mini getaway with lunch or an overnight stay

👉 Why I love it:
It feels like a reset without leaving the city. You can truly unplug for a few hours—or lean into it and make a full day of it.

4-Holtz Spa

Right in the heart of downtown, this is one of those timeless, go-to spots that always delivers.

Holtz Spa is known for its calming atmosphere and attention to detail—from the moment you walk in, everything feels designed to help you slow down. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or body treatment, the experience is polished, quiet, and deeply relaxing.

👉 What to expect:

• A wide range of treatments (massage, facials, body care)

• A serene, low-light environment that instantly puts you at ease

• Thoughtful service that feels both professional and personal

👉 Why I love it:
It’s effortless. Central, reliable, and always feels like a little pocket of calm in the middle of the city.

5-Kōena Spa

If you’re looking for something that feels a little more modern and elevated, this is such a beautiful option.

Located along the Ottawa River at Château Cartier, Kōena Spa blends a full thermal experience with a refined, resort-like atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can truly slow down—moving between hot and cold pools, saunas, and quiet relaxation spaces.

👉 What to expect:

• A full thermal circuit (hot baths, cold plunge, saunas, steam room)

• Unique features like a Himalayan salt room

• A calm, polished setting that feels just a little indulgent

👉 Why I love it:
It strikes the perfect balance—luxurious yet still approachable. Ideal for a half-day reset or a full, unhurried spa day.

Looking for something a little more unique?

If you’re looking for something a little more creative and hands-on, a pottery class is such a beautiful way to spend time together. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, start the day with brunch in a nature-filled setting and end it with a cozy candlelight concert in the evening.

1-Hintonburg Pottery Shop

If you’re looking for something creative, meaningful, and just a little bit different, this is such a beautiful way to celebrate.

Hintonburg Pottery Shop is hosting special Mother’s Day experiences centred around creating something by hand. Whether it’s a beginner-friendly wheel session or a hand-building workshop, the focus is on slowing down, getting a little messy, and making something together. The studio itself is warm, light-filled, and welcoming—one of those spaces where you instantly feel at ease.

You’ll be guided through the process step-by-step, learning how to shape and form clay into something uniquely yours—from mugs to small keepsakes. And the best part? You leave with something that holds the memory of that moment.

👉 What to expect:

• Beginner-friendly workshops (no experience needed)

• Hands-on guidance from instructors

• A relaxed, creative environment

• A handmade piece to take home (after firing)

👉 Why I love it:
There’s something really special about creating something with your hands. It’s imperfect, personal, and completely yours—just like the best memories.

2- Glow of Love: Mother’s Day Market & Concert

If you’re looking for something a little more unique this Mother’s Day, this is such a beautiful option.

Hosted at the Shenkman Arts Centre, Glow of Love is an intimate evening that blends live music with a warm, romantic atmosphere—think soft lighting, candles, and a space that feels both elegant and comforting. The event also supports CHEO, adding a meaningful layer to the experience.

It’s less about a traditional outing and more about creating a moment—one where you can sit back, slow down, and simply enjoy being present together.

👉 What to expect:

• Live music in an intimate setting

• A cozy, candlelit atmosphere

• A meaningful event tied to a local cause

👉 Why I love it:
It’s different. It shifts the focus from “doing” to feeling, which, honestly, is what Mother’s Day should be about.

3-Mother's Day Brunch at Aquatopia Conversatory

If you’re looking for something that feels truly special—and a little unexpected—this is it.

Set inside a lush greenhouse just outside the city, the Mother’s Day brunch at Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory offers a completely different kind of experience. Surrounded by tropical plants, natural light, and flowing greenery, it feels more like stepping into a hidden oasis than heading out for brunch.

This is a ticketed event, typically held mid-morning, where guests are invited to explore the conservatory before sitting down to enjoy a curated meal in a beautifully designed setting.

👉 What to expect:

• A unique greenhouse setting filled with tropical plants

• A curated Mother’s Day brunch experience

• Time to wander and take in the space before dining

👉 Why I love it:
It transforms something simple—like brunch—into a full experience. It feels intentional, elevated, and just a little bit magical.

4-Candlelight: Tribute to Phil Collins

If you’re looking for something beyond brunch or a spa day, this is such a beautiful way to end Mother’s Day.

Ottawa hosts a series of Candlelight Concerts, where live musicians perform in stunning venues surrounded by hundreds (sometimes thousands) of candles. Think string quartets playing everything from classical pieces to modern artists like Adele, Coldplay, or even Bridgerton-inspired scores.

What makes it perfect for Mother’s Day? Timing. Many concerts happen right around the second Sunday in May—like a tribute to Phil Collins or The Beatles on May 10, 2026, which falls exactly on Mother’s Day.

Most performances take place in beautiful spaces like historic churches, adding to that warm, almost cinematic atmosphere.

👉 What to expect:

• A 60-minute live performance (often string quartet or ensemble)

• A candlelit setting that feels calm and intimate

• Music that’s familiar, but reimagined in a softer, more emotional way

👉 Why I love it:
It’s quiet, intentional, and focused on just being present. No rushing, no distractions—just music and the moment.

At the end of the day, Mother’s Day isn’t about how much you do—it’s about how it feels.

Whether it’s creating something together, sharing a quiet brunch, exploring the city, or ending the day with music by candlelight, the most meaningful moments are often the simplest ones—the ones where you slow down, connect, and just be together.

This year, I’m reminded of my own mom, Thevy, and everything she represents—strength, resilience, and unconditional love. It’s those everyday moments, the ones we often take for granted, that truly matter the most.

So, however you choose to celebrate, make it intentional. Make it personal. And most of all, make it something you’ll both remember.

Because those are the moments that stay with you long after the day is over.

For my mom, Thevy—
the strongest, most graceful woman I know.
Life has never been easy, but you’ve carried it all with quiet strength and love.
This is for you.