Best Places to Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Canada

The British definitely got it right with Afternoon Tea. For starters, they nailed the sweet spot (literally) in the late afternoon when the first pangs of hunger start to grumble in your stomach, and desserts never tasted so good. But they didn’t just serve up a tart or a bit of biscuit to dunk in their cuppas, they did it up right with a lovely mixture of both savoury and sweet delights, attractively presented and served with their best china and tableware. Thankfully, our own Commonwealth history means that although afternoon tea in Canada may not be an everyday occurrence, there are plenty of locations across the country where you can indulge in this decadent tradition. I’m making it a mission to experience afternoon tea everywhere I can, and in doing so, add to this ever-expanding list of where you can enjoy this most civilized way to snack, and what makes each location unique. (You can help, too: if you have a suggestion for your favourite place to enjoy Afternoon Tea in Canada, just make a note in the comments and I’ll add your place to the list below!)

Table of Contents Show

Whose Idea Was Afternoon Tea Anyways?

Without going into a lengthy history of the origins of Afternoon Tea, let’s just say that we have one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting to thank for the idea. Anna Maria Russell, aka the Duchess of Bedford, is credited with coming up with the idea of bridging the increasingly lengthy gap between lunch and dinner with a request for tea, bread, butter and cake to be served in the late afternoon. That was somewhere around 1840, and not surprisingly the idea became an instant hit with the upper classes, soon spreading across Britain and the British Empire, in fact. Kudos to you, Anna Maria, for a brilliant idea!

Duchess Anna Maria Russell & a Victorian Afternoon Tea *Public Domain USA — Duchess Anna Maria Russell invented Afternoon Tea *Public Domain USA

Afternoon Tea vs High Tea

Very, very different beasties, these two teatimes. Afternoon Tea is characterized by its elegant little nibbles, including tea sandwiches and mini-cakes served up in the mid-late afternoon, often in the parlour on coffee tables. High Tea, on the other hand, is more like a light supper that is offered in the early evening and includes much more substantial dishes with meat, fish and egg, served at a higher (hence the name) dining table. And now you know.

Afternoon Tea in ONTARIO

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario: Prince of Wales Hotel Price: $$

The Prince of Wales Hotel is probably my all-time favourite destination for Afternoon Tea in Ontario for several reasons, the first one of which is the absolutely picture-perfect town of Niagara-on-the-Lake itself. Between the historic buildings, charming main street boutiques and plethora of planters and window boxes literally dripping with gorgeous flowers, it doesn’t get any more garden tea party-like than this. The Prince of Wales hotel and its Drawing Room are equally picturesque, and their use of elegant bone china only adds to the English authenticity (as in the $300 teapot type of china). It also doesn’t hurt that you can add a selection of Canadian cheeses to your Tea, and/or some champagne or cocktails. This is Wine Country, after all.

The Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake — The Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake serves Afternoon Tea in their Drawing Room

Afternoon Tea Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara on the Lake — Afternoon Tea goodies at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario: McFarland House Price: $

Venture a few kilometres south of the hustle and bustle of Main Street Niagara-on-the Lake and you will find the historic McFarland House, one of Niagara Parks’ historic sites located on the Niagara River Parkway. Dating back to 1800, this Georgian style home is one of the oldest surviving structures in the region, having survived the War of 1812 when it was used as a hospital. Here, Afternoon Tea is served by waitstaff dressed in period costumes in the glassed-in Conservatory, a bright and airy room with views overlooking the beautiful treed property. And naturally, all the goodies are home made in-house with locally sourced Niagara ingredients and products, just like they would have been back in the day.

McFarland House Niagara Parks — McFarland House is one of the oldest buildings in the Niagara region

Conservatory McFarland House — The Conservatory at McFarland House functions as the sunny Tea Room

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario: Savoy Room in Cafe Garibaldi Price: $

The Savoy Room offers an affordable and generous Afternoon Tea, with an emphasis on tradition from the decor of the room itself to the bone china plates, pots and creamers that they use. In fact, owner Agostino Vivani is a bit of a vintage china collector who actually makes his own tiered towers by drilling holes in china plates and dishes that he sources at various thrift stores and garage sales and threading them onto their supports. The eclectic china pieces are as varied as the treats that rest on them. You can also rest assured that if there is any significant event regarding the British Monarchy happening, there will be a special Tea Event held here to celebrate! Bring your fascinator.

Savoy Room St Catharines Afternoon tea room decor — The Savoy Room revels in the traditional

Savoy Room Afternoon Tea — The Savoy Room serves a very generous Afternoon Tea selection

OTTAWA, Ontario: Chateau Laurier Price $$$

The Great Railway Hotels in Canada (almost all exclusively under the Fairmont Banner today) can always be counted on to do a consistently good Afternoon Tea, including the traditional must-haves like proper scones and cucumber sandwiches. The Chateau Laurier in Ottawa is no exception, but they also embrace opportunities to vary that menu on special occasions. One of these was the 150th birthday celebration of Canada, when they served up some distinctly Canadian flavours and treats (think Nanaimo bars, blueberries and maple syrup for example).

Chateau Laurier day — The Chateau Laurier is one of Canada’s luxury ‘railway hotels’ who serve Afternoon Tea

Come for the tea, but also the history, as this particular hotel offers its own self-guided tour of its more stories rooms and details.

Ottawa made in Canada Afternoon Tea Chatea — “Made in Canada” flavours at Afternoon Tea in the Château Laurier

SHAKESPEARE, Ontario: Harry Ten Shilling Price $

With a name like Harry Ten Shilling in a town called Shakespeare, I can’t think of a more appropriate place to enjoy Afternoon Tea in Ontario. The cafe itself is as welcoming and eclectic as the rest of the main street of this small village in rural Ontario, and the tea and goodies served here are delicious. Make this part of a day trip to explore the Perth County region, because when you are done with your tea, you’ll definitely want to hit up the antique stores in the town and maybe find your own tea service or some other treasures to bring home.

