5 Best High Tea in Vancouver

High tea in Vancouver, Canada, isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether sipping floral blends in a heritage hotel or indulging in tiered trays of delicate pastries overlooking the harbor, high tea in this coastal city blends tradition, elegance, and West Coast charm. From historic tea rooms 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 high tea in Vancouver, 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 remains popular. Still, the blend of modern culinary creativity and access to local ingredients makes Vancouver’s high tea scene unique.

Many of the tea houses here emphasize:

• Locally-sourced ingredients
• Elegant, Instagram-worthy presentations
• Vegan and gluten-free options
• Artisan and international tea blends
• 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.

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
Reservation Recommended: Absolutely

Regarding high tea in Vancouver, Notch8 at the Fairmont is the gold standard. Set inside one of the city’s most iconic hotels, this experience is luxury 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 selection of teas, from Earl Grey to more adventurous blends like jasmine cream and lavender

Highlights: Notch8 often features seasonal or themed teas (e.g., “Mad Hatter’s Tea” or “Spring Garden”), so check the current menu.

Review Score: 9.5/10 — Pricey, but exceptional. Perfect for birthdays, showers, or a fancy day out.

2. Secret Garden Tea Company

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

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

Expect:

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

Highlights: They also offer a kids’ high tea, which makes it an excellent pick for family outings.

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
Reservation Recommended: Definitely

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

Here’s what you get:

• Generous portions on the tea 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
Reservation Recommended: 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 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 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
Reservation Recommended: Recommended, especially weekends

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

Options include:

• Classic three-tier trays 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 tradition but with West Coast flair. Here’s what you can expect from most venues:

• A tea 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: $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 traditional afternoon tea.

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.

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 experience. It’s more than just food—it’s a way to slow down, connect, and indulge. 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.

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.

Do I need to make a reservation?
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.

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