Since Victoria is so close to Vancouver, I thought I could post this here.

The cruiselines try to push tea at the Empress Hotel as a shore excursion. But if you want a really nice afternoon tea without the disconcerting noise and bustle of busloads of cruisehips bringing hundreds of passengers, try someplace else, or book the Empress on your own for an off-time (like 4:30).

Here are some EXCELLENT suggestions to other afternoon tea venues that are just as nice but not as pricey as the Empress. None of them are as 'decked out' as the Empress, but the spreads are what you are coming for, afterall:


Abkhazi Garden and Tea Room
1964 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC V8S 1H4 · 250-598-8096
OAK BAY. The beautiful Abkhazi estate has many surprises, among them a charming tearoom set in the mansion's former sitting room. Highlighted by a vaulted ceiling, archival photos and local artwork, the tearoom is an ideal place to enjoy afternoon tea. Although less elaborate than some, the Abkhazi Garden's tea service is nevertheless an elegant and memorable affair. Coupled with a stroll through the gardens, it's an experience you won't want to miss.

Adrienne's Tea Garden
5325 Cordova Bay Rd, Mattick's Farm, Victoria, BC V8Y 2L3 · 250-658-1535
ELK LAKE / CORDOVA BAY. Upscale Mattick's Farm draws locals and tourists who seek unusual trinkets and togs. When the weary shoppers need a rest, they head to Adrienne's for a spot of tea and a freshly baked scone. But the attractive little café isn't just for tea - the menu encompasses breakfast and lunch, too, and their eggs Benedict occupy a favored place in the hearts and stomachs of many Victorians.

Blethering Place
2250 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 1G5 · 250-598-1413
User Rating: 5.75 / 10
OAK BAY. Afternoon tea is a Victoria institution, and this authentic British tearoom is a local favorite. Afternoon teas include crust-less sandwiches, warm scones, fresh fruit, butter tarts, sausage roll, Blethering Place's own strawberry jam and a choice of tea or coffee. If the menu sounds too filling for mid-afternoon, simply choose a scone or tart from the a la carte menu. There's a staggering selection of specialty teas. Blethering Place is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and on weekends they host "musical evenings."

Gatsby Mansion
309 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8V 1X2 · 250-388-9191
JAMES BAY. The Gatsby Mansion is an 1897 Victorian beauty blessed with stained glass windows, detailed paintwork, glittering chandeliers and dark wood paneling, the whole surrounded by the verdant landscape of Belleville Park. What better place to enjoy a proper afternoon tea? The complete presentation includes steaming tea, warm scones with jam and Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, diminutive desserts and decadent chocolate-Pernod mousses.

James Bay Tea Room & Restaurant
332 Menzies St, Victoria, BC V8V 2G9 · 250-382-8282
User Rating: 7 / 10
JAMES BAY. This historic 1907 teahouse offers one of Victoria's most authentic British dining experiences. Fresh, home-cooked breakfasts of eggs, kippers and muffins are served with your choice of tea or coffee. The hash browns and scones are also not to be missed. Afternoon tea includes scones, jam, tarts and cream. Tea sandwiches and friendly, efficient service complete the picture.

Murchie's Tea and Coffee
1110 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2 · 250-383-3112
User Rating: 9.6 / 10
DOWNTOWN. This BC chain has its largest retail space in Victoria. This location also boasts outdoor dining and a 110-seat bar, and is ideal for afternoon tea which includes a tempting array of finger sandwiches, miniature tarts, scones, cookies and pastries. Established in 1894, Murchie's has built its reputation on having the finest teas and coffees available. Be sure to pick up some tea or coffee to enjoy at home.

Point Ellice House
2616 Pleasant St, Victoria, BC V8T 4V3 · 250-380-6506
NORTH VICTORIA. Built in 1862, Point Ellice House was the O'Reilly family home until 1977. This Italianate villa overlooks Upper Harbour and the Gorge Waterway. To enhance the romance of your visit, arrive by water on the Victoria Harbour Ferry. Take an audio tour of the house to see Western Canada's largest collection of Victorian furnishings. Sir John McDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, once dined here, and after you enjoy afternoon tea served in the garden, you will have had the same honor!

White Heather Tea Room
1885 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC V8R · 250-595-8020
OAK BAY. Voted the best place for tea in Victoria, the White Heather Tea Room is justifiably well-loved. The comfortably elegant setting is the perfect complement to the fabulous tea spread, which comes in three sizes. The "Wee Tea," with its assortment of sweets and scones, is actually not so wee. The "Not So Wee Tea" is not wee in even the remotest sense of the word. The "Big Muckle Tea" is an appropriately named event - tiered trays of finger sandwiches, sweet and savoury tarts, fresh fruits, tiny cakes and cookies, and the required scones with jam and Devonshire cream. This will set you back about $33 for two people, but you won't want to eat for the rest of the day!

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