With International Tea Day on May 20 approaching, plan a visit to Victoria, British Columbia, to enjoy its long-standing tea traditions. Since the 1840s, when the British introduced formal tea service, afternoon and high tea have been an integral part of Victoria’s social life. Today the city offers many refined venues where both locals and visitors can savor tea year-round, making May 20 a perfect occasion to celebrate.
Pendray Inn and Tea House © Courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria
Pendray Tea House
Housed within the historic Pendray Inn overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Pendray Tea House blends classic afternoon tea with scenic waterfront views. Their selection includes savory items such as smoked salmon with capers and a Maple Leaf chicken with spinach on a ricotta roll, balanced by sweet offerings like white chocolate lavender scones. Pendray pairs these dishes with a curated tea menu that features premium blends, regional West Coast varieties, vegan options, and a children’s tea service for younger guests.
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
Set in the tranquil Abkhazi Garden, The Teahouse emphasizes seasonal menus that highlight garden-grown produce and local flavors. The spring high tea is a composed four-course experience, with items such as petite latke topped with crème fraîche and spring onion, organic tarragon egg salad on marbled rye, and freshly baked scones. Pastry selections often showcase delicate flavor pairings—Earl Grey with elderflower, lavender madeleines, and inventive fruit truffles—accompanied by a thoughtful selection of loose-leaf teas sourced from Victoria’s top tea purveyors.
Fairmont Empress © Courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria
Fairmont Empress
The Fairmont Empress is a landmark venue renowned for its elegant tea service in the Lobby Lounge, drawing almost 100,000 guests each year. Favored by visitors of distinction, the Empress experience combines traditional full tea service with live classical piano music. The hotel serves a proprietary “Empress blend” of seasonal loose-leaf teas created especially for the property, and the menu often includes refined bites such as smoked Pacific sockeye salmon and delicate jasmine tea tarts.
White Heather Tea Room
Nestled in Oak Bay, White Heather Tea Room offers afternoon tea in three sizes to suit different occasions. The signature Big Muckle service presents four courses with 13 bites, including amuse-bouche, freshly baked scones, finger hors d’oeuvres and tea sandwiches. For smaller gatherings, the Not-So-Wee Tea provides three courses with 11 selections, while the Wee Tea offers three courses with eight thoughtfully prepared items. Each set emphasizes traditional flavors and home-style presentation.
Butchart Gardens © Courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria
The Butchart Gardens
The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens offers an afternoon tea experience set against the backdrop of one of Victoria’s most famous garden landscapes. Menus typically include classic items such as English trifle, house-baked scones, farm-fresh egg preparations, albacore tuna, and signature sausage rolls. Tea lovers can choose from up to nine different loose-leaf varieties, including a special centennial blend, and desserts often feature seasonal flavors like raspberry pistachio truffle and moist carrot cake.
Whether you prefer a grand hotel service, a cozy garden teahouse, or a traditional local tearoom, Victoria’s tea scene provides a range of authentic experiences. Plan ahead for reservations, especially around International Tea Day, and enjoy the city’s enduring tea culture and its emphasis on seasonal, locally influenced ingredients.