Hidden Story Behind Canadian Tea Time: A Heritage Guide [2025]

Tea traditions stretch back to 300 BCE in China, and Canadians have since created their special customs. The British passion for afternoon tea blossomed in England during the 17th century. Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford, made it a social staple around 1840. Canadian tea ceremonies have evolved into a prominent tradition, especially in our grand railway hotels.

My deep look into tea culture revealed a common mix-up between afternoon tea and high tea. These two customs have notable differences. People enjoy afternoon tea between 3 and 4 PM with light snacks and treats. The working class traditionally had high tea – a heartier meal – between 5 and 7 PM. This difference shows how tea customs vary worldwide. From Montreal’s vibrant tea scene to unique interpretations in China, Japan, and India, each culture adds its flavor. What makes the perfect tea time? Should you plan tea parties? How do afternoon tea traditions change from place to place? Let’s learn about this rich heritage together.

What Makes Canadian Tea Time Unique?

Canadian tea traditions showcase a mixture of cultural elements shaped by our colonial history and rich multicultural heritage. Our country’s tea rituals blend formality with availability in ways that make them uniquely Canadian.

A blend of British and French traditions

Our colonial past laid the groundwork for Canadian tea time. French and British roots took hold in early settler colonies, and tea has managed to keep its strong appeal throughout the country. This mixed heritage created a unique approach to tea time that is different from both parent cultures.

Five o’clock tea became cherished in Canada’s western colonies during the 1860s. Victoria’s women in British Columbia took pride in showing their family’s wealth and social standing by hosting guests for tea, light snacks, and conversation. British settlers and American Loyalists brought these customs when they moved to Canada, creating patterns that would evolve through generations.

Tea time in Canadian high society mirrored Victorian England’s social hierarchy. Elizabeth Simcoe, Upper Canada’s first lieutenant-governor’s wife, wrote about grand high society teas in her diary. These events served three types of brewed tea—green, black, and Russian—along with cakes and small sandwiches.

Notwithstanding that, tea culture reached beyond women’s social groups. Hudson’s Bay Company’s head officers often hosted gatherings centered on tea. Scottish travel writer Patrick Campbell’s eighteenth-century diaries mentioned tea as essential to his daily menu and noted its value in hard laborers’ diets.

Victoria’s elegant Empress Hotel opened in 1908, serving guests scones and premium tea at 4 o’clock. This venue cemented British afternoon tea in Canadian culture. The Fairmont Empress remains North America’s most sought-after afternoon tea destination—summer months see more tea servings than most London hotels!

Tea sets became status symbols in Canadian society. Montreal merchant’s daughter Mary W. Papineau’s silver tea set inheritance included a cake basket, sugar tongs, engraved tablespoons and teaspoons, and twelve gilt-edged tea plates. Such items reinforced a family’s social standing and respectability.

The influence of multiculturalism

Canada’s multicultural character has reshaped our tea traditions beyond British and French foundations. Our society plays one of the most important roles in tea’s popularity, as Canadians from various backgrounds share their love for this drink. English, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and African tea customs have become essential parts of our cultural mix.

Numbers tell the story clearly—Canadians drink twice as much tea as Americans, averaging 1.2 cups daily. We consume about 10 billion cups yearly, and these numbers keep rising.

Our tea landscape mirrors immigration patterns. About 6 million Asian-born people live in Canada, each bringing rich tea traditions. The 1858 gold rush brought Chinese immigrants to Western Canada, with roughly four thousand settling in the gold fields. These newcomers relied on importers like Kwong Lee for Chinese goods, including hard-to-find tea varieties.

Louise Roberge, former Tea Association of Canada president, noted: “Canadians still love their traditional black tea, but we are more adventurous compared to the UK where black tea is most popular and in the US where people prefer tea cold”. This spirit shows in our openness to loose leaf tea and bold tea blends.

Canadian tea culture accepts various preparation methods—British steeping, Indian boiling with milk, or Chinese sharing green tea—all using loose-leaf varieties. Modern immigrant tea customs mixed with younger generations’ priorities drive today’s Canadian tea trends.

