Celebrate Mother's Day

 

This Mother’s Day, treat the special women in your life to a day of relaxation, creativity, and connection with nature. Plant a take-home flower pot, relax in a yoga class, painting session or guided forest therapy walk, hunt some wild mushrooms, hug a baby cow (!), savour a special Mother’s Day Brunch box from Cafe al Fresco, catch some pond critters with the kids or simply soak in the beauty of spring. With activities for all ages, and good dogs on leashes welcome, Mother’s Day at the Garden is the perfect way to make happy memories.

Sign up early for programs and avoid entry lineups by booking your admission online.

• The Garden is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Mother’s Day activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Some activities require a fee to cover the cost of materials and instructor. While supplies last - advance booking is recommended.
• Regular Garden admission applies; purchase at the gate or online.

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What’s Happening

Guided Forest Therapy

10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Slow down and reconnect with nature through a 1.5-hour guided forest therapy session led by Milena from Wild Calm Forest Therapy. This experience is designed to awaken the senses and support a deeper connection to both the natural world and your own embodied presence.

Includes a guided meditation, a very slow-paced wander through a forested area of the Garden, gentle sensory invitations, and a peaceful tea ceremony featuring fresh-foraged tea and locally-sourced snacks. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, participants are kindly asked to turn off phones and other devices.

Suitable for all bodies and levels, but for any dietary concerns/allergies or mobility concerns (including if you are unable to sit comfortably on a padded mat on the forest floor), please reach out to Milena directly at: milena@wildcalm.ca to ensure your experience is safe and welcoming. Dress for the weather and bring some water and bug spray - this activity runs rain or shine.

$45 + tax

Limited spaces. Advance registration required. Regular admission applies, at the gate or online.

THIS WORKSHOP IS SOLD OUT

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Ranch by the Beech - Baby Mini Cows!

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This might just be the cutest thing you do on Mother’s Day. Ranch by the Beech will be on hand with a collection of their sweet mini calves, ready to star in your perfect selfie. Groups of up to four can have at least 5 minutes of time with the baby cows (time might be expanded depending on how many people are in line). Children must be accompanied by a paid adult guardian on a one to one basis.

Adults $10
Children 12 and under $5

Limited spaces. Advance registration required. 
Regular admission applies, at the gate or online.

THIS ACTIVITY IS SOLD OUT

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What's Mother's Day Without Brunch?

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cafe al Fresco, operated by the Party People Catering Co., is offering a specially curated Brunch Box from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. packed with gourmet bites and sweet treats, ready to enjoy in your favorite garden spot. Plus, there will be special beverages available for purchase, perfect for toasting an incredible Mom in your life.

Or, you can simply choose from an a la carte selection of fresh-made sandwiches, bowls, salads, ice cream and baked goods along with coffee, cold beverages, wine and beer at the Cafe al Fresco.

Reserve your Brunch Box ahead directly with Cafe al Fresco (operated by Party People Catering).  If you have any issues with your booking, or have questions, please contact Party People directly for assistance.

Reservations for the Mother's Day Brunch Box have now closed. However, Cafe al Fresco will be open with their a la carte menu of fresh-made sandwiches, salads, beverages and other goodies from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mother's Day.

Regular admission to the Garden applies, online or at the gate.

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Make Your Own Planter

11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Nourish your green thumb and plant something special to take home. Our friendly staff will guide you in crafting your own personalized planter, perfect for adding a pop of color or greenery to your space. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just beginning your gardening journey, this hands-on experience is perfect for all ages. This activity takes place in the Lilac Tent and runs rain or shine.

Choose from two options:

• Small - Pansy with a small pot ($5/ea)
• Medium - Two pansies, a dusty miller and a medium pot ($15/ea)

While supplies last. Advance registration recommended. 

Regular admission applies, at the gate or online. 

THIS ACTIVITY IS SOLD OUT

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Insect Catch

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (drop-in)

Grab a net and spend some science time looking into the hidden world of insects. One of our amazing interpreters help you observe some fascinating species. To make sure everyone stays safe, children must be accompanied by parents or adult guardians. This insect catch is drop-in style, so families can come and stay for as long as they would like.

No charge for insect catch activity. Regular admission applies, at the gate or online. Insect activity runs rain or shine. (Note: the insect catch replaces the previously advertised ponding activity)

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Painting the Woodlands: Watercolor Workshop

12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join artist Greg Hoosier in this three-hour watercolour workshop. Greg will guide participants through composition and a three-step process to create an original painting of a woodland forest. This workshop is recommended for adults and older children with some painting experience. All materials and supplies will be provided.

$45 per person + tax

Advance registration required. Space is limited. Regular admission applies.

THIS WORKSHOP IS SOLD OUT

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Wild Mushroom Walk

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The wildly popular Wild Mushroom Walk returns to the Garden. Explore the wonderful world of mushrooms with expert Martin Osis, who will lead a discovery walk through the Garden’s natural areas. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

$50+ tax per person (includes admission to the Garden)

Limited spaces. Advance registration required.

THIS ACTIVITY IS SOLD OUT

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Yoga in the Amphitheatre

Two sessions:
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. and
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Take a nourishing breath and enjoy a practice under the open sky with a rejuvenating 45-minute yoga session, led by yoga, fitness and mindful movement instructor Ferah Karmali. Ferah creates inclusive, empowering experiences for students of all levels and is known for blending strength, breath, and intention—encouraging her participants to build both physical resilience and inner calm. Her yoga classes are thoughtfully designed to challenge the body while grounding the mind, leaving participants feeling safe, balanced, connected and transformed.

While these sessions are designed primarily for adults, older children who are interested in participating are welcome, but must remain under direct supervision and be accompanied by their parent or guardian. 

Dress for the weather and bring a yoga mat and a blanket, if desired. Once you are in the session space, please turn off cell phones so you can enjoy the sounds of nature and tune into the present.

Yoga activity is free, but advance registration is required. REGISTRATION FOR YOGA CLOSES MAY 9 at 2 P.M.

Regular admission applies; purchase online or at the gate.

THIS ACTIVITY IS SOLD OUT

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IMPORTANT TO KNOW

• There is no carting service available. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, however, we recommend that guests requiring mobility assistance come prepared with wheelchairs/walkers. 
• Parking: there are handicap parking spots in Lots A, B and C. On busy days, guests may need to park in our overflow parking "Lot C" and walk back to the Welcome Centre. You are welcome to drop off elders or those with mobility challenges at the Welcome Centre first and then proceed to parking.