Each year Mother’s Day merits a bigger red circle on the Calgary calendar, as local restaurants, hotels and venues celebrate the Moms who raised us the Alberta way.

 

Things to Do on Mother’s Day in Calgary

1. High Tea at the Fairmont Palliser

Nothing says special occasion quite like the city’s landmark luxury hotel. High tea is given a classy Palliser makeover and turned into the perfect Mom’s Day treat. The best linen and chinaware set the scene for the Japanese Afternoon Tea, with a menu featuring elegant creations such as roasted beef with soy ginger aioli, delectable scones, Yuzu tart, and Matcha shortbread.

When: Sunday May 14th, noon-4pm.

Where: Fairmont Palliser, 133 9th Avenue SW

2. Brunch at the Calgary Zoo

Remember all those occasions Mom said family mealtimes were like eating at the zoo? Bring back those happy days with a trip out to the zoo park for the popular Safari Brunch served in the heart of Destination Africa. The special menu for Mother’s Day includes sushi and sashimi, West Coast organic salmon, and slow-roasted Alberta Angus beef at the carving station. The white chocolate fountain will delight kids of all ages.

When: Sunday May 14th, 9:30am-1pm

Where: Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE

3. Brunch at Heritage Park Historical Village

Moms just love beautifully-restored vintage vehicles don’t they? Well maybe, but the Gasoline Alley museum has always been a popular family outing, and the Mother’s Day brunch menu is bound to make this occasion memorable. Served on the mezzanine, overlooking the showroom, brunch selections put the accent on Alberta, with Valbella gammon and beef striploin on the carving station. Fresh baked goods come from the village’s own bakery.

When: Sunday May 14th, from 10am

Where: Gasoline Alley Museum, 1900 Heritage Drive SW

4. Shopping at the CF Chinook Centre

Nothing says ‘I love you Mom’ more than spending a day at the mall browsing for that perfect gift.  Start by checking out around 20 jewellers’ stores from Swarovski to Swatch, Ann-Louise to Tiffany & Co. Health and beauty stores in the mall offer seductive scents and handmade cosmetics, with Lush, L’Occitane and the Body Shop pulling out the stops for Mother’s Day. Take a break for a relaxed mall lunch, with options ranging from the Japanese Bistro to Boston Pizza.

When: Sunday May 14th, 11am-7pm

Where: CF Chinook Centre 6455 Macleod Trail SW

5. Beaulieu Gardens at Lougheed House

The Beaulieu Gardens aren’t in full bloom until late June, but a Mother’s Day stroll at Lougheed House is a great opportunity to see how this year’s themed displays are coming along. The house’s spectacular flower and vegetable gardens are among Calgary’s treasures, and perfect for a family outing. Admission to the gardens is free, so treat Mom to brunch or lunch in the restaurant, with its historic ambiance and contemporary cuisine.

When: Sunday May 14th, until sundown.

Where: Lougheed House, 707 13th Avenue SW

6. Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk and Ride

While some Calgary Moms are eyeing up their brunch and bouquets, others are lacing up the sneakers or checking their tire pressures before the Sport Chek sporting event. The 2017 fundraiser features runs, walks, bike rides and wheelchair races over 5K or 10K, an invigorating way to celebrate Mom’s Day and raise money. Participants can use city public transport for free on Sunday, if wearing a race T-shirt or bib.

When: Sunday May 14th, from 8:40am

Where: Chinook Centre, 61st Avenue & Macleod Trail S

7. Mother’s Day Dine and Dance at Cowboys Casino

Moms who love to party will be heading over to the Zen Grill at Cowboys Casino for a buffet dinner and all night drinks specials. DJ Henry spins the sounds and all Moms are treated to a rose and entered into a draw, with prizes of a beautiful gift basket and a $400 Dine and Play package from Cowboys Casino. Cocktails are at 5pm, dinner at 6pm and dancing from 7:30pm

When: Sunday May 14th, from 5pm

Where: Cowboys Casino, 421 12th Avenue, SE.

8. Brunch at charbar

Head for the East Village for the city’s hip Argentinian grill, where meat-loving Moms will be delighted to be treated to their pick of the brunch menu. Grill specials are the obvious highlight, but give some consideration to the authentic Fugazza pizzas and the crushed avocado on sourdough. South Americans love their Moms and so does charbar.

When: Sunday May 14, 10am-4pm.

Where: charbar, 618 Confluence Way SE

9. Brunch at Cucina Market Bistro

A little bit Italian bistro, a little bit market café, Cucina is the smart downtown choice for a relaxed and delicious Mom’s Day brunch. The menu ticks off all the Canadian breakfast classics, including a rich dish of wild BC mushrooms with poached eggs on toast, and their own distinctive take on the eggs Benedict recipe. Produce is local and organic where possible.

When: Sunday May 14th, 10am-2pm.

Where: Cucina, 8th Avenue Place

 

Whether Mom adores brunching and flowers, charity races, or dancing the night away, Calgary has the event to make her feel special. It’s once a year, so don’t hold back.