Entertaining

7 ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in cottage country

family-outdoor-cycling Photo by sivivolk/Shutterstock

Not sure what to do with mom this coming Sunday? Well, cottage country is full of fun activities and events you can take part in with her. We promise she’ll have a great day (and you’ll feel like a great kid) if you treat her to one of these unique experiences.

1. Take her to the spa

Canada is home to many amazing spas in remote places, but you can also find relaxing retreats right in cottage country. Book a day at a spa in Muskoka, Halibuton, or Kawartha and treat your mom to some quality relaxation time. Plus, you’ll get to go along for the ride and enjoy some deep-tissue massage, too.

2. Go for a hike

Is your mother more of an active type? Then take her on a hike. Skip the tried-and-true routes you usually enjoy as a family, and go on an adventure. You can find all sorts of amazing trails in Ontario’s parks—even for more inexperienced hikers. Pack a picnic to make a real day of it.

3. Do a day trip

While we may all spend a lot of time by the lake each summer, sometimes we forget to explore all the charming communities in the region. Take your mom on a day trip to one of the quaintest towns in Ontario or one of our nation’s other lovely small towns. You can do a walking tour, have lunch at a local spot, and maybe even squeeze in a little antiquing.

4. See a local wonder

Wow your mom by taking her to see one of Canada’s many natural wonders. Ontario is home to awe-inspiring cave systems, waterfalls, and cliffs. We think the scenic caves in Collingwood are an especially good choice. The caves are an impressive display of natural beauty, and the site provides all kinds of fun activities you can take part in, including a treetop canopy walk.

5. Have a crafternoon

Get your mom inspired with a fun DIY project or drive out to a particularly beautiful spot and set up an easel. You can simultaneously commune with nature and bring out her more artistic side. Want something a little more structured? Try taking a class at a local art studio. Let the Cat Go in Muskoka offers paddle painting workshop, if you’re interested in a particularly cottage-y craft.

6. Find the perfect spot to watch the sun set

If the afternoon is already booked up, consider taking your mother to one of Ontario’s best spots to watch the sun set. You can bring your cameras to capture the moment, or just sit on a cosy blanket and take in the natural splendor of the view.

7. Go for a scenic drive

This Sunday, consider taking your mom on a tour of the Algonquin Park Corridor, a drive through Prince Edward County, or even a quick jaunt along the Niagara Parkway. You can stop at towns along the way and really make a day of it! Many of our suggested drives go straight through wine country—so volunteer to be the DD and let your mom sample some of the province’s best vino.

You’ll be her favourite kid by the end of the day, we promise.

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