Tea entrepreneur Victor Vesely captures the Canadian approach well: “We wanted to bring tea culture to Canada in a way that’s available, without the pretension a lot of people are daunted by… Tea is more about being… it brings people together”. This focus on availability and community reflects core Canadian values.

While afternoon tea isn’t part of our daily routine, it remains special in Canadian society. As new Canadians join us, tea culture’s influence will grow and unite our diverse population further. Tea works as a remarkable nation-building tool, enjoyed by people across the country, whatever their background.

The Evolution of Tea Time in Canada

Tea’s trip through Canada spans more than three centuries. This beloved drink has become the lifeblood of social gatherings, business meetings, and political movements throughout our nation’s history.

From colonial roots to modern rituals

The Hudson’s Bay Company brought the first tea shipment to Canadian shores in 1716. The cargo took over a year to reach its destination. This marked the start of Canada’s long relationship with tea, which grew alongside our national identity.

Tea became a staple in colonial society throughout the 18th century. The upper classes showed their status through elaborate tea parties. These parties weren’t just for women. The Hudson’s Bay Company’s head officers hosted many social gatherings with tea at the center. People made important business connections while they enjoyed tea and conversation.

Five o’clock tea became a cherished tradition in Canada’s western colonies during the 1860s. Victoria’s women in British Columbia loved to display their family’s wealth by inviting guests for tea, small bites, and social chatter.

Tea also brought people together for social and political change. The early 20th century suffrage movement saw women gather to discuss critical issues over steaming pots of tea. These meetings showed how tea time went beyond refreshment to spark social change.

A key moment in Canadian tea history came on January 20, 1908, when Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress hotel opened its doors. This place helped make British afternoon tea a Canadian cultural tradition. The Empress now serves afternoon tea to more than 400 people daily during summer months, more than most London hotels.

How tea time adapted to Canadian lifestyles

Canadian tea habits changed substantially through the 20th century. Tea drinking peaked just before World War II. The numbers dropped after the war and hit bottom in the 1990s. Recent years have seen a strong comeback with Canadians now drinking over 10 billion cups yearly.

People traditionally saw afternoon tea as a light meal between lunch and dinner, which came later in the evening. Canadian lifestyle changes reshaped our tea traditions. Anglo-Canadians made “tea” an important family meal that connected to British tea culture.

Many Canadians mix up “afternoon tea” and “high tea.” We often call afternoon tea “high tea” because it seems more formal, though they have different roots. Afternoon tea remains an elegant ritual with light foods at low tables. True high tea started as a heartier working-class meal.

Today’s Canadian tea scene reflects our changing priorities. Recent reports show a move toward ethical and environmentally responsible tea brands. Modern Canadians care about the tea’s quality and its producers. People now prefer natural tea leaf flavors over sweetened, flavored varieties.

Traditional tea ceremonies have made a comeback across Canada. The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton, to name just one example, has served afternoon tea for more than ten years. Weekend tea became so popular they added weekday service. Their food and beverage manager Carlos Hernandez went to Toronto to become a certified tea sommelier. He tasted over 300 teas in just days.

Tea experts believe Canadians will develop more refined tastes that will drive demand for specialized, high-quality teas. This trend points to what a world of artisanal selections might look like instead of mass-produced blends, which could help small-scale tea farmers and support environmentally responsible practices worldwide.

Afternoon Tea Traditions Across the World

Tea ceremonies around the world show amazing differences in how a simple drink creates such rich traditions. British tea rooms’ formality and Hong Kong’s lively tea houses tell unique stories about each society’s values and history.

British afternoon tea vs Canadian version

Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, started the traditional British afternoon tea in the early 19th century. She wanted tea with light sandwiches and cakes around 4 pm because she felt hungry between lunch and dinner. This elegant custom quickly spread from the aristocracy through English society.

A proper British afternoon tea has:

• Fine tea selections: Usually Darjeeling or Earl Grey, served with milk, sugar, or lemon
• Finger sandwiches: Dainty, crustless varieties with fillings like cucumber, egg mayonnaise, and smoked salmon
• Freshly baked scones: Served with clotted cream and strawberry jam
• Pastries and cakes: Assorted sweet treats from Victoria sponge to petit fours

British people drink about 100 million cups of tea daily, which shows tea’s importance in their culture. Tea breaks are now standard in workplaces, giving people moments to relax during busy days.

