The tradition of afternoon tea in Victoria, British Columbia has its roots in the city’s rich history and British influence. The practice can be traced back to the late 19th century when Victoria served as a bustling hub for the British Empire in North America. As the city grew and flourished, its cosmopolitan atmosphere attracted residents and visitors from various backgrounds. British settlers brought with them the cherished tradition of afternoon tea, which soon became an integral part of Victoria’s cultural fabric. Today, afternoon tea continues to be a beloved tradition in Victoria, complete with a selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of sweet treats
Where to Have Afternoon & High Tea in Victoria
Fairmont Empress
The Fairmont Empress has been offering elegant afternoon tea for over 100 years. It is one of the must-do things for any visitor to Victoria. It is so popular, it serves freshly prepared scones and tea pastries to over 80,000 guests per year. During the summer months, Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, serves Afternoon Tea to more guests than most hotels in London, England. More than 400 people per day come to enjoy a tradition that commenced when the hotel opened on January 20, 1908.
Tea at the Empress also caters to children. Children 5 to 12 are invited to join in afternoon tea as well. Children under 12 are $52 per person.
Dates & Times: Daily from 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: 721 Government Street, Victoria BC
Reservations: Call +2503892727 or email emp.diningres@fairmont.com (highly recommended)
Hotel Booking: Online here
Government House – Cary Castle Mews & Tea Room
Rudi’s Tea Room is located in Butterworth Cottage, one of the original 19th-century buildings on the Government House estate that make up the Cary Castle Mews. Rudi’s Tea Room offers lunch, sweets, and refreshments, with products sourced as close by as the Government House vegetable gardens, fruit trees and bee hives
Hours and Times: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am – 3:00pm. (May 23 to September 1, 2023)
Reservations: +12508584417 (only available for groups of 10 or more)
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden offers afternoon tea in Victoria with a beautiful setting, giving guests a memory to cherish. Seasonal menus showcase regional or Abkhazi Garden-grown produce, complementing the garden’s appearance when it is in bloom.
Festive seasonal events are what make the Teahouse a popular place for afternoon tea in Victoria. Visit for spring tea (April 1st-May 12th), Mother’s Day Tea (May 13th-14th), festive Christmas High Tea (Nov 25th-Dec 31st)
Price: Royal Abkhazi High Tea $65.00 per person, Afternoon Tea $54.00 per person, Elevenses $28.00 per person
Location: 1964 Fairfield Rd, Victoria
Hours and Times: Daily April 1 through August 31 (11am–5pm) September 1 through March 31 Wed–Sun (11am–4pm)
Pendray Inn and Tea House
With its rich wood accents, original stained glass windows, and antique furnishings, the Pendray Tea House is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea in Victoria.
Hours and Dates: Mon – Thu: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Fri – Sun: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Reservations are highly recommended.
Prices: $62.00 per person, Children’s Tea $24.00
Location: 309 Belleville St, Victoria
Hotel Booking: Online here
Butchart Gardens
Make your visit to Butchart Gardens unforgettable with High Tea in the Dining Room restaurant. For those who only have one day in Victoria this might be the best way to see the gardens and enjoy high tea. Note that admission to Butchart Gardens is required in order to dine in the Dining Room Restaurant.
Prices: $49.50 per person. Children under 12 $29.95
Dates and Times: Daily from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm.
Reservations: Call +12506528222 Reservations are highly recommended.
Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay BC
Murchie’s Tea & Coffee
Murchie’s Tea and Coffee is one of the best places to get iconic Victoria souvenirs. Since 1894, Murchie’s has been importing and blending the finest quality teas. While not traditional high tea in Victoria, for those who want to bring some tea home, it is worth stopping into Murchie’s
Cafe Hours: Monday-Saturdays 7:30am-6:00pm, Sundays 8am-6pm
Location: 1110 Government St, Victoria
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!