Where to go for Afternoon Tea in Victoria BC
Afternoon tea is a wonderful tradition that dates back centuries. Today, it’s enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with more and more people searching out the best spots for afternoon tea. If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in Victoria BC, look no further than this guide.
We’ve rounded up the best spots in the city, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a good cup of tea.
Where to go for afternoon tea in Victoria BC
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In Victoria BC there are many great places to enjoy afternoon tea. Here are just a few of the best:
- The Fairmont Empress Hotel: This iconic hotel is known for its high tea service, which features a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and pastries.
- The Butchart Gardens: Set in stunning gardens, the tea house at The Butchart Gardens offers a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy afternoon tea.
- The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden: A popular spot for both traditional and contemporary afternoon tea.
- Pendray Tea House: A unique British Tea experience in the heart of Victoria, with views of the inner harbour and more!
- White Heather Tea Room: This is an afternoon tea experience in Oak Bay. The tea menu features a selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries, as well as a wide variety of teas.
- Rudi’s Tea Room at the Government House: Tea experience on a historic site.
About afternoon tea traditions globally and in Canada
Afternoon tea is a tradition that dates back centuries. It is a time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea and some delicious snacks.
Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at home or at a teahouse.
There are many different types of afternoon tea, but the most common are English, Scottish, and Irish. Each type has its own unique history and traditions.
Afternoon tea is usually served between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. It can be a light meal or a snack.
Afternoon tea usually consists of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cake. Clotted cream and jam are often served with the scones.
Tea is the most common beverage served at afternoon tea, but coffee and champagne are also popular choices.
Afternoon tea is a great way to spend time with friends or family. It is also a perfect opportunity to catch up on some reading or just relax and enjoy the moment.
Whether you are enjoying afternoon tea at home or at a teahouse, it is sure to be a special experience.
When in Canada, you must stop at a Fairmont hotel or a lovely English tea house for an amazing afternoon tea experience.
The Empress Hotel: A classic spot, and the best afternoon tea in Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for the best afternoon tea in Victoria BC, look no further than the Fairmont Empress. This iconic hotel is known for its luxurious setting and stunning views of the city, and its afternoon tea is no exception.
The Fairmont Empress offers a traditional afternoon tea service that includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of pastries and sweets.
The tea menu features a wide selection of teas from around the world (21 to be exact), including some rare and specialty blends.
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress is an experience not to be missed. Make sure to make a reservation in advance, as it is a very popular spot.
- Location: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5 (in the heart of the city)
- Afternoon tea hours: Daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Price: Starts at $89 CAD for adults
The Butchart Gardens: A beautiful setting for enjoying afternoon tea
Set in stunning gardens, the tea house at The Butchart Gardens offers a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy afternoon tea.
The tea menu features a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, as well as a wide variety of teas.
They offer a variety of dietary teas including Gluten Free, Dairy Sensitive, Vegetarian, and Vegan.
Their Dining Room Restaurant is open daily for Afternoon Tea, from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended for here as well.
In order to visit this tea room, you have to get to the Butchart Gardens and of course, pay to access The Dining Room.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a peaceful afternoon tea experience, Butchart Gardens is the perfect spot.
- Location: The Dinning Room at Butchart Gardens. 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8
- Afternoon tea hours: Daily from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
- Price: Starts at $45 CAD for adults
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden: A popular spot for both traditional and contemporary afternoon tea
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden is one of the popular tea houses in Victoria. They offer afternoon tea experience in an idyllic environment, with an amazing culinary experience to remember.
One of the main drawing points of the Tea House is their seasonal food menu and special events that showcases regional or Abkhazi Garden-grown produce.
Special events include weddings, Mother’s Day teas, bridal showers, baby showers, graduations, anniversaries and more. They also organize a Prince and Princess Tea for young guests.
- Location: 1964 Fairfield Rd. Victoria, BC Canada V8S 1H4
- Afternoon tea hours: Daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (April 1 – August 31). From September 1 – March 31, they are open Wednesdays through Sunday
- Price: Starts at $54 CAD
Pendray Tea House: A unique British Tea Experience
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon tea experience, the Pendray Tea House is a great option. This charming tea house is set in a Victorian style inn, and it offers a selection of both traditional and contemporary teas.
Afternoon Teas at the Pendray Tea House will provide you with a unique British experience.
The magnificent historic Pendray Inn and Tea House (previously Gatsby Mansion), is located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour and offers amazing views of the same.
You can enjoy your tea from the charming tea room or on the outdoor patio watching water taxis and ships come and go!
The Afternoon Tea menu also features a variety of assorted sweets, breads and small sandwiches.
The Tea House is located at the Huntingdon Manor Hotel complex, so you can also book your stay nearby, if interested.
- Location: 309 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1X2 (heart of the city)
- Afternoon tea hours: Open Fridays to Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Price: Classic afternoon tea starts at $62 CAD
White Heather Tea Room: Afternoon tea experience in Oak Bay
Located in the Oak Bay neighborhood is the White Heather Tea Room. They offer both dine-in and takeaway options for their delicious tea and sandwiches.
They offer classic afternoon teas along with gluten free options, plus a classic three-tiered platter with sweet treats and finger sandwiches.
Signature Muckle Tea is a popular choice at this Tea Room.
- Location: 1885 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 1C6
- Afternoon tea hours: 2 seatings per day. 11:30 / 11:45 am & 1:30 / 1:45 pm
- Price: Starts at $76 CAD
Rudi’s Tea Room at the Government House: Tea experience on a historic site
Enjoy a nice cuppa of tea, with light lunch, and refreshments at Rudi’s Tea Room. This classic tea room is located on the grounds of Government House, which is a National Historic Site.
It is housed inside the Butterworth Cottage, which is one of the 19th century buildings on site.
The Tea Room is named after Rudolph (Rudi) Hoenson – a philanthropist and longtime supporter of Government House. Here you can pair your tea with fresh local produce including Government House garden vegetables and honey from their bee hives.
Note that the dining room will not be open for the 2022 season, but tea packages are available for take out. You can enjoy an afternoon tea at a picnic table on the grounds of Government House.
- Location: 1401 Rockland Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 1V9 (Government House)
- Price: Start at $60 CAD per person
Silk Road Tea (store)
Although not a tea room, you can enjoy Silk Road Tea in various places in Victoria British Columbia such as Aura at Inn at Laurel Point, Hotel Grand Pacific, Abkhazi Garden Tea House and Point Ellice Tea House.
We are making a special mention of this spot as you can pack some nice tea, and do your very own afternoon tea ritual at home when you return from Canada’s west coast!
More travel tips for a wonderful afternoon tea experience in Victoria BC
Afternoon tea is generally served around 3 or 4 p.m. these days. Some tea houses might be open from 11:00 am onwards. We recommend checking individual businesses for hours. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Empress Hotel suggests refraining from wearing hats. And no tank tops, beach wear, or athleisure are permitted. (Plus no flip-flops or barefoot).
I recommend wearing a nice dress, or a flowy blouse with a nice pair of shoes.
Sit gently. Don’t forget to place your napkin on your lap, sip and enjoy!
More British Columbia Travel Guides below
Pin: Best Afternoon Tea in Victoria BC Canada
