However you choose to celebrate, Manitoba offers plenty of experiences to help you make the most of the day. From outdoor adventures to creative experiences, wildlife viewing and relaxing escapes, these ideas are designed to help you celebrate in a way that feels right for you, whether you’re the one being celebrated or planning the experience for someone you love.

Mother’s Day in Manitoba at a Glance

• If you’re interested in a Mother’s Day event, book as early as possible! Special events, including Mother’s Day brunch, fill up quickly.
• There are many free and low-cost experiences around the province to try on Mother’s Day, including hiking, a visit to Narcisse, a park picnic, a self-guided mural walk or Free Sundays at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
• Spring is filled with things to do in Manitoba, and it’s a great season to plan an experiential gift. It’s a cliché to say there’s something for everyone, but there really is: consider an outdoor painting class, a spa day, a train ride, craft markets, fishing, a jazz concert or even ziplining! Think outside the box with some of the ideas below.

For the Adventurous One

1. All aboard! For a Mother’s Day adventure the whole group will love, join a special Mother’s Day Train Ride through Prairie Dog Central Railway on May 10th. There are two options to choose from: a traditional morning run to Grosse Isle and an afternoon dinner run to Warren. Try to snag your ticket fast, as these rides are likely to sell out.

2. Spring is one of the best times for fishing in Manitoba, and a family fishing trip might just be the perfect adventure for Mother’s Day. Fish for channel catfish in Lockport, greenback walleye on Lake Winnipeg, freshwater drum on Lake Manitoba, northern pike in Whiteshell Provincial Park or lake trout on Lake Athapapuskow.

3. Golf season is back! A day out in the fresh air is paradise for the golf lover in your life. Check out some of Manitoba’s best golf courses, including Granite Hills Golf Club, Swan River Golf and Country Club and Minnewasta Golf and Country Club.

4. For the adrenaline junkie, make your way to Pembina Valley for ziplining. Hywire Zipline Adventures offers Manitoba’s highest and longest ziplines, plus mini golf, hiking trails and a lovely patio for post-adventure treats.

5. Pack up the car with snacks and venture out on a fun day trip on Mother’s Day – whether that’s with family, friends, just the two of you or a solo adventure. The options are endless in Manitoba, but a few suggestions include a day trip to Carman, a road trip of Western Manitoba’s roadside attractions and a day exploring a few must-see spots along the Crow Wing Trail. If the person in your life loves thrifting, visit The Chatfield Exchange in Chatfield for a unique art gallery and thrift store experience.

For the Foodie

6. Book a special meal for a special person. Many restaurants host Mother’s Day meals, but be warned: they sell out quickly! Popular options include the Mother’s Day Garden Brunch at the Fairmont Winnipeg, Mother’s Day brunch or dinner at the Victoria Inn in Brandon and a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at SMITH Restaurant at Inn at The Forks.

7. A meal and a movie? Sounds like a fabulous Mother’s Day! Head to The Met for Mother’s Day brunch and a movie (Mother’s Day from 2016) or dinner and a movie (Mamma Mia! from 2008).

8. Feel as though you’ve been whisked away to Paris with an elegant Mother’s Day High Tea at Pauline Bistro in St. Boniface that includes flaky pastries, delicious finger sandwiches, decadent house-made desserts and your choice of premium teas. There are three seatings on May 10th, giving you lots of opportunities to celebrate that special person in your life.

For the Arts and Culture Enthusiast

9. Experience a Paint ’n’ Sip Morning at the Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre on Mother’s Day, where you’ll learn to paint en plein air (the practice of painting in the open air). This beginner watercolour tutorial takes place in the beautiful Dalnavert gardens, where you’ll be treated to a mimosa and an optional mini brunch plate. Ideal for the artist in your life!

10. Mother’s Day aligns with Free Sundays @ WAG by Canada Life. Visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery - Qaumajuq for free on May 10th, including exhibition tours in English and French as well as all-day art-making activities in the Skylight Gallery.

11. The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is home to numerous shows that are sure to thrill the theatre fan in your life. Score tickets to one of May’s excellent performances to celebrate Mother’s Day, including Rubaboo - A Métis Cabaret.

12. Grab a drink from your family’s favourite coffeeshop and spend time in the fresh air to look for some of the province’s beautiful art murals. Famous murals are found in Churchill, Brandon, Gimli’s harbour and Winnipeg’s West End.

13. Calling all Broadway fans! Attend the Capital Bar and Grill in downtown Winnipeg on May 9th for an evening of Broadway show tunes and canapés. A touch of Broadway magic in Manitoba? Yes, please!

14. For families with younger children, Manitoba Theatre for Young People is showcasing Otosan, an exciting production that features puppets, wildlife footage and an original score. With multiple performances on Mother’s Day weekend, the show is appropriate for ages three and up.

15. Spend the day together at a museum! While not all of Manitoba’s seasonal museums may be open yet, many year-round museums are available to visit (and some even offer discounts on Mother’s Day, like the Manitoba Children’s Museum).

16. Have a budding artist or two at home? Enjoy a pottery or painting class together. There are plenty of options around the province, including experiences at Artful Owl and Crock A Doodle in Winnipeg, Fun Time Pottery in Brandon and Clay Owl Studio in Winkler.

17. Head to the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain on May 9th or 10th for Reelin’ in More Years - A Steely Dan Tribute with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. What an entertaining way to celebrate!

