5 Best High Tea in Vancouver

HiHigh tea in Vancouver, Canada, isn’t just a meal—it’s a tea experience. Whether sipping floral blends in a heritage hotel or indulging in tiered tea sets overlooking the harbor, high tea in Vancouver blends tradition, elegance, and West Coast charm. From historic tea houses in Vancouver to modern twists on the classic British ritual, Vancouver has become a hub for tea lovers and foodies. If you’re wondering where to go for Vancouver afternoon tea, what to expect, how much it costs, and which spots are worth your time (and money), this guide breaks it down. Consider this your full review of high tea in Vancouver—from the posh to the playful.

Why High Tea in Vancouver is Worth Your Time

Before diving into specific spots, let’s set the scene. Vancouver’s love affair with tea goes beyond a simple drink order. The city’s British roots are part of the reason afternoon tea Vancouver remains popular. Still, the blend of modern culinary creativity and access to local ingredients makes Vancouver’s tea culture unique.

Many of the tea houses Vancouver emphasize:

• Locally-sourced ingredients
• Elegant, Instagram-worthy tea set presentations
• Vegan and gluten-free options
• Artisan and international tea selection
• Gorgeous ambiance (often with views of the mountains or harbor)

You can go classic with bone china and lace or something casual and creative. Either way, it’s a vibe that embodies the essence of Vancouver BC high tea.

Best 5 Places for High Tea in Vancouver Canada

1. Notch8 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Location: 900 W Georgia St
Price: $$$
Vibe: Elegant, historic, upscale
Tea Reservations: Recommended

Regarding high tea Vancouver, Notch8 at the Fairmont is the gold standard. Set inside one of the city’s most iconic hotels, this luxury tea service experience is opulence from start to finish. It feels like stepping into an old-world European tea salon.

You’ll find:

• Freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and house-made preserves
• Savory sandwiches like truffle egg salad and smoked salmon with dill
• Delicate pastries and sweets crafted by in-house patisserie chefs
• A wide tea selection, from Earl Grey to more adventurous blends like jasmine cream and lavender

Highlights: Notch8 often features seasonal or themed tea service (e.g., “Mad Hatter’s Tea” or “Spring Garden”), so check the current tea menu.
Review Score: 9.5/10 — Pricey, but exceptional. Perfect for birthdays, showers, or a fancy day out.

2. The Secret Garden Tea Room

Location: 2138 W 40th Ave, Kerrisdale
Price: $$
Vibe: Cozy, charming, traditional
Tea Reservations: Yes, especially weekends

A longtime favorite among locals, the Secret Garden Tea Room is beloved for its welcoming atmosphere and consistently delicious offerings. This is a smaller, more relaxed space, but it still brings plenty of sophistication to the Vancouver afternoon tea scene.

Expect:

• Three-tiered tea sets with finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and mini desserts
• Beautiful floral china and curated tea selection
• Vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Highlights: They also offer a kids’ high tea, which makes it an excellent pick for family tea parties.
Review Score: 8.5/10 — Great value, consistently good food, and a sweet, community feel.

3. Neverland Tea Salon

Location: 3066 W Broadway, Kitsilano
Price: $$
Vibe: Whimsical, fun, slightly boho
Tea Reservations: Definitely recommended

Neverland Tea Salon brings a sense of playfulness to high tea Vancouver. With quirky decor, a Peter Pan theme, and a more relaxed atmosphere, this spot is perfect for those who want the tea experience without all the formality.

Here’s what you get:

• Generous portions on the tea set tower
• Bold flavors and creative sandwiches (like curry chicken salad or beet hummus)
• Tons of tea options, including caffeine-free, herbal, and bubble tea-style infusions

Highlights: They offer tipsy tea (with bubbly or cocktails) and a bottomless tea (refill any blend as much as you want).

Review Score: 9/10 — Fresh, fun, and flavorful. Great for a girls’ afternoon or casual catch-up.

