1. The Fairmont Empress<\/span><\/h2>\nA tradition for more than a century, tea at the Fairmont Empress<\/a><\/u> is a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest (a whopping 500,000<\/strong> cups of tea are poured each year<\/em>). Pop into the iconic, elegantly renovated building and cozy up on the plush couches for a comforting cup of tea<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\nCrack open the beautiful wooden menu and peek into the tiny glass window panes to pick from one of the 21 loose-leaf teas available for your sipping pleasure. By the time your tea has finished steeping, you\u2019ll be ready to dive into the accompanying eats fit for a queen (after all, the Empress is the only place in town that has played host to Queen Elizabeth II herself<\/em>).<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong> Save room for the fresh, house-made scones. Topped with preserves made from local berries and lavender grown in the hotel\u2019s rooftop garden, they will transport you to foodie heaven.<\/p>\n![\"Indulge]()
Indulge in exquisite tea at the Fairmont Empress. Credit: The Fairmont Empress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n2. The Butchart Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\nAcres of vibrant plants combined with an exquisite afternoon tea<\/a> make The Butchart Gardens<\/a> (NOTE: FRS Clipper <\/em>Butchart Gardens Day Trips<\/em> also available!<\/em>) a must-visit spot on a Victorian tea tour. While it is about a century too late be one of Jennie Butchart\u2019s thousands of personally-served guests, tea in the airy and bright Dining Room Restaurant<\/a> offers the perfect spot for a short break before continuing your exploration of The Gardens.<\/p>\nSip on a cup of the popular 100th<\/sup> Anniversary Tea (a blend of Darjeeling and black Hunan and green gunpowder tea<\/em>), and gaze out the window on what was Jennie\u2019s private garden to get a taste of what it might have been like to dine out on the lawn in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n![\"Feast]()
Feast on three-tiers of tasty eats while being surrounded by a variety of gorgeous blooms. Credit: The Butchart Gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n3. Pendray Teahouse<\/span><\/h2>\nA less than two-minute stroll across the street from FRS Clipper\u2019s Victoria terminal will land you at the Pendray Inn’s stunning, 1890 heritage property (A little insider tip: look up to catch sight of original frescos painted on the ceilings of some of the rooms)<\/em>.<\/p>\nDuck inside the quaint Pendray Teahouse<\/a> to sample the West Coast Tea for seafood-focused treats or feast on the Traditional Afternoon Tea. You\u2019ll have your cake and eat it too with an overflowing lineup of locally-produced goodies, such as salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches and macarons.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong> Sample TWG Tea\u2019s signature 1837 Black Tea. A unique blend of black tea with fruit and floral notes, it is an instant classic. (Inside tip: The Pendray teahouse is the only spot on Vancouver Island where you can get these amazing teas imported from Singapore.)<\/em> Marry your tea with the fantastic pumpkin spice scones found on the seasonal winter tea menu (available each November)<\/em> and you have the perfect wintertime pairing.<\/p>\n![\"Afternoon]()
Afternoon tea is a white cloth experience inside the historic Huntingdon Manor Hotel. Credit: Scott Meis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n4. Silk Road Tea<\/span><\/h2>\nSituated at the gateway of Victoria\u2019s historic Chinatown, Silk Road Tea<\/a> provides a portal into the vast world of tea. With a fresh aesthetic and a relaxed vibe, the shop contains a wealth of all things tea. An impressive variety of locally grown and blended tea selections are sure to please novices well as avid tea enthusiasts.<\/p>\nStop by the tea tasting bar and sip your way through a few tea varieties. After experiencing the different flavor profiles, finish by selecting your own perfect blend. Be sure not to miss the shop\u2019s mouth-watering tea and chocolate pairings. Brush up on your tea education with one of Silk Road\u2019s fabulous workshops and learn how to create everything from tea cocktails to tea slushies.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Miss:<\/strong>\u00a0According to owner Daniela Cubelic, \u201cThe coziest of fall flavors can be found in Snow Apple Spice Tea<\/a>. This seasonal release pairs sweet harvest apples with warming spices, sweet vanilla and hearty, yet smooth black tea. The tea is absolutely delicious on its own, but you can also easily transform it into a cocktail or an easy, instant dessert idea.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Sample]()
