Things to Do in Edmonton with Mom
Time to face reality. Mom doesn’t really want breakfast in bed. She wants to relax, get out of the house and spend quality time with herself and those she loves the most – including you! We all know the best present is truly presence, so here’s an ambitious guide to treat the Moms in our lives to a day of gallivanting, pampering and exploring in beautiful Edmonton.
Start the day off right
Take mom just off the Whyte Avenue beaten path to the Sugar Bowl's sister eatery, Eleanor & Laurent. This café, boulangerie, patisserie, rotisserie, charcuterie, and meeting place have to-die-for pastries and elegant décor. Located near the Garneau Theatre and the southside of the High Level Bridge, this bakery is easily accessible by bike, foot, or public transit. So, there's no excuse not to stop by!
Photoshoot!
Get your Eleanor & Laurent treats to go and walk north through Edmonton's bustling historic Old Strathcona neighbourhood to 83 Avenue and Gateway Boulevard. Look up, up, up at the seven-story mural on the side of restaurant El Cortez, a colourful public art piece painted by international artist Okuda San Miguel. A fabulous spot to get some photos (hellooo Mom’s new Facebook profile pic!).
Eat Your Veggies
Remember when Mom had to make you eat your vegetables? Show her that those efforts have paid off and whisk her away to Edmonton’s hip plant-based restaurant, Cafe Mosaics. The vegan, eco-conscious menu offerings will knock Mom's socks off and the cozy interior design will leave her impressed with your adulting ability. Be sure to try an aesthetically pleasing smoothie bowl and a kombucha, and toast to Mom for all that she does!
Don’t Forget Dessert
Treat mom to a chocolate delicacy at Jacek Chocolate and feast your eyes on rows upon rows of delicate handmade chocolates that make for the perfect after-meal sweet. They are happy to put together hand-picked boxes of chocolate creations for you to surprise mom with on any occasion - or just because!
Shop Local
Edmonton has some unique indie boutiques that offer intimate and personalized shopping experiences. Many of them love to help out new Moms who may have strollers or active little ones in tow. Here are a few spots that truly make moms feel special:
Sweet {Jolie} Boutique
A community-focused boutique dedicated to empowering women and girls through ongoing fundraising with non-profits such as Zebra Child Protection Centre and the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. The store is designed with Moms in mind including stroller-friendly merchandising and a kids area to keep them occupied so Mom can focus on her. Inclusive sizing, flowing coffee and a friendly staff who offer personalized customer service makes this our top suggestion for a Mom-approved shopping spree.
So Pretty Cara Cotter + Pura Botanicals
Nestled onto the 124th Street shopping strip behind a pale pink door is a hidden gem shared by jewellery brand So Pretty Cara Cotter and eco-skincare line Pura Botanicals. Delicate jewellery and skin nourishing potions abound in this gold accented, ultra feminine space. Let the friendly and oh-so-stylish staff help your Mom find the perfect pick. Choose from Pura’s luxurious Overnight Watermelon Mask, one of So Pretty’s beloved stacking jewellery sets, and so much more!
Crème de la Crème
Want to earn major Mom points? Pre-book an appointment at the whimsical Crème de la Crème beauty lounge where Mom can design whatever her heart desires. Choose your new signature fragrance, lipstick, eyeshadow or blush with the help of on-hand beauty chemists! Your mom is one of a kind and her beauty routine should be too.
Let the Pampering Begin
After all that shopping, it's time for some serious relaxation. Life Stiles Spa on 124th Street is the ultimate zen-zone and takes its services to a luxury level. Recommended: a deep-tissue massage or the highly regarded customized Life Stiles facials that deep clean the skin and address any specific personalized skin care needs.
Happy Hour
Keep your after-facial glow going with a glass of wine, just a hop, skip and a jump down the street at Bodega Tapas & Wine Bar (124th St. location). The vibe is always cozy, with happy diners cheersing over tables full of bite-sized Portuguese-style appetizers. Feel like venturing south of the river? Check out Biera, located in Ritchie Market for creative small plates, desserts, and cheese with the perfect wine pairings!