4. The Urban Tea Merchant / TWG Tea

Location: 1070 W Georgia St (Inside the Shangri-La Hotel)
Price: $$$
Vibe: Luxurious, sleek, international
Tea Reservations: Yes

TWG is a global tea brand, and Vancouver’s location matches its high-end, polished aesthetic. The teas are the star of the show—over 100 options on the tea menu—and the service is top-tier.

Expect:

• Elegant trays with French-influenced pastries
• Asian fusion tea pairings
• A tea sommelier to help guide your tea selection

Highlights: Their signature macarons infused with tea flavors are a standout.
Review Score: 8.7/10 — Tea connoisseurs will love the variety, though it’s more about sipping than stuffing yourself.

5. La Petite Cuillère

Location: 55 Kingsway
Price: $-$$
Vibe: Quaint, affordable, relaxed
Tea Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends

A hidden gem in Mount Pleasant, La Petite Cuillère is a French-inspired tea room offering a very reasonable price for solid high tea Vancouver. While it’s not as posh as some others, it more than delivers in charm and comfort.

Options include:

• Classic three-tier tea sets with mini quiches, tea sandwiches, and scones
• Vegan high tea set available
• Friendly staff and low-key vibe

Highlights: It’s one of the city’s most affordable high tea spots.
Review Score: 7.8/10 — A good entry-level option with cozy charm.

What Does High Tea in Vancouver Typically Include?

High tea in Vancouver usually follows the British tea traditions but with West Coast flair. Here’s what you can expect from most venues:

A tea set tower with three levels:

• Bottom: Savory sandwiches (cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, etc.)
• Middle: Scones with clotted cream and jam
• Top: Sweet treats like tarts, macarons, mini cakes

Tea service: Loose-leaf teas served in a pot, often with refills. Some spots offer unlimited tea or specialty blends.
Time slots: Most places serve high tea from late morning to mid-afternoon, usually in 90-minute sittings.
Pricing:

• Entry-level: $25–$35
• Mid-range: $40–$55
• High-end/luxury tea service: $60–$80+

High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but technically:

Afternoon Tea: A light meal with tea, scones, sandwiches, and sweets. Usually served between 2–4 PM.
High Tea: A more substantial evening meal with heartier dishes, but in North America, “high tea” often refers to the fancier afternoon tea experience.

So don’t stress—most places in Vancouver offering “high tea” are giving you the

Tips for Getting the Most Out of High Tea in Vancouver

Book ahead: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Dress appropriately: Some venues are fancy, so skip the sweats. Business casual is usually safe.
Share if you’re not hungry: Some portions are big—splitting a high tea and adding an extra pot of tea is a budget-friendly move.
Check dietary options: Many spots now offer vegan, gluten-free, or halal options with advance notice.
Learn tea etiquette: Familiarize yourself with basic tea traditions and etiquette for a more immersive experience.

Final Thoughts: Is High Tea in Vancouver Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re visiting or a local looking for a special treat, high tea in Vancouver is a delightful tea experience. It’s more than just food—it’s a way to slow down, connect, and indulge in tea culture. With a range of prices, styles, and flavors, there’s a tea service here for everyone.

Whether you want over-the-top elegance at the Fairmont or creative bites at Neverland Tea Salon, Vancouver delivers an unforgettable afternoon tea Vancouver experience.

Quick FAQ

How much is high tea in Vancouver?
Depending on the venue and whether you add extras like champagne, expect to pay between $30 and $80 per person for luxury tea service.

Do I need to make tea reservations?
Yes. Especially on weekends. Some places book weeks in advance.

What should I wear to high tea?
Smart casual is a safe bet. Some venues are fancy, so dressing up is a good excuse to embrace tea traditions.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes—many tea houses Vancouver offer these with advance notice, but always check the tea menu online or call ahead.?
Yes—many places offer these with advance notice, but always check the menu online or call ahead.