.png)
Did you know that Toronto hosts over 500 special events for Mother's Day each year? This vibrant city pulls out all the stops to honor moms, making it the perfect place to celebrate. Get ready to discover the best brunches, activities, and gifts Toronto has to offer for this special day.
For a truly luxurious Mother's Day experience, Toronto's high-end hotels offer some of the best brunches in the city. The Ritz-Carlton Toronto's TOCA restaurant is known for its lavish spread. Picture a room filled with the aroma of freshly baked pastries, sizzling made-to-order omelets, and a chocolate fountain that will make mom's eyes light up. The attentive staff and elegant atmosphere add to the special feeling of the day.
Not to be outdone, the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto's Café Boulud brings a touch of French sophistication to Mother's Day brunch. Chef 's menu features classic brunch items with a gourmet twist. Moms can savor dishes like truffle-infused eggs Benedict or delicate crepes suzette, all while enjoying the restaurant's chic, modern decor.
Another standout is Old Mill Toronto, where the buffet spread includes carved roasts, seafood, gluten-free options, and a chocolate fountain—all set to the backdrop of live piano music.
The Joneses brings a three-course brunch experience with burrata, crab eggs Benedict, and strawberry cheesecake French toast. Add-ons include oysters and wagyu meatballs for an extra treat.
Toronto comes alive in spring, making outdoor activities a great choice for Mother's Day. High Park is a must-visit, especially if the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The park's Sakura trees create a magical pink canopy that's perfect for a leisurely walk or a family picnic. Pack some sandwiches and surprise mom with an outdoor feast under the blossoms.
If your mom loves gardening, the Toronto Botanical Garden offers free plant sale offers rare plants, expert tips, a mini market, and a pop-up café on Mother's Day. Bring your own pot to start planting! Stroll through themed gardens, learn about native plants, and maybe even pick up some gardening tips. The garden's on-site shop is great for finding unique plant-based gifts to remember the day.
Toronto's world-class museums often have special exhibits around Mother's Day. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) might feature works by famous female artists or host mother-themed tours of their permanent collection. It's a chance to explore art together and maybe spark some interesting conversations about motherhood through the ages.
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) takes a different approach, offering guided tours that highlight powerful mother figures in history and mythology. From ancient Egyptian goddesses to pioneering women in science, these tours provide a unique way to celebrate the strength and influence of mothers.
Every mom deserves some relaxation, and Toronto's spas are ready to deliver. The Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris, located in the Shangri-La Hotel, offers a taste of Moroccan luxury. Their Mother's Day packages often include a hammam steam treatment followed by a massage, leaving mom feeling refreshed and pampered.
For a full day of indulgence, Elmwood Spa in downtown Toronto is hard to beat. With four floors of treatment rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant, it's easy to spend hours here. Their Mother's Day specials might include facials, mani-pedis, and access to water therapies, all designed to make mom feel like a queen for the day.
HER Market at Hillcrest Mall — Still looking for that perfect gift? HER Market brings together female-led small businesses offering everything from handmade jewelry to artisanal snacks. It’s the kind of place where you can chat with the makers themselves and pick up something truly unique — all while supporting local women entrepreneurs.
The Mom Market at Promenade Mall — Need a thoughtful gift in a pinch? This pop-up market features candles, sweet treats, keepsakes, and more from Toronto-area vendors. Think of it as a smaller, cozier version of the One of a Kind Show — with all the charm and none of the overwhelm.
Yorkville is Toronto's go-to neighborhood for high-end shopping. Its tree-lined streets are home to designer boutiques, upscale department stores, and chic cafes. Spend the afternoon browsing shops like Holt Renfrew or smaller local boutiques, then treat mom to a gourmet coffee or champagne at one of the area's trendy patios.
The CF Toronto Eaton Centre in the heart of downtown offers a mix of luxury and mainstream brands, all under one roof. Many stores offer special Mother's Day deals, making it a good spot for budget-conscious shoppers. The mall's soaring glass ceiling and central location make it a Toronto landmark worth visiting, even if you're just window shopping.
Flower Arrangement Workshop at Hotel X — Instead of picking up a pre-made bouquet, why not create one with your own hands? This chic workshop at Hotel X is led by professional florists who’ll guide you through designing a stunning floral arrangement for Mom. Sip a spritz cocktail from the rooftop bar, take in panoramic city views, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of creativity and connection.
