Craving an elegant tea experience in the charming city of Victoria? Victoria, BC, offers a delightful selection of high tea spots that’ll satisfy any tea lover’s cravings. From historic hotel lounges to cozy tea rooms, here are the best high tea spots in Victoria, along with tips on what makes each one unique.
Top 10 Places for High Tea in Victoria, BC
- Tea at The Empress
- Pendray Inn and Tea House
- The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
- White Heather Tea Room
- Fairmont Empress
- Murchie's Fine Tea & Coffee - Victoria
- The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom
- Just Matcha Tea Shop
- Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
1. Tea at The Empress
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 389-2727
Website: www.teaattheempress.com
Address: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Sophisticated elegance with a touch of history
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Reservations & Takeout: Available
Tea at The Empress is a quintessential Victoria experience. Located in the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel, this high tea has been served since 1908 on fine china in a luxurious setting. Enjoy traditional tea with pastries, finger sandwiches, and, of course, the famous Empress blend tea. This place is perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in some history and luxury.
2. Pendray Inn and Tea House
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 388-3892
Website: www.pendrayinnandteahouse.com
Address: 309 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8V 1X2, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Victorian charm with harbor views
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Reservations, Curbside Pickup & Delivery: Available
Nestled in a Victorian B&B, the Pendray Inn and Tea House offers a cozy yet elegant tea experience. With stunning harbor views and a menu filled with classic tea offerings, this spot feels like a peaceful escape. Choose from a variety of teas to go along with your selection of savory and sweet bites. Whether you're inside the quaint tearoom or on the patio overlooking the harbor, this experience feels like stepping back in time.
3. The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
Contact Details
Phone: (778) 265-6466
Website: www.abkhaziteahouse.com
Address: 1964 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC V8S 1H2, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Serene garden vibes
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Reservations & Takeout: Available
Enjoy tea surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens at The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden. This “expensive” high tea experience is all about ambiance, with a peaceful garden setting and refined service. Sip on your tea as you take in the views, and taste the carefully crafted treats made to complement the surroundings. It’s a beautiful way to spend a relaxing afternoon in nature.
4. White Heather Tea Room
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 595-8020
Website: www.whiteheather-tearoom.com
Address: 1885 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 1C6, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Cozy and inviting with a friendly vibe
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Reservations & Takeout: Available
White Heather Tea Room has won over locals and tourists alike with its large selection of teas and hearty servings. Known for its “Big Muckle” tea tray loaded with goodies, this moderately priced tea room offers a more relaxed but equally delightful tea experience. Perfect for both tea novices and seasoned enthusiasts, White Heather is the spot if you’re looking for comfort and quality.
5. Fairmont Empress
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 384-8111
Website: www.fairmont.com
Address: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
- Atmosphere: Historic and grand
- Seating Options: Indoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Reservations: Available
For those looking to extend their experience, the Fairmont Empress Hotel offers upscale accommodations along with its famous tea service. The hotel is an icon in Victoria, dating back to 1908, with luxurious rooms, a spa, and an indoor pool. Why not make a full day of it by staying at this majestic hotel?
6. Murchie's Fine Tea & Coffee - Victoria
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 383-3112
Website: www.murchies.com
Address: 1110 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Classic and historic
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Takeout: Available
Murchie’s Fine Tea & Coffee has been around for over a century, offering a blend of high-quality teas and coffees. This moderately priced spot is known for its casual vibe, making it perfect for a relaxed tea experience. With a range of teas to choose from, plus pastries and other treats, Murchie’s offers a taste of tradition without the formality of a sit-down tea service.
7. The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 590-3155
Website: www.oaksrestaurant.ca
Address: 2250 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 1E2, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Casual with rustic decor
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Reservations & Takeout: Available
The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom serves Canadian comfort food alongside its high tea offerings. With a cozy, casual vibe, this moderately priced spot is perfect if you’re in the mood for both hearty fare and delicate tea treats. This is the place to unwind and enjoy a relaxed tea service without all the frills.
8. Just Matcha Tea Shop
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 813-2456
Website: www.justmatchateashop.com
Address: 544 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 1N6, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Modern matcha-focused
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Curbside Pickup, Delivery & Takeout: Available
Love matcha? Just Matcha Tea Shop is a haven for matcha enthusiasts, offering a selection of matcha drinks and treats. It’s a refreshing change from traditional high tea, with a focus on vibrant, green matcha flavors. Stop by for a unique tea experience that’s both modern and delicious.
9. Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Contact Details
Phone: (250) 384-8111
Website: www.qattheempress.com
Address: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Atmosphere: Upscale with a focus on local ingredients
- Seating Options: Indoor and outdoor
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
- Reservations & Takeout: Available
Q at the Empress is an elevated dining spot in the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Known for its locally sourced ingredients and globally-inspired dishes, this spot is perfect if you’re looking for a special meal along with your tea. While not a traditional tea room, it offers a luxurious experience for foodies.
Choosing the Right Tea Room for You
With 9 excellent tea rooms, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Tea Room | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea at The Empress | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes | - |
| Pendray Inn and Tea House | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes | - |
| The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes | Expensive |
| White Heather Tea Room | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes | Moderate |
| Fairmont Empress | - | - | - | Accessible | Yes | - |
| Murchie's Fine Tea & Coffee - Victoria | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | - | Moderate |
| The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes | Moderate |
| Just Matcha Tea Shop | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | - | - |
| Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes | - |
FAQs
Where can I find the most historic high tea in Victoria?
For a taste of history, Tea at The Empress is the best choice. It’s been a part of Victoria’s charm since 1908.
Is there a place for casual high tea in Victoria?
Yes! White Heather Tea Room and The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom both offer more relaxed atmospheres.
What’s a good spot for matcha lovers?
Head over to Just Matcha Tea Shop if you’re all about that matcha vibe.
Do any of these tea spots offer outdoor seating?
Most do! Check out Tea at The Empress, Pendray Inn, The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden, and others for both indoor and outdoor seating options.
With its blend of tradition, history, and modern flair, Victoria, BC, is a dream for tea lovers. Whether you’re after a luxurious experience, a cozy hideaway, or something a little different, these top spots offer something for everyone.
