Not the Usual Brunch

When it comes to Mother’s Day, we’ve learned that the best gift you can give is time. That could mean time away to relax, or some much-needed quality time with our children (while someone else does the heavy lifting). Any combination of the two is ideal for our big day.

Our suggestion for those in need of ideas: plan a picnic (hint to moms—forward this article!). Ottawa is replete with ideal venues for a beautiful spring picnic, and there’s no shortage of shops eager to help you put a basket together. Besides, a picnic gives the children room to run around, be noisy, and burn off some energy, while you get that foot massage you so deserve.

We like Andrew Haydon Park on Carling Avenue in the city’s west end, which has a playground, tables and barbecues; Mooney’s Bay, which has all of those things plus a giant grass hill that the kids will enjoy climbing and rolling down; and the Experimental Farm for those who like to spread their picnic blankets out underneath exotic trees and watch the joggers go by.

Vincent Massey Park on Riverside Drive near Heron offers picnic areas, parking, toilets, water fountains, softball diamonds, electricity and barbecue pits—plus a view of the river. For something completely different, try Victoria Island (also known as Turtle Island) at the foot of the Chaudière Falls, where you can eat with a view of not just the river, but the Parliament Buildings and Gatineau Hills. Motorists should enter via the Chaudière or Portage bridges; if you’re on foot, use the Chaudière Bridge.

Just east of the city, try the Rockcliffe Pavilion. May is the best time to visit, with hundreds of thousands of daffodils in bloom along with the many flowering trees. The pavilion is off the Rockcliffe Parkway between Princess and Acacia Avenues, with parking, a water fountain, two lookouts, toilets, and a picnic area.

As for who’s getting the food (and that’s not Mom’s job on Mother’s Day), send your beloved out to places like Nicastro’s in the Glebe or on Merivale Road, La Bottega in the Byward Market, The Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli in Wellington Village, or Herb & Spice (two locations in Ottawa) for ready-made supplies like hummus, samosas, croissants, fabulous cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies, sandwiches, subs and desserts. Or tell him about our perfect picnic sandwich recipe—any savvy dad can make it.

If that special someone needs some more help organizing the food for your special picnic, try a sandwich platter from Kettleman’s Bagels. Or call one of our fave caterers who will whip up the whole meal deal for you at Thyme and Again, Life of Pie, Epicuria, The Red Apron, or Sixth Sense Catering & Home Cooking. (To be safe, phone ahead to make inquiries.)

Now Mom, you’re surrounded by your A-listers, you’ve got some good nosh and hopefully a nice sunny day. Who could ask for more?

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