Canada’s version shares similarities but adds its twist. Canadians often mix up afternoon tea with “high tea”, not knowing that high tea was a bigger meal working-class people ate around 6 or 7 pm.

Canadian afternoon tea keeps the elegant three-course structure but adds multicultural flavors. Philip, a Canadian tea expert, notes that “the beauty of afternoon tea is that it can be anything you want it to be.” You might find spring rolls, enchiladas, or samosas next to traditional items. Canadians treat tea ceremonies as special events rather than daily rituals.

How other countries interpret tea time

Each culture puts its spin on tea traditions. Hong Kong turned British-style tea into their signature milk tea with evaporated milk. People enjoy this at cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) along with Chinese teas like green tea and jasmine tea during yum cha (dim sum meals).

Turkish tea culture differs greatly from British customs. Tea runs through every aspect of Turkish hospitality, social life, and business. People drink tea from morning until night, and turning down a cup can offend your host.

Japan’s tea ceremony, Chanoyu (the Way of Tea), turns tea drinking into a spiritual experience rooted in Zen Buddhism. This ceremony focuses on mindfulness and finding beauty in simple moments, making it more than just a social gathering.

Russians center their tea customs around the samovar, a traditional brass or copper water boiler. They prefer strong black tea with lemon or jam instead of milk, paired with filling foods that help them through cold winters.

Pakistani people drink tea at breakfast, during lunch breaks, and again at home in the evening, usually with biscuits or cake. Bangladesh’s tea culture started during British colonial times, with its first tea garden dating back to 1849.

Indonesia loves tea too. Adults and children drink several cups daily, whether hot, sweet, or cold.

These tea traditions show how one drink can become part of so many cultures, each adding its special touch. Tea time gives everyone a chance to slow down, connect with others, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, whether it’s a formal ceremony or a casual cup with friends.

High Tea Misconceptions in North America

The difference between “high tea” and “afternoon tea” remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of North American tea culture. Luxury hotels and tea rooms across the continent proudly offer “high tea” on their menus. These establishments actually serve what British people would call afternoon tea. This misunderstanding has become so common that even the most prestigious venues continue this historical mistake.

Why high tea is often misunderstood

A basic misinterpretation of terms lies at the root of this confusion. North Americans call afternoon tea “high tea” because they think it sounds more elegant and sophisticated. This assumption completely flips the historical reality of these two distinct meals.

Hotels and tea rooms all over North America add to this confusion. Many places advertise “High Tea” with delicate scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours served on fine china. Venues use this term either because they don’t understand tea history or they consider “High Tea” projects an image of elegance.

Educational institutions have also adopted this mistake. Many schools in North America label their Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day events as “high tea” while serving light refreshments and sweets that belong to afternoon tea.

International tourism has adapted to this misconception in interesting ways. The prestigious Ritz in London markets “High Tea in London” specifically to overseas visitors who search for this incorrect term. Their commercial decision to accommodate this error makes the confusion worse for North American travelers.

What does high tea means

In stark comparison to this popular belief, authentic high tea started as a substantial meal for working class people between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. The word “high” refers to the height of the table where people ate – a high dining table with high-backed chairs instead of low parlor seats.

Real high tea included hearty, filling dishes that workers needed after a long day of manual labor. Typical high tea foods included:

• Hot meat dishes or fish
• Savory items like Cornish pasties and shepherd’s pie
• Bread and butter
• Vegetables
• Substantial cakes and preserves
• Strong tea

British working-class homes during the Industrial Revolution served high tea as the main evening meal. Workers came home hungry from fields, factories, mines, and shops. This substantial supper-like meal gave them the energy they needed after a day of physical work.

British terminology has changed with time. Many Britons now simply call their evening meal “tea”. People in some regions still say “I have to get home and make the children’s tea” when talking about their evening meal, not a fancy social gathering.

Understanding this difference helps people experience authentic tea traditions. Dainty finger sandwiches and scones served on tiered stands between 3:00 and 4:00 PM belong to afternoon tea or low tea. A heartier meal with hot dishes served in the early evening represents genuine high tea.