Sample a flight of rare and exotic teas literally worth their weight in gold. Credit: Silk Road Tea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n5. Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden<\/span><\/h2>\nTucked into the lush, one-acre Abkhazi Garden, the teahouse<\/a> of the same name is one of Victoria\u2019s best-kept secrets. The intimate spot serves up some of the most delicious afternoon teas in the city. A selection of Silk Road\u2019s<\/a> fine loose-leaf tea pairs perfectly with an array of treats created with regional or Abkahazi grown produce.<\/p>\nDesigned to complement the appearance of the plants and flowers blooming in the garden, the menu changes depending on the season. Settle into a chair and soak in views of majestic trees and dynamic plantings from inside the cozy teahouse. A romantic and inspiring spot<\/a><\/u>, there\u2019s no sweeter place to get your tea fix.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong>\u00a0 Want just a light snack? Stop by for elevenses, a sampling of a scone and two tea sandwiches along with your tea!<\/p>\n![\"Cuddle]()
Cuddle up with a warm cup of tea as you stare out on the stunning Abkhazi Gardens. Credit: Scott McDonald<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n6. White Heather Tea Room<\/span><\/h2>\nA trip to BC\u2019s capital city wouldn\u2019t be complete without indulging in as much tea as possible, am I right? Follow the Victoria tea trail to the White Heather Tea Room<\/a> in Oak Bay. This off the beaten path eatery offers up a tremendous afternoon tea service, with a classic three-tiered platter overflowing with savory finger sandwiches and sweet pastries. You\u2019ll leave with a full tummy and have enough leftover treats for a snack later.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong>\u00a0Hungry? Feast on \u201cthe Big Muckle Giant Tea for Two.\u201d Boasting a fruit cup, sandwiches, a sconewich, mini quiche, a special savory treat of the day and no shortage of fresh baked goodies, this three-tiered tray of treats will satisfy the biggest appetites.<\/p>\n![\"Sip]()
Sip tea out of perfectly patterned china at the White Heather Tea Room. Credit: Michelle Grimord Eggers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nVictoria takes its tea seriously, but how you take yours is up to you. Discover the hidden gems of the tea scene inside the city\u2019s downtown core, sip a comforting cuppa while gazing out at a spectacular harbor or garden views or cozy up in a historic building to be served on china fit for a queen. No matter how you chose to enjoy your brew, you are sure to feel like royalty.<\/p>\n
Feature\u00a0Photo: Lucas Anderson<\/em><\/p>\n
Crack open the beautiful wooden menu and peek into the tiny glass window panes to pick from one of the 21 loose-leaf teas available for your sipping pleasure. By the time your tea has finished steeping, you\u2019ll be ready to dive into the accompanying eats fit for a queen (after all, the Empress is the only place in town that has played host to Queen Elizabeth II herself<\/em>).<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Miss:<\/strong> Save room for the fresh, house-made scones. Topped with preserves made from local berries and lavender grown in the hotel\u2019s rooftop garden, they will transport you to foodie heaven.<\/p>\n Acres of vibrant plants combined with an exquisite afternoon tea<\/a> make The Butchart Gardens<\/a> (NOTE: FRS Clipper <\/em>Butchart Gardens Day Trips<\/em> also available!<\/em>) a must-visit spot on a Victorian tea tour. While it is about a century too late be one of Jennie Butchart\u2019s thousands of personally-served guests, tea in the airy and bright Dining Room Restaurant<\/a> offers the perfect spot for a short break before continuing your exploration of The Gardens.<\/p>\n Sip on a cup of the popular 100th<\/sup> Anniversary Tea (a blend of Darjeeling and black Hunan and green gunpowder tea<\/em>), and gaze out the window on what was Jennie\u2019s private garden to get a taste of what it might have been like to dine out on the lawn in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n A less than two-minute stroll across the street from FRS Clipper\u2019s Victoria terminal will land you at the Pendray Inn’s stunning, 1890 heritage property (A little insider tip: look up to catch sight of original frescos painted on the ceilings of some of the rooms)<\/em>.<\/p>\n Duck inside the quaint Pendray Teahouse<\/a> to sample the West Coast Tea for seafood-focused treats or feast on the Traditional Afternoon Tea. You\u2019ll have your cake and eat it too with an overflowing lineup of locally-produced goodies, such as salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches and macarons.