Is there anything more delightful than drinking tea from vintage tea cups? Ever since I was a child, I’ve been in love with Alice in Wonderland and enchanting tea parties. So, over the last 5 plus years I’ve been on the hunt for the most magical Ontario tea rooms. With a cupboard full of herbal teas and antique tea cups, I love finding places to enjoy afternoon tea with friends and family. For me, giving the gift of experience, is so much more special than an item to put on a shelf.
So, whether you’re looking for unique things to do or a wonderful experience gift to give to someone in your life, check out my guide to the best places for afternoon tea in Ontario.
The Best Ontario Tea Rooms
Royal Tea on King
One of my favourite tea rooms in Ontario near me is Royal Tea on King, located in Midland. There are so many things to do in Midland, including enjoying afternoon tea. And at Royal Tea on King you’ll find an adorable little tea room filled with antiques and totally making you feel transported to the classic tea rooms of Great Britain.
Royal Tea on King is also home to a shop selling an array of tasty treats to take home, as well as a large selection of British goods like sweets, preserves, and my favourite crisps. But of course, the best part is their afternoon tea. And one thing I love about their tea selection is many have fun local names, like Georgian Bay Blend and Canoe Lake Blend.
Address: 256 King St, Midland
The Old Curiosity Tea Shop
If you’re looking for a real British-style tea room in Ontario that oozes charm then head to The Old Curiosity Tea Shop in Markham. With a play on words from the classic Dickens’ novel, this classic Ontario tea room has been around for 20 years. And experience an afternoon tea here is one of the top things to do in Markham!
As soon as you walk in you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tea room in England, with deep maroon walls, green tablecloths, and hundreds of teapots displayed all around. They offer over 75 different types of teas, English fare like kidney pie and cucumber sandwiches, and Afternoon tea.
Address: 91 Main St N, Markham
Maddie Hatter Tea Shop & Café
Another adorable tea room in Ontario that is right up my alley is the Maddie Hatter Tea Shop & Café. Located in the charming small town of Erin, the Maddie Hatter Tea Shop is perfect if you’re like me and love ALL things Alice in Wonderland! They have Alice in Wonderland themed décor all around the café and even have a room for private parties. Yes, you can have your very own Mad Hatter tea party here!
Out of all of the Ontario tea rooms I found this to haven a great selection of food options, great price points, and they have the BEST sticky toffee pudding and home made fresh scones! And seniors even get a discount!
Address: 48 Main St, Erin
The Wild Tart
Elora is one of the most charming small towns in the province. Set along the Grand River, Elora is full of history, natural wonders, and one of my favourite coffee shops in Ontario, Lost & Found Café!
But there’s also a delightful little spot to enjoy afternoon tea, the Wild Tart. Put together by an international team who are passionate about afternoon tea, the Wild Tart offers a sophisticated high tea experience that marries well with the charm and elegance of Elora.
Your classic afternoon tea will have some of the finest food and incredible pastries and desserts around. So, be sure to add a visit to The Wild Tart to your Elora itinerary.
Address: 61 Metcalfe Street, Elora
Blue Willow Tea Shop
One of my favourite places for afternoon tea near me is the Blue Willow Tea Shop in Gravenhurst. Located along the Muskoka Wharf, the tea room offers scenic views of the water.
Being named one of the best restaurants in Gravenhurst, it can be difficult to get a table, so I highly recommend booking in advance. Their tea service is served on classic Blue Willow China and comes with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Plus, their scones are so incredible that every time I’m in town, I pop in to grab a couple!
Blue Willow Tea Shop also puts on a variety of special afternoon teas for different occasions. Here’s a Holiday High Tea that runs from the end of November through December, which is always a hit!
Address: 900 Bay Street in Gravenhurst
Abigail’s Tea House
Small towns in Ontario have some of the best places for afternoon tea! And St. George, in Brant County, is one of the best. If you’re looking for the most Instagram-worthy tea room in Ontario – Abigail’s Tea House is it! It’s perfectly decorated with pops of colour, birdcage chandeliers, pretty tufted chairs, and a pure whimsical feel.
