A guide to high tea in Victoria, British Columbia

First, a little tea terminology. What most visitors call high tea in Victoria is technically afternoon tea. Afternoon tea developed in Britain as a lighter meal served between lunch and dinner, typically with tea, finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. High tea, by contrast, was historically a more substantial meal eaten later in the day and associated with working households.

Victoria’s connection to British customs dates to the 19th century, when British settlement shaped the growing city. The Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Victoria as a trading post in 1843, and British traditions remained part of the city’s cultural identity as it developed.

Tea became particularly prominent at the Fairmont Empress, where afternoon tea has been served since 1908. Today, the hotel remains closely associated with the tradition.

Throughout this guide, we’ll use “high tea” where helpful because it’s the term many travelers use when planning a visit to Victoria. When describing the tradition itself, however, we’ll call it afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea may look delicate, but it can be surprisingly substantial. The centerpiece is typically a three-tiered stand, with savory finger sandwiches on the lower tier; freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam in the middle; and pastries or other small desserts at the top.

When it comes to the beverage, guests typically choose from a selection of loose-leaf blends, with options ranging from classic black teas to herbal and floral varieties. A personal pot allows you to pour another cup as you work your way through the tiers.

And while afternoon tea falls between traditional meal times, don’t assume you’ll need lunch afterward. With multiple savory and sweet courses served alongside tea, the experience can easily take the place of an afternoon meal, not just a light snack.

Afternoon tea has its traditions, but these basics will help you feel prepared and relaxed:

• Start savory, finish sweet. Begin with the finger sandwiches, move on to the scones and save the pastries and desserts for last.
• Break off your scone by hand. Rather than slicing the entire scone with a knife, split off a small piece at a time.
• Add toppings as you go. Spread jam and cream onto each piece of scone just before eating it. As for which spread goes first? That debate belongs on the other side of the Atlantic.
• Take your time. Afternoon tea is meant to unfold at an unhurried pace, so there’s no need to rush through the courses

Princess offers three ways to experience Victoria’s tea tradition ashore, each pairing tea with a different side of the city. Choose a historic mansion, spend time among the blooms at Butchart Gardens or combine a tucked-away garden with a historian-led look at Victoria.

If a historic setting is part of the appeal, the High Tea at Pendray Mansion excursion pairs tea with a guided look at Victoria. The 2.5-hour, easy-activity excursion begins with a drive through the city, with stops for photos at scenic viewpoints and opportunities to see its preserved historic architecture.

Along the way, you’ll learn about Victoria’s beginnings as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in 1843. Then it’s on to historic Pendray Mansion for the main event: a traditional tea served on fine china, with a choice of teas alongside delicate bites.

The excursion includes a full meal and is listed from $169.95 per person, with pricing subject to change

Come for the flowers, stay for the tea. The English Tea at Butchart Gardens excursion gives you time to explore one of Victoria’s best-known attractions before sitting down for afternoon tea.

During a self-guided, 1-hour walk, explore 55 acres of gardens, with paths connecting the Italian, Japanese, Rose and Sunken gardens through lawns, streams and lily ponds. You can also take a spin on the historic Rose Carousel for an additional fare.

After exploring, afternoon tea features locally grown ingredients, warm delicacies, savory bites and homemade sweets paired with traditional English teas. The 4-hour, easy-activity excursion includes a snack and is listed from $189.95 per person, with pricing subject to change.

Hidden behind a stately hedge just minutes from the pier, Abkhazi Garden feels tucked away from the city around it. The Royal Tea at Abkhazi Garden excursion begins with a guided walk among glaciated rocky slopes and Garry oaks before continuing to the teahouse for a three-tier Royal tea.

The teahouse occupies the original residence of Prince and Princess Abkhazi, whose story spans three continents, a world war, years of separation and an eventual reunion. Your guide shares their history and how it shaped the garden before the excursion continues with a city tour on the return to the ship.

This 2.5-hour excursion includes a full meal, has a moderate activity level and is open to guests ages eight and older. Prices start at $119.95 per person and are subject to change.

Before you step into high tea in Victoria BC, here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Book in advance. Tea seatings are limited, so reserve your preferred shore excursion in Victoria before your cruise rather than waiting until you arrive in port.
• Dress for the full excursion. Smart-casual attire works well for tea, but comfortable walking shoes are a practical choice for excursions that include time exploring Butchart Gardens or Abkhazi Garden.
• Ask about dietary needs ahead of time. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, note them when booking and check with the excursion team about available accommodations for your specific experience.
• Plan for Victoria’s weather. Even when tea is served indoors, some excursions include time outside. Check the forecast and bring a light layer or rain protection when needed, particularly if your plans include time in the gardens.

A pot of tea in Victoria comes with more than something to sip. At Pendray Mansion, Butchart Gardens and Abkhazi Garden, the experience is tied to the historic homes, gardens and stories that give the city its unmistakably British character.

Once the last cup is poured, there’s still more of Victoria to see. Use our guide to things to do in Victoria, BC to plan the rest of your time ashore, then explore Princess Alaska cruise destinations to find an itinerary that brings you to British Columbia’s capital.