High Tea with Dogs — This is not your average tea party. At this adorable event in Oakville, you’ll enjoy gourmet pastries and hot tea in the company of friendly dogs. It’s equal parts high tea and heart-melting puppy therapy — an ideal outing for moms who love pets and a good cuppa.
Creating a special day for mom in Toronto takes a bit of planning, but the effort is worth it. Start by choosing a brunch spot that fits your mom's style, whether that's a fancy hotel restaurant or a cozy neighborhood cafe. Make reservations well in advance, as Mother's Day is one of the busiest brunching days of the year.
After brunch, plan a main activity or event. This could be anything from a spa treatment to a theater performance, depending on what your mom enjoys most. If the weather is nice, consider an outdoor option like a garden tour or a festival visit. The key is to choose something that allows you to spend quality time together.
Don't forget to include some time for shopping or gift-giving. Whether you're picking up a last-minute present or letting mom choose something special, Toronto's diverse shopping scene has plenty to offer. Many stores and markets have extended hours on Mother's Day, so you can easily fit in some retail therapy.
End the day with a special dinner. If you've had a big brunch, consider a lighter option like tapas or sushi. Many restaurants offer Mother's Day dinner menus, but again, be sure to book in advance. If you prefer a more low-key ending to the day, pick up some gourmet treats and have a picnic in one of Toronto's beautiful parks.
When planning your day, keep transportation in mind. Toronto's public transit system is extensive, but it can get busy on holidays. If you're planning to visit multiple locations, consider using a ride-sharing service or renting a car for the day. Parking can be challenging in popular areas, so look up options in advance.
Most importantly, remember that the best gift you can give is your time and attention. Whatever activities you choose, focus on creating memories and showing your appreciation for all that your mom does.
The Patel family, longtime Toronto residents, planned a food-focused Mother's Day for their mom, Priya. They started with a visit to the historic St. Lawrence Market, sampling artisanal cheeses, fresh pastries, and local produce. Priya especially loved the peameal bacon sandwiches, a Toronto specialty.
From there, they strolled to the nearby Distillery District, a pedestrian-only area known for its Victorian architecture and artisan shops. They enjoyed a chocolate tasting at SOMA, browsed handmade jewelry at one of the local galleries, and ended the day with dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant in the district. Priya said the day was a perfect mix of food, shopping, and quality time with her family.
The Johnson family from Vancouver decided to surprise their mom, Linda, with a trip to Toronto for Mother's Day. They kicked off the celebration with brunch at the CN Tower's revolving restaurant, 360. Linda was thrilled by the panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.
After descending from the tower, they took a short walk to the Harbourfront Centre, where they lucked into a special Mother's Day craft workshop. Linda and her daughters made personalized photo frames while her son and husband rented bikes to explore the waterfront trail. They reunited for a sunset harbor cruise, capping off a day that Linda called "unforgettable."
These case studies show that whether you're a local or a visitor, Toronto offers endless possibilities for creating a memorable Mother's Day. The key is to mix well-known attractions with unique experiences that cater to your mom's interests.
Mother's Day in Toronto is a celebration of love, appreciation, and the vibrant spirit of the city itself. From luxurious brunches to outdoor adventures, cultural experiences to shopping sprees, there's no shortage of ways to make mom feel special. Remember, the most important ingredient for a perfect Mother's Day is simply spending time together, creating memories that will last long after the day is over. So go ahead, explore all that Toronto has to offer, and show your mom just how much she means to you.
Mother's Day in Toronto, like the rest of Canada, is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
Yes, it's highly recommended to make reservations for Mother's Day brunch, especially at popular restaurants. Many places fill up weeks in advance.
Yes, there are several free activities. These might include walks in public parks, visits to some museums (check for free admission days), and some outdoor festivals.
Toronto has plenty of indoor options. Consider museums, indoor markets, shopping malls, or cozy cafes if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Absolutely! Toronto is known for its diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants offering vegan and vegetarian options. Some, like Fresh or Planta, specialize in plant-based cuisine.
Join over 8k Toronto explorers who rely on us to plan their perfect weekends, with Toronto Events Weekly