Located in an over 100 year old building that was once a bank, Abigail’s Tea House has over 40 loose leaf teas, and an extensive list of preserves, including their own Chantilly cream. So, if you’re planning a road trip to Paris, then be sure to pop into Abigail’s for a spot of tea.
Address: 2 Main St., St. George
Harry Ten Shillings
Whether you’re visiting Stratford for the Festival or road tripping around Perth County, be sure to stop in the adorable little village of Shakespeare. Not only is it home to a bunch of antique shops and a great brewery but it’s also home to an adorable tea room called Harry Ten Shillings.
This causal tea room offers afternoon tea, lunch specials, and delicious macarons. They have a lovely dining room that’s light and airy, as well as a boutique shop selling local artisan products and tasty treats to go!
Address: 2203 Line 34, Shakespeare
The Boathouse Tea Room
While The Boathouse Tea Room is a great spot to visit any time of year, it’s especially perfect in the summer! This tea room is also an ice cream parlor. And since it’s located on the banks of where the Eramosa and Speed River meet, it’s no surprise that they also do canoe and kayak rentals.
The Boathouse offers a selections of different teas, like their own Boathouse Private Blend and a special blend from the Guelph Museum, McCrae House Private Blend. Their lovely tea room and patio with a view is a great stop on any Ontario road trip.
Address: 116 Gordon St, Guelph
Campbell’s British Tearoom
Along with being one of my favourite bakeries in Barrie, Campbell’s British Tearoom is a lovely spot for an afternoon tea. Dedicated to all things British, you’ll find a variety of imports for sale, like my favourite crisps, as well as a small dining room.
They have plenty of teas to choose from, including de-caffeinated and herbal teas. Campbell’s is all about making traditional recipes from scratch and using Canadian meat and vegetables. There’s a reason its been a favourite in Barrie for over 20 years!
Address: 274 Burton Ave Unit 18 in Barrie
Related Post: Looking for more activities nearby? Check out this Guide to Things to do in in Barrie
Queen of Hearts Tea House
A fun place to go for afternoon tea in Kitchener is Queen of Hearts Tea House. With a love for playing cards and the Queen of England with her tea time, the owner created her tea room around this. You’ll find red banquette seating and artwork with the Queen of Hearts theme.
Queen of Hearts serves afternoon tea Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You’ll enjoy a mix of savoury and sweet treats as well as your choice of tea. They also offer themed teas throughout the year like an Easter Tea, the Strawberry Social, and a Halloween one.
Please note that reservations are required and must be at least 24 hours in advance.
Address: 1151 Victoria Street North in Kitchener
Zoe’s at Fairmont Château Laurier
For the best afternoon tea in Ottawa, book a table for Zoe’s at the Fairmont Château Laurier. Tea in a castle? Yes, please! Their tea menu features of 35 options.
Afternoon tea at the Château Laurier is a must-experience in Ottawa! You’ll enjoy a selection of incredible sweets, scones, and tasty sandwiches. Plus, if you’re in the city for the holidays, consider booking their Holiday Tea.
UPDATE: Please note that Zoe’s is currently closed for renovations, so tea service is at La Mezzanine.
Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa
Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Toronto
If you’re looking for where to go for afternoon tea in Toronto don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. While there are a ton of options in Toronto and the GTA for places to go for high tea I’m sharing two special places.
Ladurée
I bet you’re counting down the list of Ontario tea rooms and thinking – there’s only nine listed! Wrong! Right here are two for the price of one! There are actually two separate and uniquely different Ladurée locations in Toronto. The one that you can enjoy afternoon tea at is their elaborate and Instagram-worthy café in the Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
These aren’t your grandmother’s English tea rooms. Ladurée offers a Parisian-style tea salon experience with classic French dishes macarons and financiers. And while they do have finger sandwiches, there are plenty of desserts!
