Two women enjoy a fancy afternoon tea with sweet treats. — Fairmont Château Laurier | Ottawa Tourism

Fancy Ontario tea rooms for afternoon tea or high tea

The ritual of tea break is a long-standing tradition practiced the world around. There’s something very special about putting your day on pause and sharing tea over meaningful (or frivolous) conversation.

Elevate teatime with an assortment of finger sandwiches, muffins and scones for afternoon tea and heartier pies, meats and cheeses for high tea later in the day at one of these delightful Ontario tea rooms, tea houses and tea shops.

Because moms do so much for us, every day should be Mother’s Day. Treat your mom like royalty and take her out for an afternoon or high tea or book a teatime date to catch up with your best friends. And shop for soothing new tea flavours and other teatime goodies.

Zoe’s Lounge

Named in honour of Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s wife, Zoe’s Lounge is located within downtown Ottawa’s historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel.

This chic, chandelier-clad cocktail bar is transformed into an afternoon tea house serving unique pastries, English scones and a selection of Lot 35 teas with seatings at 11a.m., 1p.m. and 3 p.m. on the weekends.

Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Blue Willow Tea Shop

Exquisite afternoon and high tea packages are available at this idyllic café overlooking Lake Muskoka that operates Thursday through Sunday.

A tea connoisseur’s dream, Blue Willow Tea Shop, has a wide variety of delicious cakes, biscuits and makes the perfect spot for a special occasion.

Location: 900 Bay Street, Gravenhurst

Omni King Edward Hotel

Enjoy a classic afternoon tea experience at one of Toronto’s finest luxury heritage hotels, dating back to 1903.

Finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and scones are paired with 24 carefully curated teas. Afternoon tea is held Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with the last seating time at 4:30 p.m.

Location: 37 King Street East, Toronto

Prince of Wales Hotel

Afternoon tea in the Drawing Room at the elegant Prince of Wales Hotel will transport you back to the height of Victorian luxury with regal décor, rose chandeliers, ornate tea sets and a lovely spread of proper English sandwiches, scones and pastries paired with Canadian cheeses.

Book an afternoon seating or the enchanted candlelight evening high tea Friday and Saturday nights, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Location: 6 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Joy on Sussex

Try high tea with an Eastern European twist in downtown Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Sip fair-traded, organic teas, champagne or vodka cocktails and feast on fancy deserts, rare cheeses, cured meats and caviar.

Opulent décor of red curtains, velvet seating, gold accents and marble counters give this small venue its upscale ambiance.

Location: 527 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Montrose Inn

Set in a mansion built in 1916 by the former mayor of Belleville, this heritage inn and tea house oozes old world charm with its stately verandah, grand staircase, grand crown moulding and solid oak paneling.

Afternoon tea is served by reservation only on select Fridays and Sundays. Savoury and sweet treats, baked scones, Devonshire cream and a variety of teas make this an experience you’ll want to savour.

Location: 1725 Old Highway 2, Belleville

The Tea Lounge

Located on Piccadilly Street, the Tea Lounge is an artisan tea shop that explores quality loose-leaf teas from around the world, served in traditional and contemporary styles with baked goods and light snacks. Afternoon tea is served on select Sundays.

Location: 268 Piccadilly Street, London

The Old Curiosity Tea Shop

Two tier of dainty sandwiches, warm scones, clotted cream, preserves, cookies, cakes and a pot of loose-leaf tea set the mood for your Victorian afternoon tea date in this traditional little tearoom.

Location: 91 Main Street North, Markham

Abigail’s Tea House

High tea at Abigail’s is a vision to behold. The three-tiered tea tray is brimming with assorted little sandwiches, mini wraps, egg, beef, brie and cucumber hors d’oeuvres, scones, seasonal fruit and berries, Devonshire cream, cookies, tarts and petite cakes. And of course, a large pot of tea.

Location: 2 Main Street South, St George

Tea and Bloom

This family-run tea shop adds delicious local Ontario flavour to traditional high tea fare with Sudbury’s famous Grandmother’s butter tarts and blooming local flower teas.

Location: 43 Durham Street, Greater Sudbury

Joni Restaurant in Park Hyatt Toronto

Cured sweets and savouries are paired with sommelier-selected teas during this luxurious afternoon tea affair.

Location: 4 Avenue Road, Toronto

Visit Ontario Tea Rooms for even more charming spots to participate in the ritual of teatime with a delicious cup of tea.

Last updated: March 21, 2023