Afternoon Tea Harry 10 Shilling Perth County — Afternoon Tea is served any time at Harry 10 Shilling’s

Afternoon Tea Harry 10 Shilling — Afternoon Tea at Harry 10 Shilling, Shakespeare

COLLINGWOOD, Ontario Katherine’s Chateau Price: $

Collingwood may be known for its ski hills and winter après ski activities, but Afternoon Tea at Katherine’s Chateau bistro/boutique is wonderful during any season. In fact, the Chateau changes up its decor and its merchandise seasonally so visitors have an excuse to come by often and shop a little, or sip a little in the refined ambiance of its restaurant. Like the name suggests, the Chateau feels very French, but its Afternoon Tea selections include everything you would expect like British tea sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jams. (well, maybe the odd French macaron makes it way onto the tray, too, which is never a bad thing). Beautifully curated home decor plus Afternoon Tea under the same roof? That’s my idea of killing two birds with one stone.

Katherine's Chateau afternoon tea — Afternoon Tea is just one way to ‘après’ in Collingwood

Katherine's Chateau tea cup — Katherine’s Chateau where you can shop and sip under one roof

TORONTO, The Windsor Arms Price: $$-$$$ (weekdays are less expensive than weekends)

With the history and name behind the Windsor Arms, it’s no surprise they do a wonderful traditional British Afternoon Tea. (I mean, the name ‘Windsor’ alone should be a good indication!) The hotel itself is luxuriously old-school in the best possible way when it comes to its architecture, refined decor and service and the same holds true for its Afternoon Tea where the calibre of sweet and savoury treats matches the quality of their bone china. Always a wonderful choice for a special occasion, or a Mother’s Day treat, Tea here is one of the best in Toronto.

Windsor Arms afternoon tea from website — Real men do afternoon tea, too! *Photo from Windsor Arms website

Windsor Arms Tea Room *photo Open Table — The Windsor Arms does afternoon tea the way it should be done.

Afternoon Tea in BRITISH COLUMBIA

VICTORIA, British Columbia: Butchart Gardens Price: $$$ (price reflects entrance fee to Gardens which is required)

It’s no surprise that the provincial capital of British Columbia would do Afternoon Tea very well. But Butchart Gardens in Victoria does Afternoon Tea very, very well. As a destination, Butchart Gardens is stunning in its own right, once a former quarry that is now recognized as one of Canada’s – and the world’s – most beautiful gardens, A visit to this gorgeous location is the perfect excuse to indulge in a proper tea before or afterwards as well. Besides the delicious goodies served on the trays, Butchart Gardens also offers signature tea blends served in your cup, which are available for you to purchase as well, so you can remind yourself of this experience when you return home. Given its location, this may be one of the best places to indulge in Afternoon Tea in Canada, so if you get the chance, definitely put this on your Afternoon Tea bucket list.

NOTE: Admission to Butchart Gardens is required to make a reservation in the Dining Room for Tea. But honestly, why wouldn’t you want to visit the Gardens too?

Butchart Gardens Italian Garden — The Italian Garden at Butchart Gardens was the former tennis court for the family.

Butchart Gardens Afternoon Tea — Afternoon Tea is a delicious tradition at Butchart Gardens. *Photo courtesy Butchart Gardens

VICTORIA, British Columbia: The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden Price: $$

Speaking of gardens, another very different option for Afternoon Tea in Victoria is at The Teahouse at Abkhazi Gardens. While this garden may not be as well known as Butchart, there is a romantic backstory here about the owners of this estate: an exiled Russian prince (Nicholas Abkhazi) and his Shanghai-born wife Peggy Pemberton-Carter both endured tragic young lives marred by war and revolution, before meeting each other, marrying and settling down in Victoria. Their gardens were their passion, and today visitors can visit these beautiful grounds and enjoy afternoon tea in a minimalist, zen space in their former residence. The tea is not minimalist, however, with 3 generous tiers of sweet and savoury delights.

Afternoon Tea in ALBERTA

BANFF/LAKE LOUISE, Alberta: Chateau Lake Louise Price: $$$

Alberta has no shortage of historic properties in iconic locations, one of the most famous being the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Sitting on the shores of one of Canada’s most spectacular glacier lakes in Banff National Park, this property is the definition of ‘luxury in the wilderness’, and their Afternoon Tea is just another example of this level of refinement. The visual presentation of their sweet and savoury bites is colourful and sophisticated, the service is attentive and friendly, and if there’s a special occasion happening, the Fairmont finds ways to acknowledge that as well. Of course, the cherry on top here is the view and if you are lucky enough to get a table in front of one of the arched windows, your Afternoon Tea will definitely be one for the bucket list.

Chateau Lake Louise afternoon tea with chocolate message — If it’s a special occasion, the Chateau Lake Louise adds a little something extra to their tea!

Chateau Lake Louise view from Dining Room — Afternoon Tea with a UNESCO-worthy view

WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, Alberta: Prince of Wales Hotel Price: $$

Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park is all about the views as well, and a visit to this Park at the extreme south end of Alberta is well worth the drive. This mountain town may be a fraction of the size of its bigger neighbours in Banff and Jasper, but the views are anything but small. Which is why tea at the Prince of Wales hotel (yes, another hotel named after the British Prince!) is a must-do here. The hotel sits on a beautiful grassy bluff with stellar views overlooking the length of Waterton Lake. As tearooms go, this one may not have the same finesse in its finger foods as some other options, but here it’s all about the location, location, location. (Well, that and the kilts on all the male staff, even the parking lot attendant!)