For the Animal Lover

18. Mother’s Day aligns perfectly with the spring bird migration in Manitoba. Witness the spectacular return of hundreds of bird species across the province for a bonding experience and wonderful photo ops. Travel to Pembina Valley to see raptors like eagles and hawks, Delta Marsh near Portage la Prairie for songbirds and waterbirds and Grassy Narrows Marsh on Hecla Island for waterfowl.

19. FortWhyte Alive is hosting a Baby Bison Walk on May 10th. Don’t miss seeing some of Manitoba’s most iconic animals at their tiniest… and cutest! Before or after the walk, spend time hiking or biking in the area, keeping your eye out for wildlife along the way.

20. Oak Hammock Marsh in Stonewall is a terrific place to celebrate Mother’s Day. Join Mother’s Day Tea at the Marsh for sandwiches, scones, sweets and premium teas for a refined and relaxed experience. Afterward, explore the Wetland Discovery Centre to take in the area’s flora and fauna. A birding hotspot, you’re sure to see some of the 300 species of birds that frequent the marsh while there.

21. Spring is the ideal time to enjoy all the baby farm animals making their appearances around the province. Morning Sound Farm is officially opening for spring visits on May 8 and 9. Hold baby animals, milk a goat and chat with farmers for a unique experience.

22. Mother’s Day happens to align with the best time to visit Narcisse Snake Dens! See the world’s largest concentration of red-sided garter snakes for a memorable day together.

23. For a Manitoba adventure your loved ones will always remember, head to Falcon Beach Ranch. Horseback riding through the stunning boreal forest of Whiteshell Provincial Park is available starting on May 1st. Beginners and small children are welcome. For horseback riding a little closer to Winnipeg, check out Miracle Ranch.

For the Outdoorsy One

24. Sometimes the best Mother’s Day ideas are the simplest ones. Spend time outdoors on a family-friendly hike (just don’t forget to take lots of photos). Accessible hiking and walking trails in the province include The Millennium Trail in Thompson, the Ominnik Marsh Trail in Riding Mountain National Park, Flinty’s Boardwalk in Flin Flon, the Brandon Riverbank and the Opasquia Trails near The Pas OCN.

25. Get the heart pumping with mountain biking! For those who love to bike together, enjoy trails such as the Northgate Trails in Dauphin, the Atikameg Trails in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park and the biking trails in Birds Hill Provincial Park.

26. With warmer weather finally here, our waterfalls are flowing in full force once again. Spend the day admiring one of Manitoba’s most beautiful waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls, Whitemouth Falls or Pisew Falls.

27. There’s nothing like a Mother’s Day picnic for making memories and spending time together, especially if you pack everyone’s favourite foods. Popular spots for picnics around Manitoba include Victoria Park in Souris, The Island in Portage la Prairie, Quarry Park in Stonewall and Bunn’s Creek Centennial Park in Winnipeg.

28. It’s easy to spend the entire day in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park. Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf, enjoy a picnic on the grass and wander through the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden to see the budding flowers of spring. Perfection for a nature enthusiast.

For the One Who Likes a Little R&R

29. If you’re after an adults-only experience, the province’s Nordic spas are a great option. Klar So Nordic Spa at the Elkhorn Resort in Onanole and Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg are experiences that will be treasured for many years to come. Spend the day indulging in the thermal cycle, a delicious meal on-site and optional treatments such as massages or facials.

30. If you feel the person you’re celebrating could use a little pampering, Manitoba is home to numerous spas that are guaranteed to do the trick. Check out Ten Spa at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Salka Spa at the Lakeview Hecla Resort and The Hills Spa in Brandon.

For the Social Butterfly

31. Scattered Seeds is back for another Mother’s Day weekend! Spend time wandering through the many stalls featuring local vendors to pick out a few special pieces - look for jewellery, art, clothing, ceramics, bath products and more - and then sit down to a Mother’s Day High Tea.

32. Check out Hargrave Street Market for the Moms and Makers Market on May 8 (4-8 pm) and May 9 (12-4 pm). Shop from woman-owned businesses, grab a bite from one of the many dining options and sip a delicious cocktail as you browse.

33. For families with children, the Family Fun Spring Fair is an exciting option for Mother’s Day. Make your way to Assiniboia Downs for midway rides that are a thrill for all ages. Open May 1 - May 24, weekends only.

34. Pineridge Hollow near Birds Hill Provincial Park is a popular spot for Mother’s Day, and for good reason: there’s plenty to keep your whole group busy. Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch, shop in the stores carrying locally produced goods, visit the petting zoo and, if you’re looking for an option with real “wow” factor, book Mother’s Day in the Dome, a private forest dome experience which can accommodate up to 12 people.

For a Quiet Solo Moment

35. Sometimes the best way to spend Mother’s Day is by slowing things down. Take a solo stroll through one of Manitoba’s beautiful green spaces, like Assiniboine Park, The Leaf or the trails at FortWhyte Alive, and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at your own pace.

36. Treat yourself to a quiet coffee date and a wander. Pick up your favourite drink from a local café and explore a nearby neighbourhood—Winnipeg’s Exchange District, Osborne Village and St. Boniface are all perfect for a relaxed walk filled with shops, murals and hidden gems.

Plan Your Adventure

This Mother’s Day, think outside the box and give a gift they won’t soon forget. Looking for even more ideas? Check out the blogs below and start planning!