Mother’s Day on Vancouver’s North Shore is exactly the kind of getaway Mom wants it to be, whether that’s indulgent, adventurous, restorative, or a little bit of everything. From beautiful brunches and spa escapes to scenic thrill rides, afternoon tea and sunset strolls, there are countless ways to make the VIP in your life feel properly spoiled.
First, what’s Mother’s Day without a delightful brunch? Incomplete at best, so start the day off right with a late-morning meal at one of the North Shore’s finest eateries. OEB and its elevated breakfast fare is right down by the water in Ambleside, perfectly paired with a stroll along the beach or hunting for treasures in the village. Check out Catch 122 for a global take on brunch with dishes starring duck confit and Korean fare. It’s located on the waterfront in The Shipyards District, so you’ll start the rest of your day right in the middle of the action. Show Mom how cool you think she is at the hip, laid-back Douce Diner from Top Chef Canada’s Dawn Doucette, where comforting family favourites are whipped up with local, seasonal ingredients.
An uncorroborated and completely unofficial poll says that what mothers want most for Mother’s Day is to just relax already. Fortunately, the North Shore has plenty of options to give mom what mom wants. Treat mom to a spa day at Spa Utopia where it’s all in one: massage, facials, mani-pedis and more blissful offerings. Or the Waterfront Spa at Seaside Hotel offers relaxation with a view, from their floor to ceiling windows above the sea and boardwalk. The Balay Spa on West Esplanade combines traditional Asian treatments with modern techniques in luxurious but affordable packages, like the 90-minute “Sanctuary Indulgence.”
Or if “stillness” isn’t quite Mom’s thing, a wellness day can still be found at one of the North Shore’s thermal circuit spas, where muscles are relaxed and stress is kissed goodbye, alternating between heat, cold, and rest, just like the Nordics do it. Tality Wellness combines saunas and cold plunges with an outdoor patio and complimentary kombucha and tea for a more social outing, while Jardin nestles its circuit in the stunning vista of Deep Cove where a gorgeous nature walk is just steps away, as is a charming seaside town to explore.
Maybe Mom’s idea of escape takes more of an adventurous route? The North Shore’s ultimate playground is the perfect place to indulge mom’s wilder side. The Eagle Coaster on Cypress Mountain is a truly unique way to “get out” in nature. A gravity-fed coaster winds down near two kilometers through forested landscape around turns, twists and thrilling plunges. It’s great for kids 3 years old and up so the whole family can get in on the fun.
Eagle Coaster on Cypress Mountain
Golf on the North Shore is another great family-friendly activity with fun-first Pitch and Putts at Ambleside Par 3 by the water, or Murdo Fraser that’s one of the most picturesque “big little” courses in the Lower Mainland.
There’s so much beautiful scenery to explore on the North Shore and one of the best ways to take it all in is on two wheels. Bike rentals are available from Endless Biking for mountain bike adventures, Essential Cycles for riding trails and urban routes and Reckless Shipyards for e-bike rentals and relaxed rides along the waterfront.
A full morning under your belt, it’s time to unwind over tasty treats and tastier conversation at one of the North Shore’s finest afternoon teas. Dilemma by Catch sees Catch 122’s pastry team take over the dining room with artisan organic tea, and mini sandwiches, scones and petite pastries all freshly made from scratch. Butterlane Bake Shop is doing a very special one-day Mother’s Day High Tea, marrying delicious British tea favourites with live music in a warm and elegant atmosphere.
Afternoon tea at Dilemma by Catch
Cap off a perfect day with a walk into the sunset along The Spirit Trail, the North Shore’s winding and scenic waterfront urban pathway. An only-on-the-North-Shore experience, the Spirit Trail provides a lovely, meandering adventure through North Vancouver to West Vancouver, holding plenty of space for pedestrians, cyclists, people with wheeled mobility aids and any other micro-mobility. Make your final stop at one of the many parks along the trail. Waterfront Park is just west of the Shipyards with wide open grassy areas and public art. Just on the opposite side of the marina is Kings Mill Walk Park with its lush green backdrop, and Ambleside Park is the place to stake your spot in the sand among the driftwood, for premium seats for one of nature’s most spectacular shows: a North Shore sunset.
However you choose to celebrate Mom, Vancouver’s North Shore makes it easy to turn Mother’s Day into a day memorable, meaningful, and unmistakably special.