Address: 3401 Dufferin Street, Toronto
Related Post: Hidden Gems in Toronto
Kitten and the Bear
We all know that I’m a sucker for awesome coffee shops and one of the best in Toronto is Kitten and the Bear. Located right downtown, this sweet café has a boho chic vibe with hints of country. Along with to go options of teas and desserts they also sell a variety of things ranging from artisan cheeses to tea.
While they once offered tea service in the cafe, Kitten and the Bear now only does take away tea & scone boxes. Which is still a fun option to do at home!
Address: 1414 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Ontario Hotels for Afternoon Tea
There are so many tea rooms but there are also other places to enjoy afternoon tea in Ontario. A variety of hotels offer a dreamy tea service. So, if you’re looking for places to stay in Ontario where you can also enjoy more than just a good night’s sleep, here are a few great ones to add to your list.
The Bruce Hotel – This grand hotel is one of the best places to stay in Stratford for the Festival. But it also has a lovely afternoon tea service in addition to a fine dining restaurant.
Fairmont Royal York – One of the top hotels in Toronto, the Fairmont Royal York, is a must visit whether you’re staying the night, eating in the restaurant, or just visiting for a beautiful spread of afternoon tea.
Langdon Hall – Another hotel that offers high tea in Ontario is Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa in Cambridge. Not only do they have a spa, 12 kilometres of hiking trails, but the hotel is a beautiful century old estate.
Prince of Wales Hotel – One of the dreamiest Ontario hotel afternoon tea can be found in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The high tea at Prince of Wales Hotel experience is noted as one of the best in the province! Set in the hotel’s drawing room, you can choose from a number of high tea services.
Windsor Arms Hotel – One of the most luxurious places for afternoon tea in Toronto is at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Located in the Yorkville neighbourhood, the hotel has been serving afternoon tea for almost 100 years! Served in the 5-star hotel’s French inspired tea room, the menu includes the classics like tea sandwiches, English scones and more. All are prepared fresh, daily!
Related Post: Unique Places to Stay in Ontario
Tips for Visiting a Tea Room
There are a range of things to keep in mind when planning an afternoon tea experience at one of these Ontario tea rooms, or any one you find on your travels. Here are four tips to ensure you have a fabulous high tea experience.
Make a Reservation
Most places that serve afternoon tea require a reservation to sit. There are a couple that are not very busy, like during the week, and can accommodate walk-ins, but be prepared to be turned away if they are full. So, it’s best to reserve a time in advance.
Price
When some people see the price tag on afternoon teas they are shocked. Prices average from $25 to $50 per person. But this is not only for drinks (your tea), a range of food from sandwiches to desserts, and also the experience. So, when compared to the average price per person of eating out at a nice restaurant, afternoon tea experiences are on par.
What to Expect
If you’ve never been for afternoon tea before you may feel like a fish out of the bag. But don’t fret. Hostesses and staff are always eager to help you figure out which tea to choose and teach you how use that silver tea contraption. Most tea rooms have a variety of loose leaf teas available and to drink them you’ll be given a tea infuser or filter to place over your tea cup. The loose leaf tea is already steeping in the tea pot and all you have to do is pour it over the filter. The filter grabs the loose tea leaves and leaves you with the flavourful tea.
When it comes to food there are a variety of options depending on where you go. But the classics are neatly cut cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and of course your tea. Many places have a small menu but usually have something to suit everyone’s taste.
Take Your Time
This isn’t fast food! Take your time. Enjoy your tea. Chat with your company, whether it’s friends or family. And relax. That’s what the spirit of afternoon tea is all about, taking time in the afternoon to relax and catch up with friends.
So, get dressed up (or not) and grab your friends and plan a fun day out at one of these charming Ontario tea rooms. Who knows, you may create a new tradition – visiting having afternoon tea wherever you travel!
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