Photo: Harbour Cruises’ Indian Arm Luncheon Cruise. Source: Harbour Cruises.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 8th and of course you want to treat your Mom! The big questions is, “How?” If you’re like us and you thrive on spontaneity, we’ve brainstormed a few Mother’s Day suggestions to help you out for this weekend!
Brunch
1. CRU Restaurant in Vancouver is having a special 3 course Mother’s Day brunch. The menu sounds irresistible… Crispy Duck Leg Confit (with goat cheese and spätzle hash with a warm bacon vinaigrette) and Leek and Gorgonzola Foccacia Bread Pudding (served with pulled braised beef short rib)! How about the Coconut Carnaroli Rice Pudding (with toasted coconut with a lime and white chocolate ganache)? Um… yes please! You can find the full menu on their website here.
2. Overlooking Okeover Inlet, the Laughing Oyster offers that beautiful west coast scenery that the Sunshine Coast is famous for. Described as “in the woods by the sea waterfront dining”, this Powell River restaurant will be offering a Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 11:30am until 3pm with items such as Mediterranean lamb & beef pie, honey mustard glazed ham, and cheese fritattas on English muffins with Hollandaise sauce. And it gets better! They’re offering free Belgian Chocolate Terrine for all the Moms! For full details, call them at 604-483-9775 (as their website doesn’t list this event).
3. Maybe you want to take Mom out for a Sunday drive through the countryside? If she enjoys wine, take her to south Langley’s Township 7 Winery to enjoy wine alfresco at their Mother’s Day picnic lunch. It’s happening this Sunday from noon until 4pm. You can build your own picnic from over 20 items, buy hanging baskets (yes, they’re having a plant sale), and definitely bring the kids along as there will be crafts for them to make. Oh, and get this – there will be a live band performing called “We Play For Wine” – gotta love that! It’s happening rain or shine. Get the full details on their website here.
The Spa
4. If your Mom’s never been to the Sunshine Coast, then the Painted Boat Resort Spa at Madeira Park would make for quite the introduction! It sounds like a west coast fantasy type of spa. Their website says, “Journey through our sauna cave, outdoor glacial rain shower, multi-jet hot pool with massaging waterfall, and warm salt water flotation pool. Then relax by the warmth of an outdoor fire pit for a profound sensory experience of peace and timelessness.” Needless to say, we think it provides the ultimate west coast indulgence and a perfect excuse to get to the Sunshine Coast. Find out more about their spa on the website here.
5. Located a two hour drive east of Vancouver, the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa has always been a local favourite for a weekend getaway. It’s at their Healing Springs Spa where Mom can enjoy the relaxing therapeutic properties of natural mineral hot springs. They have a variety of services and packages, including what we think must be the ultimate spa treatment – their 5 hour long “Grand Indulgence”. Read full details about their spa services and packages here.
6. Rated one of the top spas on the continent, a day at the Scandinave Spa would be the icing on the cake to a Whistler weekend getaway. Famous for their outdoor thermal baths, they’re offering a special package for Mother’s looking for a little “me time”. As read on Good Life Vancouver, “Scandinave Spa Whistler provides a kid-free wonderland of rejuvenation featuring the fail-proof relaxation benefits of hydrotherapy. While the kids explore Whistler with Dad, Mom can surrender to the silence and sink deeply into the tranquility of this outdoor spa facility.” Read about the full details here.
Scenic Adventures
7. For an alternative, how about taking her on a whale watching tour with Steveston Seabreeze Adventures? Yes! You can go whale watching out of Steveston, and yes, right now’s the perfect time. The resident pod of orcas, J-pod, have been very active in the local waters recently (ie: in the Georgia Strait, in Active Pass by Galiano Island, etc.) and on Sunday they’re offering a 15% discount for all mothers! The tours usually take up a good part of the day (3-5 hours)… and yes, the tours are in comfortable, covered boats (with viewing decks, if so desired). If your Mom loves fresh air, wildlife, and being on the water, this would be a very memorable experience for the whole family. For full details, visit the website here.
8. Now, we all know we can drive the Sea to Sky highway – one of the most scenic drives in the country – but why not take it one step further and take a scenic flight? Glacier Air, based out of Squamish, does scenic tours by a airplane and by helicopter. They offer a variety of different experiences – some that are strictly scenic flight (over Whistler, Howe Sound, etc.), and others that have stopping points, including a picnic at a glacier! If Mom’s not afraid of flying, we think this would be an amazing experience. For full details, visit their website here.
9. Another idea is to surprise Mom with an Indian Arm luncheon cruise with Vancouver’s Harbour Cruises. They’re offering a special promotion on May 8th where if you buy 2 tickets, Mom goes for free, or if you buy 1 ticket, Mom goes for half price. This is a 4 hour cruise that includes a lunch buffet, and of course, all the gorgeous west coast scenery. For more details, visit their website here.
