The British introduced the tradition of afternoon tea to BC over 100 years ago, and it has flourished here ever since.
Fancy finger sandwiches, scones smothered with raspberry jam and thick Devon cream, and fresh berries in season are some of the delights of a traditional high tea — a welcome respite in a busy day of touring.
Indulge in Afternoon Tea at these noteworthy places:
Vancouver
The Fleuri Restaurant, Sutton Place Hotel
East meets west in this elegant location where the formal tea drinking cultures of both Japan and England are catered to. Choose from over a dozen varieties of tea and finger foods that include dainty sandwiches, scones, sweets, Devon clotted cream and jams.
The Secret Garden Tea Company
This local legend was born when the owner's grandmother complained there was no place in the area to go for tea. Cozy, charming and inviting, The Secret Garden Tea Company is everything you imagine a tea salon should be, complete with china teapots and tea cozies.
Choose from over 40 varieties of black, estate, green, herbal, fruit, rooibos and decaffeinated teas, as well as high tea options that range from full service to tastings.
Muzi
Readers of Vancouver's hip weekly, The Georgia Straight, voted Muzi "Best Tea House" in 2006. Here tea is an all-day affair, offering innovative, health-promoting teas. The specialty, muzi, is a granite-ground powdered tea that offers ten times the nutrients of traditional, steeped tea.
Whistler
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Serving three kinds of afternoon tea daily. Traditional Afternoon Tea is a classic: finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, pastries, scones and Devonshire cream. Champagne Tea infuses a bit of bubbly into the proceedings. Alpine High Tea features a larger selection of sandwiches as well as fresh, artisanal cheeses from Salt Spring Island.
Britannia House Restaurant and Tea Room
Take tea by the warm fire during the winter months. In summer, lounge on the patio and in addition to tea, drink in the views of spectacular Howe Sound and towering, snow-capped mountains.
Delta
Applewood Country Gifts
Enjoy fresh baked goods when you "take tea" in high Victorian style in this delightful tearoom. Or book a special tea party for your kids - dress-ups are provided!
Burnaby
Pearl Drops Tea House
Focus is on the freshest ingredients, highest-quality tea leaves and meticulous preparation. Choose from black, green, white, herbal, oolong, rooibus and yerba mate teas, which are accompanied by fresh fruit and light foods.