The next time you see “High Tea” at an upscale North American hotel or tea room offering scones and petit fours in mid-afternoon, you’ll know they’ve got their history wrong – even if you still enjoy the experience.

Tea Time in Montreal and Other Cities

Montreal brings together Canadian tea culture by naturally blending British traditions with French elegance and modern multicultural influences. The city’s vibrant tea scene shows how tea time has grown from a basic necessity to a luxury across Canada’s urban and rural landscape.

Top spots for afternoon tea in Montreal

You’ll find something for everyone in Montreal’s tea culture, from luxurious hotels to cozy neighborhood tea rooms. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal stands as one of the city’s finest tea destinations, carrying on a tradition since 1912. The sumptuous Palm Court welcomes guests with its domed ceilings and chandeliers, where they serve homemade sandwiches, pastries, and scones. Their “thé royal” adds a flute of champagne for extra luxury.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth’s Rosélys Restaurant brings a fresh take on English ritual every Saturday afternoon. Their modern approach features creative items like matcha and spicy salmon macarons, cucumber maki with yuzu mayonnaise, and lobster egg mimosa. This shows how Montreal has brought traditional tea service into the modern age.

Montreal’s tea spots mainly fall into two groups – grand historic venues and cozy independent tea rooms. Le Parloir shines as a perfect example of the latter in Plateau Mont-Royal. This neighborhood favorite creates an authentic English setting where guests enjoy scones with genuine Devonshire cream straight from England. You’ll need to book ahead as it’s quite popular.

The Cardinal Tea Room welcomes guests to step back into the 1920s. They open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m., serving classic treats like cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs, and mini scones with clotted cream. The room’s Victorian décor and vintage tableware take you back in time.

Other must-visit Montreal tea spots include:

• La brume dans mes lunettes – A local café with seven delicious “Royal” menu options named after Britain’s royal family
• Griffin d’Or – Notre-Dame-de-Grâce’s pioneer in exclusive English tea service
• Burgundy Lion – An authentic English pub that serves afternoon tea every other Sunday in its glasshouse – a hidden gem that needs booking.

Tea played a key role in Montreal’s food history. Though it started as a luxury, tea became essential even for canal workers. It turned cold meals into something warm and brought comfort. Montreal’s residents bought tea and cane sugar in equal amounts, which shows the drink’s value across all social classes.

Urban vs rural tea experiences

Tea culture varies greatly between city and country in Canada. Big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have many specialty tea shops with wide selections from classic black and green teas to herbal infusions and rare blends. David’s Tea started in Montreal and shows urban tea culture through its creative flavors and bright branding.

Rural Canadian tea traditions focused more on function than style. Farm families in southwestern Ontario during the 1920s and ’30s valued tea mainly for warmth and comfort. Country folk often let their tea steep until very strong and had to add water to drink it.

Tea brought people together everywhere. Harry J. Boyle’s memoir talks about tea’s central place in rural Ontario life, much like today’s coffee culture, but meaning even more to farming communities. In Toronto, English immigrant John Wells often chose his Sunday evening tea ritual over meeting friends, showing tea’s cultural weight in cities too.

Modern tea spots still reflect this city-country split. Urban places like Montreal’s Paparmane (opening spring 2024) serve “colorful and festive” versions of English tea near Notre-Dame Basilica. Meanwhile, charming country spots like Birkinshaw’s Tea Room in Amherst keep traditions alive with local touches, including their “Maritimer tea” featuring regional produce.

These different experiences share tea’s power to create moments of connection and comfort – qualities that strike a chord with Canadians wherever they live.

Tea Parties as Cultural Events

Tea parties in Canadian history exceed simple refreshments. They have become vibrant cultural institutions that show our social values and community bonds. These gatherings work both as celebrations and powerful tools for social change.

Hosting a traditional tea party

The Victorian Era shaped Canadian tea culture significantly. It created detailed protocols for proper tea gatherings that are 150 years old. A traditional tea party just needed careful attention to detail, starting with the table setting. Hostesses showed their best china—they often used pieces from different sets to subtly show they owned multiple collections.

