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Things to Do to Celebrate 2026 Mother’s Day in Ottawa

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to show appreciation for all the love, care, and hard work that mothers put in every day.

Ottawa offers a range of events and activities to help celebrate mothers and make their day special. From spa treatments to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to spoil the special woman in your life.

Mothers Day Brunch

From elegant brunches to exquisite dinners, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Treat your mom to a memorable experience at one of Ottawa’s top dining destinations this Mother’s Day.

  • Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in the Dining Car: This Mother’s Day, Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario will be serving afternoon tea, a British tradition, in our 1899-era Dining Car. Take a trip back in time and enjoy this fine dining experience aboard our beautifully restored dining car. Sunday, May 10,  2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM @ Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William St W, Smiths Falls
  • Osgoode Township Museum Mother’s Day Tea: Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Osgoode Township Museum with tea, scones, and treats from Simply Baked, plus museum tours, lawn games, and a local market featuring handmade goods, jewelry, and take-home treats. Saturday May 9th  | 11am or 2pm  @  The Osgoode Township Museum, 7814 Lawrence Street.

Shop For/With Mom

Plan Ahead for Gifts:

  • 613flea: 613flea at Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park is a not-for-profit event where the creative community, entrepreneurs, and small businesses showcase their products to shoppers. The market features artisans, artists, designers, makers, entertainers, antiques dealers, independent boutiques, food merchants, and vintage clothing vendors. May 2 @ Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St., Ottawa
  • ORCHIDOPHILIA 2026 The Ottawa Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale: See blooming orchids in stunning, colourful displays, photographic and education exhibitions, with orchid vendors selling outstanding orchid plants and supplies. Society members will provide growing tips and educational displays for visitors. May 2 & 3 @ Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa
  • OHS Auxiliary May Craft Sale: Visit Ottawa Humane Society Auxiliary May Craft Sale and pick up some lovely handmade Mother’s Day gifts. Sunday, May 3 @ 245 West Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa

Or Shop with Mom: 

  • Mother’s Day Market & Concert in support of CHEO:  Celebrate Mother’s Day at Glow of Love, featuring a charming local market and a heartfelt candlelight concert. Browse handmade gifts, enjoy a warm community atmosphere, and experience moving live performances. Supporting the CHEO Foundation, this event offers a meaningful day of shopping, music, and appreciation for moms. May 9 @ Harold Shenkman Hall, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
  • KUC Book Fair: Shop for books for mom. This is one of the biggest book fairs hosted in Eastern Ontario with 30,000 books, in very good condition, all very well categorized. May  6 to 9 @  Kanata United Church, 33 Leacock Drive, Ottawa
  • Friends of the Farm Plant Sale: The annual plant sale offers a wide range of gardening supplies from the region’s top specialty growers and nursery vendors. Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton provide free advice, and there are refreshment tables and gardening books for sale. May 10 @ Parking lot beside K.W. Neatby Bldg at Carling & Maple Drive, Ottawa 
  • Almonte Art in the Public showcases works of local contemporary artists, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and more, in a spacious and historic Almonte Old Town Hall setting.  May 9 & 10 @ Almonte Old Town Hall , 14 Bridge Street, Almonte
  • SeedLing Saturday: Join Just Food Community Farm for a free day of spring fun, including seedling vendors, an organic gardener, food vendors, information tables, and live music. May 9 @ Just Food Community Farm, 2391 Pepin Ct, Ottawa
  • ADAPT EXPO 2026: Explore ADAPT Expo, a unique event showcasing adaptive technologies, inclusive sports, and accessible living ideas. Explore innovative products, enjoy live demos, and browse the Chronic & Iconic Makers’ Market. It’s an inspiring, educational day out supporting inclusion while spending meaningful time together. May 9 @ Fieldhouse & Ravens’ Nest, 85 University Rd, Ottawa
  • Gloucester Horticultural Society Annual Fundraising Plant Sale: Shop for perennials, native and pollinator plants, herbs, houseplants, and veggies. Browse garden goods, enjoy children’s activities, and get expert advice from Master Gardeners. A perfect outing to inspire green thumbs and spend quality time together outdoors. May 9 @ Orleans Fruit Farm, 1399 Orleans Blvd, Ottawa

Tulips & More
  • Ottawa’s award-winning flagship festival, the Canadian Tulip Festival, kicks off Mother’s Day weekend. Take mom and enjoy historical and horticultural displays among 300,000 tulip blooms over a kilometre of parkland at Dow’s Lake in Ottawa. The exhibit includes free movies, a blacklight garden display, lit garden beds, a walking tour, a floral marketplace, and a nightly 10-minute light and sound show on Dow’s Lake. Join for free and enjoy a unique experience with family and friends.
  • Celebrate Mother’s Day at Tulipfest, surrounded by nearly 500,000 vibrant tulips in a beautiful orchard setting at Saunders Farm. Enjoy scenic strolls, a charming Dutch windmill, and plenty of photo moments. Treat Mom to fresh air, spring colours, and delicious food for a joyful, relaxing day together on the farm.