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Miss:<\/strong> Sample TWG Tea\u2019s signature 1837 Black Tea. A unique blend of black tea with fruit and floral notes, it is an instant classic. (Inside tip: The Pendray teahouse is the only spot on Vancouver Island where you can get these amazing teas imported from Singapore.)<\/em> Marry your tea with the fantastic pumpkin spice scones found on the seasonal winter tea menu (available each November)<\/em> and you have the perfect wintertime pairing.<\/p>\n Situated at the gateway of Victoria\u2019s historic Chinatown, Silk Road Tea<\/a> provides a portal into the vast world of tea. With a fresh aesthetic and a relaxed vibe, the shop contains a wealth of all things tea. An impressive variety of locally grown and blended tea selections are sure to please novices well as avid tea enthusiasts.<\/p>\n Stop by the tea tasting bar and sip your way through a few tea varieties. After experiencing the different flavor profiles, finish by selecting your own perfect blend. Be sure not to miss the shop\u2019s mouth-watering tea and chocolate pairings. Brush up on your tea education with one of Silk Road\u2019s fabulous workshops and learn how to create everything from tea cocktails to tea slushies.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Miss:<\/strong>\u00a0According to owner Daniela Cubelic, \u201cThe coziest of fall flavors can be found in Snow Apple Spice Tea<\/a>. This seasonal release pairs sweet harvest apples with warming spices, sweet vanilla and hearty, yet smooth black tea. The tea is absolutely delicious on its own, but you can also easily transform it into a cocktail or an easy, instant dessert idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Tucked into the lush, one-acre Abkhazi Garden, the teahouse<\/a> of the same name is one of Victoria\u2019s best-kept secrets. The intimate spot serves up some of the most delicious afternoon teas in the city. A selection of Silk Road\u2019s<\/a> fine loose-leaf tea pairs perfectly with an array of treats created with regional or Abkahazi grown produce.<\/p>\n Designed to complement the appearance of the plants and flowers blooming in the garden, the menu changes depending on the season. Settle into a chair and soak in views of majestic trees and dynamic plantings from inside the cozy teahouse. A romantic and inspiring spot<\/a><\/u>, there\u2019s no sweeter place to get your tea fix.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Miss:<\/strong>\u00a0 Want just a light snack? Stop by for elevenses, a sampling of a scone and two tea sandwiches along with your tea!<\/p>\n A trip to BC\u2019s capital city wouldn\u2019t be complete without indulging in as much tea as possible, am I right? Follow the Victoria tea trail to the White Heather Tea Room<\/a> in Oak Bay. This off the beaten path eatery offers up a tremendous afternoon tea service, with a classic three-tiered platter overflowing with savory finger sandwiches and sweet pastries. You\u2019ll leave with a full tummy and have enough leftover treats for a snack later.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Miss:<\/strong>\u00a0Hungry? Feast on \u201cthe Big Muckle Giant Tea for Two.\u201d Boasting a fruit cup, sandwiches, a sconewich, mini quiche, a special savory treat of the day and no shortage of fresh baked goodies, this three-tiered tray of treats will satisfy the biggest appetites.<\/p>\n Victoria takes its tea seriously, but how you take yours is up to you. Discover the hidden gems of the tea scene inside the city\u2019s downtown core, sip a comforting cuppa while gazing out at a spectacular harbor or garden views or cozy up in a historic building to be served on china fit for a queen. No matter how you chose to enjoy your brew, you are sure to feel like royalty.<\/p>\n Feature\u00a0Photo: Lucas Anderson<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Indulge](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/tea_at_the_empress_759269_high_mag-optimized.jpg\")
2. The Butchart Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Feast](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/02\/Afternoon-Tea-12-1024x683.jpg\")
3. Pendray Teahouse<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Afternoon](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/pendray_mag21.jpg\")
4. Silk Road Tea<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Sample](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/Silk-Road-Tea-5_mag1.jpg\")
5. Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Cuddle](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/Abkhazi_ScottMcDonald2_mag12.jpg\")
6. White Heather Tea Room<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Sip](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/Michelle-Grimord-Eggers_mag1.jpg\")