A genuine tea party must include these key elements:

• Presentation matters: A tasteful tablecloth, proper tea cloths, and elegant service pieces create the foundation
• Appropriate attire: Hosts wore tea gowns while guests dressed their best to show their social position
• Precise etiquette: Specific rules guided everything from stirring tea (never tap your spoon against the cup) to napkin placement
• Hostess responsibilities: Greeting guests at the door, keeping refreshments full, and making conversation flow

Modern Canadian homes use afternoon tea parties as an elegant way to celebrate special occasions like Mother’s Day, baby showers, or birthdays. This ritual creates a perfect break from our busy lives and offers a chance to connect and talk.

Tea parties in Canadian schools and communities

Tea parties thrive as educational and community-building events in schools and neighborhoods across Canada. Schools use tea gatherings as hands-on learning opportunities. Students preparing “Pride and Prejudice” productions enjoy Regency Era tea parties. Simple after-school tea times let parents and children share their daily experiences.

Thompson Rivers University’s annual “Consent Tea” shows how teatime creates “a cozy and dignified space to discuss challenging subjects.” This wellness education event has drawn over 1,000 students, staff, and faculty in nine years.

Canadian women’s history includes “pink teas” – disguised political meetings where women planned suffrage and rights campaigns. These events used ultra-feminine decorations like frilly doilies and pink decor to hide their serious political goals. Montreal continues this tradition with fundraising tea events that support shelters and community organizations.

Academic social gatherings mark semester’s end while cultural workshops teach global tea traditions. These shared experiences encourage connections and honor tea’s lasting role in Canadian culture.

The Role of Tea in Canadian Identity

Tea isn’t just another popular drink in Canada – it holds a unique place in our national psyche. My exploration of tea traditions has shown how this simple beverage has become interwoven with our national identity and values.

Tea is a symbol of politeness and calm

Canadian courtesy finds its perfect expression in teatime. We drink twice as much tea as our American neighbors, who prefer their coffee. A typical Canadian savors 1.2 cups of tea each day. This ritual offers a peaceful break from our hectic lives.

Canadians’ reasons to drink tea tell an interesting story about who we are. Pure enjoyment tops the list at 30%. Other motivations paint a picture of our national character:

• To relax and feel soothed (16%)
• To enjoy a warm, comforting drink (15%)
• To benefit from its health properties (14%)
• To savor its taste (14%)

Each region has its own tea story. British Columbia (36%), Ontario (30%), and Atlantic Canada (41%) value tea’s enjoyment more than Quebec (21%). Women tend to drink tea to relax and enjoy more often than men – 35% compared to 23%.

How tea reflects Canadian values

Tea stands as a symbol of our core values – inclusivity, moderation, and thoughtful tradition. This beloved drink represents our British roots while embracing multicultural influences that shape our national identity.

Louise Roberge, the Tea Association of Canada’s former president, puts it perfectly: “Canadians still love their traditional black tea, but we are more adventurous compared to the UK where black tea is most popular and in the US where people prefer tea cold”. This mix of adventure and respect for tradition captures our national spirit beautifully.

Tea has brought Canadians together regardless of their social status. From early trade with Indigenous peoples to its role in the suffrage movement, tea gatherings have united people in meaningful conversations. Today, immigrant tea cultures blend with 150-year-old traditions, and our tea habits continue to mirror our evolving identity.

Tips for Experiencing Authentic Canadian Tea Time

Want to dive into the delightful world of Canadian tea time? A good grasp of the customs, timing, and what to expect will make your experience much more enjoyable. I’ve visited tea rooms all over the country and picked up some great tips to help you have an authentic experience.

What time is tea time in Canada?

Canadian tea time is more flexible than its British counterpart. Most places serve afternoon tea between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the iconic Château Laurier leading the way. Many Canadians take their “Elevenses” around 11:00 a.m. – a quick tea break with a muffin or scone.

