Best Ontario tea rooms for afternoon tea or high tea

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

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

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    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 on Mother’s Day on May 12.

    Enjoy soothing new tea flavours and other teatime goodies at these fancy Ontario cafes and tea rooms.

    Ottawa Region

    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. Seatings are at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the weekends.

    Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa

    Greater Toronto Area

    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 20 carefully curated teas. Afternoon tea is held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with the last seating time at 4:00 p.m.

    Location: 37 King Street East, Toronto

    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

    High Beau-Tea at W Toronto

    Enjoy an afternoon with a fashionista or one at heart.

    A unique twist on the afternoon high tea inspired by beauty and makeup, High Beau-Tea presents curated sweets and savouries in a tiered custom makeup case.

    Admire the attention to detail of the ruby fudge “handbags,” delicious strawberry “lipsticks” and clotted “night” cream. Savour the moment while sipping on floral loose-leaf tea.

    Book ahead to enjoy a spot at Yorkville’s trendy hotel.

    Location:  90 Bloor Street East, Toronto

    Niagara Region

    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 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

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

    Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel

    Head to Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel in the Fallsview Boulevard District to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea.

    Tea service is Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Make a reservation beforehand and be sure to let your server know about any food allergies or intolerances.

    Location: 6080 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls

    McFarland House

    Admire the beautiful gardens from McFarland House’s Conservatory Tea Room as you sip on freshly brewed tea and nibble on pastries made with traditional ingredients from the past. Children’s tea is served Thursday to Sunday for children 12 and under.

    Location: 15927 Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail, Niagara-on-the-Lake

    Hamilton, Halton and Brant

    Tea House at the Turner Pavilion

    The perfect setting for a tranquil afternoon tea is a garden. The newly renovated Tea House at Royal Botanical Gardens provides the most idyllic experience surrounded by the Rose Garden in Hendrie Park.

    Make reservations in advance and gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian options can be arranged.

    Location: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington

    Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

    Blue Willow Tea Shop

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

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

    Location: 900 Bay Street, Gravenhurst

    Southeastern Ontario

    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 Secret Garden Inn

    The signature Afternoon Tea experience at the Secret Garden Inn is a nod to its Victorian heritage. This experience includes scones, cakes, petit fours and even a glass of bubbly. Please call to make a reservation in advance.

    Location: 73 Sydenham Street, Kingston

    Waring House

    Make your way to the Amelia’s Garden Dining Room to enjoy the lovely garden views, the finest tea and an assortment of traditional sandwiches, scones and other baked goods. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.

    Location:  395 Sandy Hook Road, Picton

    Southwestern Ontario

    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 Wednesday through Sunday.

    Location: 268 Piccadilly Street, London

    York, Durham and Headwaters

    The Old Curiosity Tea Shop

    Two tiers 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 tea room.

    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

    Northern Ontario

    Tea & Bloom

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

    Location: 43 Durham Street, Greater Sudbury


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

    Credit: Destination Ontario