Walks

Kid-Friendly Mother’s Day Activities

  • Mother’s Day with the LEGO Group: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a whimsical LEGO® floral experience at the Fairmont Château Laurier. Admire a stunning tulip installation, enjoy elegant afternoon tea at Zoe’s, and build your own LEGO Botanicals keepsake. It’s a creative, shareable, and memorable way to spend time together this spring. May 1 to 31 @ Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
  • Fish Ontario Licence Free – Ontario Family Fishing: Enjoy free fishing on Mother’s Day weekend from May 9 & 10. Ontario Family Fishing Events (OFFE) is a province-wide initiative that offers Canadian residents a chance to fish without a license.  Participants must follow the Ontario fishing regulations, fees, and limits during license-free days, except for the licensing requirement.
  • Boston Fleet at Ottawa Charge: Celebrate Mother’s Day with an exciting PWHL playoff game as Boston Fleet take on Ottawa Charge. Enjoy the electric atmosphere, fast-paced action, and hometown pride. It’s a fun, high-energy outing for sports-loving moms and families to cheer together and make memorable moments at the arena.
  • See Animal Moms:  Visit Valleyview Little Animal Farm with your toddler. Meet the cute farm animals including pigs, goats and rabbits, enjoy a puppet show and a train ride and learn at the old country museum!
  • Mother’s Day Train Rides at RMEO: Enjoy a scenic train ride in a vintage caboose, explore fascinating museum exhibits, and take part in fun family photo opportunities and kids’ crafts. Bring a picnic or enjoy hot dogs and treats available for purchase.  Sunday, May 10,  2026| 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Get Tickets to a Show

Take Mom to a theatre show or a concert.
  • The Birds and the Bees: Pollination and insemination have never been funnier than in this rural comedy with a huge, honeyed heart. Beekeeper Gail’s husband ran off with the neighbour’s wife 20 years earlier, and now her turkey-farming daughter Sarah has left her husband and moved back home. Throw in a strapping young entomology student and let nature take its course! May 6 to 23 @ Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave, Ottawa
  • Jade Circle: Celebrate Mother’s Day with Jade Circle, a moving bilingual performance exploring motherhood, identity, and cultural roots. Through music, storytelling, and intimate reflections, it honours matrilineal bonds and rediscovery. A thoughtful, emotional experience perfect for sharing meaningful moments and reflecting on family, heritage, and connection together. Until May 10 @ Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington St. West, Ottawa
  • The Invisible: Mark Mother’s Day with The Invisible, a thrilling, genre-defying musical inspired by real WWII female spies. Blending film noir, music, and striking visuals, it tells a powerful story of courage and resilience. A unique, high-energy theatre experience perfect for moms who enjoy bold storytelling and unforgettable performances. Until May 9 @ Babs Asper Theatre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
  • Fleetwood Mac Mania: Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Mac Mania, North America’s most authentic tribute band. Saturday, May 09 at 8:00 PM  @ Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Dr, Ottawa
  • Oh, Canada Eh? Dinner Show: This two-hour show features all-Canadian music: from maritime folk songs to modern pop. Come meet our singing Mountie, Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables, Klondike Kitty and more. @ Oh Canada Eh!? Theatre
    330 Kent Street, Ottawa

Mother’s Day Cruise

Experience Ottawa from the water on Mother’s Day with Paul’s Boat Line. Embark on a 1.5-hour cruise in Ottawa, featuring a splendid view from the upper deck and amenities like a canteen and bar on the lower deck. Enjoy the natural beauty and historical significance of the region, with views of notable landmarks, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and more.

Mother’s Day Weekend Sightseeing and Brunch Cruises in Ontario

Give Her a Spa Day

Treat your mom to a relaxing day at a spa in Ottawa. She deserves some pampering and relaxation.

Spa Getaways in Ottawa

Festival News ONHappy Mother's Day

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