This site requires a modern standards-compliant browser in order to view the site as intended. Please download the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Apple Safari, or Mozilla.

spacer
spacer
Tea cup and saucerspacer
spacer

Vancouver Island Things To Do

 
Vancouver 2010 - British Columbia - Host Province


Photos
> top left: Antique tea cup, Adrian Dorst photo
> top right: Tea at Butchart Gardens, Victoria, Edward Gifford photo
Tips From Travellers

Full of Life

By Mary, Wallaceburg

 My friend and I were in total awe over the seals.  We went down on......

Read More >

Bye Bye Bah Humbug - A Visit to The Fairmont Empress

By Margaret, Vancouver

I have to admit, I haven't been in the Christmas spirit. The shopping mall......

Read More >

Show All...

> Post Your Travel Tip.

Afternoon Tea

spacer

Afternoon Tea, The Fairmont Empress
Afternoon Tea, The Fairmont Empress photo
No visit to Vancouver Island is truly complete without indulging in the delightful tradition of afternoon tea. Indeed, thanks to a strong British influence, afternoon, or high, tea has been raised to a delicious art form.

Victoria, in particular, boasts tea houses that range from elegant heritage homes with lush gardens to posh hotels and intimate tea rooms. Many serve unique blends of tea, while popular menu items include fresh, seasonal berries, dainty finger sandwiches and scones slathered with preserves and thick cream.
 

Highlights


Hide Map

Visitor Centres 

Address Location  

1. Butchart Gardens - Brentwood Bay

Property Logo 800 Benvenuto
Brentwood Bay, British Columbia
V8M1J8

More than a million people visit this 22-ha (55-ac) floral display garden each year. Begun in 1904, the gardens have grown to a world class scale and have been designated a National Historic Site. The gardens are spectacular at any time of year, starting in January with the indoor Spring Prelude display, through the magnificent spring and summer months, the dramatic colours of autumn, and culminating in the Magic of Christmas with tens of thousands of lights, a Twelve Days of Christmas display and an outdoor skating rink.

> View Details

The Fairmont Empress Hotel

Victoria's pre-eminent hotel, now restored to its original, turn-of-the-century elegance, has been serving afternoon tea since 1908.

  • Enjoy tea in the Tea Lobby overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour while sipping the hotel's own famed blend, Tea at the Empress. Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea featuring an assortment of exquisite pastries created by the hotel's award-winning dessert chef

  • Book in advance - this is one of Victoria's most popular activities.

White Heather Tea Room

This intimate, local Victoria favourite is celebrated for its afternoon tea.

  • Choose from a variety of high tea options including everything from a smaller tea with delicate sandwiches and scones to a hearty spread with nourishing savouries and delectable sweets

  • White Heather offers dozens of tea varieties; reservations are highly recommended.

Point Ellice House

Take tea in this picture-perfect Victorian home, fully restored to its original turn-of-the-century glory, overlooking the scenic Gorge Waterway. Just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria.

  • While you can drive there, the journey by water adds to the experience immeasurably. Take the Harbour Ferry from the Inner Harbour to the dock at the foot of the property

  • Sit down to afternoon tea in the lovely Victorian garden (weather permitting; Fridays and Saturdays only)

  • Open from May to September; reservations are strongly recommended.

James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant

This historic 1907 home in the heart of Victoria is now a cozy tea house filled with British memorabilia and serving up hearty English fare.

  • Enjoy afternoon tea while admiring the many different tributes to British Royalty featured on the walls of the tiny room

  • No time for tea? Bring an appetite for breakfast: the restaurant serves such hearty British fare as kippers, bangers as well as steak and kidney pie.

The Blethering Place

This authentic British tearoom in Victoria takes you back to 1930s and 40s England thanks to fascinating memorabilia.

  • Choose from a long list of teas with your light meal, or indulge in the bona fide English trifle.

  • Visit for lunch or dinner; the menu is loaded with British favourites.

Oak Bay Tea Party

Tea is such a tradition in Victoria that it warrants an annual tea party.

  • This two-day event, held annually since 1963, has it all: lively parade, mouthwatering food, entertainment, an airshow and the world-famous Sunday bathtub race

  • And, of course, pots and pots of exquisite tea to sample and savour

  • The Tea Party takes place in early June. 

Filberg Tea House

Idyllically situated at Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park near Comox in northern Vancouver Island, the tea house is an open-air, covered structure, with tables set up on the lawn during pleasant weather.

  • Filberg serves a luscious afternoon tea using loose-leaf teas and fresh, local ingredients

  • It is open through the summer, with live music in July and August.

Camellia Tea Room

Located in the historic 1931 Milner House in the exquisite Milner Gardens & Woodland just outside Qualicum Beach. Enjoy preserves made from fruit grown on the property while you admire the views of the gardens, the ocean and distant mountains.

Tour the house and gardens before or after tea; many rooms are open to the public, with fascinating artifacts and historic photographs on display (including mementos from visits by Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana).

Camellia is open through the spring and summer months.

>Show all Afternoon Tea listings