The classic afternoon tea happens between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., but many spots now start serving as early as noon. Night owls can enjoy their tea after dinner, usually from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

What to serve and how to serve it

Your Canadian tea service should include these must-haves:

• Quality loose-leaf teas: Earl Gray, Darjeeling, English breakfast, and Canadian favorites like icewine tea
• Perfect steeping: Black teas need about four minutes, while green teas take just three minutes
• Traditional three-tiered stand with:
  • Bottom tier: Savory finger sandwiches (cucumber with cream cheese, chicken salad, smoked salmon)
  • Middle tier: Fresh scones with Devonshire cream and jam
  • Top tier: Sweet treats like French pastries and cakes

Each item should be bite-sized. A glass of champagne or Prosecco makes a wonderful welcome drink.

How to dress and behave

Your outfit should match the venue. “Country club casual” works well at most tea spots – nice pants and a top or a simple dress. Luxury hotels call for slightly dressier attire. Men need closed-toe shoes, and everyone should skip sneakers, jeans, and casual shorts.

Remember these key manners:

• Put your napkin on your lap right away
• Stir tea with an up-and-down motion (not circular), then rest the spoon on the saucer
• Hold your cup’s handle with your thumb and index finger
• Start from the bottom tier: savories first, then scones, sweets last

The Fairmont Empress in Victoria or the White Heather in smaller towns offer amazing, authentic experiences that showcase local tea traditions.

Conclusion

Our experience learning about Canadian tea time has led us to find a tradition rich in cultural heritage that remains uniquely tied to our national identity. Canadian tea culture embodies our nation’s character – we are adaptable, multicultural, and welcoming. Many countries follow strict tea traditions, but our practices create something distinctly Canadian by combining British formality, French elegance, and global influences.

North Americans often mix up afternoon tea and high tea, yet this confusion shows something endearing about our approach – we care more about coming together than getting the terms right. Tea brings Canadians together at Montreal’s elegant hotels, rural Ontario’s farmhouses, and iconic places like the Fairmont Empress, creating moments of shared connection.

Tea has played a crucial role in Canada’s development. Tea gatherings served both as comfort and catalysts for change during key moments in Canadian history, from colonial settlements to suffrage movements. Modern tea rooms and educational events keep these traditions alive while honoring their historical significance.

Canadian tea time’s special quality comes from its adaptability. We enjoy both classic scones with Devonshire cream and creative multicultural interpretations that showcase global flavors. This flexibility mirrors our national character that respects tradition while staying open to new possibilities.

Your next Canadian tea ceremony will connect you to a living heritage spanning centuries. Sharing tea captures something meaningful about Canadian identity – we gain in status by spreading diverse influences into welcoming traditions that bring everyone to the table. This quality remains central to our Canadian identity.

FAQs

Q1. What makes Canadian tea time unique compared to other countries? 

Canadian tea time blends British and French traditions with multicultural influences. It’s less formal than British tea time, more adventurous in flavors, and reflects Canada’s diverse population. Canadians often enjoy a mix of traditional and innovative tea offerings, embracing both loose-leaf teas and creative blends.

Q2. When is the typical tea time in Canada? 

Unlike Britain, Canada doesn’t have a standardized tea time. Most establishments serve afternoon tea between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Traditional afternoon tea usually occurs between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., though some venues begin service as early as noon. Many Canadians also enjoy tea after dinner, typically between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Q3. What’s the difference between high tea and afternoon tea in Canada? 

In Canada, there’s often confusion between high tea and afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is a light meal served mid-afternoon with sandwiches, scones, and pastries. High tea, contrary to popular belief, was historically a more substantial evening meal for the working class. However, many Canadian establishments incorrectly use “high tea” to describe the more elegant afternoon tea service.

Q4. What are some popular places for afternoon tea in Montreal? 

Montreal offers various tea experiences, from luxurious hotels to charming tea rooms. Popular spots include the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth’s Rosélys Restaurant, Le Parloir in Plateau Mont-Royal, and the Cardinal Tea Room. These venues offer traditional English tea services with a unique Montreal flair, often blending British traditions with French elegance and multicultural influences.

Q5. How has tea influenced Canadian culture and identity? 

Tea has played a significant role in shaping Canadian identity. It symbolizes politeness, calm, and inclusivity – core Canadian values. Historically, tea gatherings have been platforms for social change, like the suffrage movement. Today, tea continues to bring diverse Canadians together, reflecting the country’s multicultural character. The average Canadian drinks more tea than their American counterparts, highlighting its importance in Canadian culture.