Where to find afternoon tea in Victoria

As the home of Canada’s oldest tea company, Victoria has a long history associated with tea, one that continues to this day as the hot beverage continues to maintain mass popularity across the city. 

A traditional staple of this consumption has been afternoon tea, which has been available at Victoria institutions for over a century. A hot pot of tea is served alongside a tiered platter filled with handheld sweet and savoury bites to eat.  

In honour of this favourite pastime, we have compiled a selection of some of the very best places across the city to enjoy beautiful treats and a hot cuppa in a relaxing ambiance. 

Piggy and Paisley

Located in James Bay, Piggy and Paisley serves afternoon tea in a colourful atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends. The tea room offers two afternoon tea options that are available for up to five people. Its Afternoon Cream Tea features house-made scones with clotted cream and preserves as well as fresh fruit and a pot of tea. Its Afternoon 3 Tiered Festive Tea is served on the classic tiered trays and includes scones and tea alongside savoury sandwiches and mini desserts. A range of premium teas are available to choose from. Reservations are recommended.   

Address: 143 Menzies St., Victoria
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-5pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am-8pm 

White Heather Tea Room

White Heather Tea Room in Oak Bay serves up four afternoon tea options in a cozy environment. Its Wee Tee offers a smaller serving of treats and includes scones with housemade preserves, tea sandwiches, and mini desserts. Its Not-So-Wee-Tea adds on mini quiches and mini savoury sconewiches. Its classic afternoon tea the Big Muckle adds savoury finger hors d’oeuvres as well as smoked salmon and cream cheese mini sconewiches. A gluten-free option is also available. Each selection can be served with either tea or coffee. Reservations are highly recommended.  

Address: 1885 Oak Bay Ave., Victoria
Hours: Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, 11:30am-3pm; Saturday, 11:30am-5pm

Tea at The Empress

Tea at The Empress has been available at the historic hotel since 1908, showing that it knows how to do afternoon tea right. The hotel even has its own signature blend made by the Metropolitan Tea Company that combines Assam, Ceylon, Kenya, South India, and China teas. Its afternoon tea features classic sandwiches like English cucumber and smoked salmon as well as raisin scones and mini desserts like macarons and madeleines. Champagne can be added to the experience for an additional fee. A Prince and Princess Tea is also available for children wanting to participate. It includes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well as cupcakes and cake pops.  

Address: 721 Government St., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-4pm

Pendray Tea House

Pendray Tea House in the Pendray Inn offers afternoon tea in a bright welcoming historic space by the harbour. The tea room serves tea from local businesses Silk Road Tea and Westholme Tea Company in china tea cups. Its West Coast Afternoon Tea features savoury sandwiches with seafood while its Winter Afternoon Tea features sandwiches with turkey and bacon options. Both options include fresh London Fog and white chocolate pumpkin scones as well as pastries. A vegan afternoon tea option is also available and gluten-free substitutions can be made. A Children’s Tea option features grilled cheeses and brownies.    

Address: 309 Belleville St., Victoria
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm

The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden

Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden at The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden, featuring seasonal menus and locally-grown ingredients. The tea room serves Silk Road loose leaf teas. Its classic afternoon tea includes sandwiches like cucumber arugula and egg salad as well as quiche, ham and cheddar croissants, and smoked salmon profiteroles. Currant scones are served with preserves and house-made clotted cream alongside a selection of desserts. Gluten-free options are available. 

Address: 1964 Fairfield Rd., Victoria
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm