Even better? You can save on your trip by booking a special Clipper Vacations package that includes two of the most popular venues for tea:<\/p>\n
BOOK NOW to $AVE<\/strong><\/h3>\nSeattle to Victoria Overnight with Tea at the Fairmont Empress<\/a> OR Tea at The Butchart Gardens\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Whether you book or not, our guide to the top spots for sipping tea in Victoria is sure to make planning easier!<\/p>\n
The Fairmont Empress<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nA tradition for more than a century, tea at the Fairmont Empress<\/a><\/u> is a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest. Did you know that a whopping half-million cups of tea are poured every year?<\/p>\nStep inside the iconic historic building with its elegant ambiance, sink into a plush couch, and enjoy a cup, or three.<\/p>\n
Crack open the beautiful wooden menu with its glass window panes to choose from one of the 21 loose-leaf teas for your sipping pleasure. There’s something for everyone, with herbal blends, black, white, green, and oolong teas.<\/p>\n
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’s played host to the late Queen Elizabeth II herself!<\/p>\n
Don’t 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’re a foodie-must.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Indulge]()
Indulge in exquisite tea at the Fairmont Empress. Credit: The Fairmont Empress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Butchart Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\nOne of the world’s most beautiful gardens combined with exquisite afternoon tea make The Butchart Gardens<\/a> a must-visit on any Victorian tea tour. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too late to be one of Jennie Butchart\u2019s thousands of personally-served guests. But tea in the Dining Room Restaurant<\/a> still provides an idyllic spot for a break in between your exploration of The Gardens.<\/p>\nSip on a cup while gazing out the window at what was once Jennie\u2019s own private garden. It makes it easy to imagine what it might have been like here in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>While specific offerings frequently change, when it’s available, be sure to try a slice of the salted caramel mousse. It’s to-die-for, and it goes perfectly with any one of the black teas!<\/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>\nPendray Inn & Teahouse<\/span><\/h2>\nA less than two-minute stroll across the street from FRS Clipper\u2019s Victoria terminal will bring you to the stunning Pendray Inn. An 1890 heritage building, original frescoes from the era are beautifully painted on the ceilings of some rooms.<\/p>\n
Ducking into the Pendray Inn & Teahouse<\/a>, you might sample the West Coast Tea which includes seafood-based bites, enjoy Traditional Afternoon Tea. You\u2019ll definitely want to bring your appetite with the lineup of locally-produced goodies. Think salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches and plenty of decadent sweet treats like macarons.<\/p>\nDon’t miss: <\/strong>The focus is on locally sourced, organic teams, but be sure to try TWG Tea\u2019s signature 1837 Black Tea. This is the only place on Vancouver Island where you can get this Singapore-imported tea, a unique blend of black tea with fruit and floral notes.<\/p>\n![\"Afternoon]()
Afternoon tea is a white cloth experience inside the historic Huntingdon Manor Hotel. Credit: Scott Meis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSilk Road Tea<\/span><\/h2>\nLocated 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. It boasts an impressive variety of locally grown and blended tea selections. Plus, there’s a tea tasting bar for sipping your way through multiple varieties.<\/p>\nAfter experiencing the different flavor profiles, you can select your own perfect blend. We highly recommend enjoying it in a tea and chocolate pairing. Avid tea enthusiasts might even take a workshop<\/a>. You can learn everything from the secrets of brewing great tea to expert mixology.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong> The Happy Wellness Tea is one of our favorites. Just the name makes us smile! But it’s not only the name. The ingredients include bergamot, lime and citrus, all traditionally associated with mood uplifting benefits.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Sample]()
Sample a flight of rare and exotic teas literally worth their weight in gold. Credit: Silk Road Tea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTeahouse 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. 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![\"Cuddle]()
Cuddle up with a warm cup of tea as you stare out on the stunning Abkhazi Gardens. Credit: Scott McDonald<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMurchie’s Tea & Coffee\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nMurchie’s Tea & Coffee<\/a> is not only a great place to buy gourmet tea, you can bring back home, but it has a cafe and tea room for sipping on-site! Located right downtown, it sits within a beautiful historic building and offers more than 100 loose-leaf teas. Plus, there are specialty coffee drinks for your non-tea lover friends. And, the menu features mouthwatering fresh pastries, scones, and artisanal cakes that can be enjoyed with your favorite beverage.<\/p>\nDon’t Miss:<\/em><\/strong> Our favorite pairing, apple strudel with Orange Spice Tea. The blend of Ceylon and Keemun black teas includes cinnamon and piquant cloves, enhancing the flavors of the dessert.<\/p>\n![\"tea]()
Try Murchie’s Tea in Victoria, BC, photo credit: Murchie’s – Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhite 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. We’re talking 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> Hungry? Order The Big Muckle. It comes with a fruit cup, sandwiches, a sconewich, mini quiche, a special savory treat of the day and an array of fresh baked goodies. This three-tiered tray of treats is virtually guaranteed to satisfy the biggest of 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 in the downtown core, sip a comforting cuppa while enjoying a spectacular harbor or garden view, or cozy up in a historic building where you’ll be served on china fit for a queen. No matter how you chose to enjoy your brew, you’re sure to feel like royalty!<\/p>\n
Feature\u00a0Photo: Lucas Anderson<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Whether you book or not, our guide to the top spots for sipping tea in Victoria is sure to make planning easier!<\/p>\n
The Fairmont Empress<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nA tradition for more than a century, tea at the Fairmont Empress<\/a><\/u> is a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest. Did you know that a whopping half-million cups of tea are poured every year?<\/p>\nStep inside the iconic historic building with its elegant ambiance, sink into a plush couch, and enjoy a cup, or three.<\/p>\n
Crack open the beautiful wooden menu with its glass window panes to choose from one of the 21 loose-leaf teas for your sipping pleasure. There’s something for everyone, with herbal blends, black, white, green, and oolong teas.<\/p>\n
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’s played host to the late Queen Elizabeth II herself!<\/p>\n
Don’t 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’re a foodie-must.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Indulge]()
Indulge in exquisite tea at the Fairmont Empress. Credit: The Fairmont Empress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Butchart Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\nOne of the world’s most beautiful gardens combined with exquisite afternoon tea make The Butchart Gardens<\/a> a must-visit on any Victorian tea tour. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too late to be one of Jennie Butchart\u2019s thousands of personally-served guests. But tea in the Dining Room Restaurant<\/a> still provides an idyllic spot for a break in between your exploration of The Gardens.<\/p>\nSip on a cup while gazing out the window at what was once Jennie\u2019s own private garden. It makes it easy to imagine what it might have been like here in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>While specific offerings frequently change, when it’s available, be sure to try a slice of the salted caramel mousse. It’s to-die-for, and it goes perfectly with any one of the black teas!<\/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>\nPendray Inn & Teahouse<\/span><\/h2>\nA less than two-minute stroll across the street from FRS Clipper\u2019s Victoria terminal will bring you to the stunning Pendray Inn. An 1890 heritage building, original frescoes from the era are beautifully painted on the ceilings of some rooms.<\/p>\n
Ducking into the Pendray Inn & Teahouse<\/a>, you might sample the West Coast Tea which includes seafood-based bites, enjoy Traditional Afternoon Tea. You\u2019ll definitely want to bring your appetite with the lineup of locally-produced goodies. Think salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches and plenty of decadent sweet treats like macarons.<\/p>\nDon’t miss: <\/strong>The focus is on locally sourced, organic teams, but be sure to try TWG Tea\u2019s signature 1837 Black Tea. This is the only place on Vancouver Island where you can get this Singapore-imported tea, a unique blend of black tea with fruit and floral notes.<\/p>\n![\"Afternoon]()
Afternoon tea is a white cloth experience inside the historic Huntingdon Manor Hotel. Credit: Scott Meis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSilk Road Tea<\/span><\/h2>\nLocated 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. It boasts an impressive variety of locally grown and blended tea selections. Plus, there’s a tea tasting bar for sipping your way through multiple varieties.<\/p>\nAfter experiencing the different flavor profiles, you can select your own perfect blend. We highly recommend enjoying it in a tea and chocolate pairing. Avid tea enthusiasts might even take a workshop<\/a>. You can learn everything from the secrets of brewing great tea to expert mixology.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong> The Happy Wellness Tea is one of our favorites. Just the name makes us smile! But it’s not only the name. The ingredients include bergamot, lime and citrus, all traditionally associated with mood uplifting benefits.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Sample]()
Sample a flight of rare and exotic teas literally worth their weight in gold. Credit: Silk Road Tea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTeahouse 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. 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![\"Cuddle]()
Cuddle up with a warm cup of tea as you stare out on the stunning Abkhazi Gardens. Credit: Scott McDonald<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMurchie’s Tea & Coffee\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nMurchie’s Tea & Coffee<\/a> is not only a great place to buy gourmet tea, you can bring back home, but it has a cafe and tea room for sipping on-site! Located right downtown, it sits within a beautiful historic building and offers more than 100 loose-leaf teas. Plus, there are specialty coffee drinks for your non-tea lover friends. And, the menu features mouthwatering fresh pastries, scones, and artisanal cakes that can be enjoyed with your favorite beverage.<\/p>\nDon’t Miss:<\/em><\/strong> Our favorite pairing, apple strudel with Orange Spice Tea. The blend of Ceylon and Keemun black teas includes cinnamon and piquant cloves, enhancing the flavors of the dessert.<\/p>\n![\"tea]()
Try Murchie’s Tea in Victoria, BC, photo credit: Murchie’s – Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhite 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. We’re talking 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> Hungry? Order The Big Muckle. It comes with a fruit cup, sandwiches, a sconewich, mini quiche, a special savory treat of the day and an array of fresh baked goodies. This three-tiered tray of treats is virtually guaranteed to satisfy the biggest of 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 in the downtown core, sip a comforting cuppa while enjoying a spectacular harbor or garden view, or cozy up in a historic building where you’ll be served on china fit for a queen. No matter how you chose to enjoy your brew, you’re sure to feel like royalty!<\/p>\n
Feature\u00a0Photo: Lucas Anderson<\/em><\/p>\n
Step inside the iconic historic building with its elegant ambiance, sink into a plush couch, and enjoy a cup, or three.<\/p>\n
Crack open the beautiful wooden menu with its glass window panes to choose from one of the 21 loose-leaf teas for your sipping pleasure. There’s something for everyone, with herbal blends, black, white, green, and oolong teas.<\/p>\n
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’s played host to the late Queen Elizabeth II herself!<\/p>\n
Don’t 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’re a foodie-must.<\/em><\/p>\n One of the world’s most beautiful gardens combined with exquisite afternoon tea make The Butchart Gardens<\/a> a must-visit on any Victorian tea tour. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too late to be one of Jennie Butchart\u2019s thousands of personally-served guests. But tea in the Dining Room Restaurant<\/a> still provides an idyllic spot for a break in between your exploration of The Gardens.<\/p>\n Sip on a cup while gazing out the window at what was once Jennie\u2019s own private garden. It makes it easy to imagine what it might have been like here in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n Don’t miss:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>While specific offerings frequently change, when it’s available, be sure to try a slice of the salted caramel mousse. It’s to-die-for, and it goes perfectly with any one of the black teas!<\/p>\n A less than two-minute stroll across the street from FRS Clipper\u2019s Victoria terminal will bring you to the stunning Pendray Inn. An 1890 heritage building, original frescoes from the era are beautifully painted on the ceilings of some rooms.<\/p>\n Ducking into the Pendray Inn & Teahouse<\/a>, you might sample the West Coast Tea which includes seafood-based bites, enjoy Traditional Afternoon Tea. You\u2019ll definitely want to bring your appetite with the lineup of locally-produced goodies. Think salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches and plenty of decadent sweet treats like macarons.<\/p>\n Don’t miss: <\/strong>The focus is on locally sourced, organic teams, but be sure to try TWG Tea\u2019s signature 1837 Black Tea. This is the only place on Vancouver Island where you can get this Singapore-imported tea, a unique blend of black tea with fruit and floral notes.<\/p>\n Located 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. It boasts an impressive variety of locally grown and blended tea selections. Plus, there’s a tea tasting bar for sipping your way through multiple varieties.<\/p>\n After experiencing the different flavor profiles, you can select your own perfect blend. We highly recommend enjoying it in a tea and chocolate pairing. Avid tea enthusiasts might even take a workshop<\/a>. You can learn everything from the secrets of brewing great tea to expert mixology.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Miss:<\/strong> The Happy Wellness Tea is one of our favorites. Just the name makes us smile! But it’s not only the name. The ingredients include bergamot, lime and citrus, all traditionally associated with mood uplifting benefits.<\/em><\/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. 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 Murchie’s Tea & Coffee<\/a> is not only a great place to buy gourmet tea, you can bring back home, but it has a cafe and tea room for sipping on-site! Located right downtown, it sits within a beautiful historic building and offers more than 100 loose-leaf teas. Plus, there are specialty coffee drinks for your non-tea lover friends. And, the menu features mouthwatering fresh pastries, scones, and artisanal cakes that can be enjoyed with your favorite beverage.<\/p>\n Don’t Miss:<\/em><\/strong> Our favorite pairing, apple strudel with Orange Spice Tea. The blend of Ceylon and Keemun black teas includes cinnamon and piquant cloves, enhancing the flavors of the dessert.<\/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. We’re talking 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> Hungry? Order The Big Muckle. It comes with a fruit cup, sandwiches, a sconewich, mini quiche, a special savory treat of the day and an array of fresh baked goodies. This three-tiered tray of treats is virtually guaranteed to satisfy the biggest of 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 in the downtown core, sip a comforting cuppa while enjoying a spectacular harbor or garden view, or cozy up in a historic building where you’ll be served on china fit for a queen. No matter how you chose to enjoy your brew, you’re 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\")
The Butchart Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Feast](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/02\/Afternoon-Tea-12-1024x683.jpg\")
Pendray Inn & Teahouse<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Afternoon](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/pendray_mag21.jpg\")
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\")
Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Cuddle](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/10\/Abkhazi_ScottMcDonald2_mag12.jpg\")
Murchie’s Tea & Coffee\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"tea](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/02\/Murchies-Tea-Victoria.jpg\")
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\")