Tea Time at Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. Ontario

Our Experience with High Tea at Chateau Laurier in Ottawa

Very british - that's Canada especially during Tea time. We tested Canada's relationship with tea on Vancouver Island and experienced the High Tea at Butchart Gardens. We particularly liked its ambience surrounded by orchids and other exotic plants. Furthermore, we have checked out the topic of tea on other trips and destinations. . We had already heard about the Tea Time in Ottawa at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa on our last trip to Canada's capital. Back then, however, we didn't have the time to enjoy it. This time we wanted to treat ourselves to the pleasure of afternoon tea at Chateau Laurier and kept an afternoon free for our tea time in Ottawa.

Especially on cold winter days, when the north wind drops the temperatures in northern Ontario into icy depths, it's particularly fun to sit comfortably in front of a nice cup of tea. There are also delicious sandwiches, scones, and cake slices. It's fun to watch the thickly masked passers-by hurrying towards warmer destinations in front of the hotel's large windows. I almost want to shout to them: “Come on in! Here you can warm up with warm tea and in a great atmosphere before you continue to your destination.” For us, our afternoon in Zoé's Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier turned out to be an opportunity to reflect on the experiences, but also the icy temperatures we recover from during our outdoor activities at the Winterlude in Ottawa.

Strawberries marinated in Eiswein with a glass of sparkling wine as a starter - the perfect prelude to the Tea Time at Chateau Laurier

What is the dress code at Afternoon Tea at Chateau Laurier?

Tea time at Chateau Laurier is an elegant event that is best attended in smart casual or business casual style. It surprises us with even more delicacies than we have come across at other afternoon teas so far. First, our friendly waitress explains to us that we can choose between a typical English tea time and a "Canadian tea time". We are curious to know what is "Canadian" about this tea time and both order the typical local version. Next, our waitress rolls out a cart with a large selection of different types of tea and lets us smell the different tea blends: among them is a spiced tea blend with a hint of orange aroma, a tea blend with a maple syrup flavor and a tea blend with an ice wine flavor.

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The smell that flows from the silver bowls that we hold under our noses promises an extraordinary tea aroma. Petar chooses the almost Christmas-scented spice mixture with orange scent, I opt for the icewine tea, because I'm curious if it tastes just like icewine.

We are allowed to choose from different teas — We can choose from a variety of teas at our Tea Time at Chateau Laurier

At Zoe's, tea time at Chateau Laurier begins with a glass of sparkling wine

Unlike all previous Afternoon Teas we experienced on our travels, in Zoé's Lounge we are served a glass of sparkling wine with strawberries marinated in ice wine to get us in the mood for what is to come. A surprise for the palate and for the senses! The sweet strawberries whet our appetite for the pastries and sandwiches that are served in the next course. On a cake stand, each of us gets two scones — one with blueberries, the other without —, four sandwiches — the essential cucumber sandwich and a sandwich each with truffle-flavored goat cheese, cress and smoked salmon, fried striploin and curry chicken salad — and three cakes: one cream slice, one cake with cream and one shortcrust cake filled with fruit. These delicacies are all delicious! We're glad we skipped lunch today because they easily replace a full meal.

The scones are particularly proud of the Chateau Laurier

Canadian Tea Time at Ottawa High Tea

Thus we enjoy our High Tea in Zoé's Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and listen to the conversation of our table neighbors. This is a group of women who are having a lovely afternoon here. We think about what is “Canadian” about our “Canadian Tea Time”. What we certainly can't get in England is an icewine tea, which actually tastes just as intensely of the delicious dessert wine, and a maple syrup-flavored tea. Do you get fresh smoked salmon for high tea in England? I'm not sure. And what we haven't had with any other afternoon tea before is sparkling wine and fresh strawberries. One thing is certain, and Petar and I agree on this: you should definitely plan a few hours for tea time at the Chateau Laurier in Zoé's Lounge if you're in Ottawa. It is worth it!

That has to be in your Box for a trip to Ottawa

Wear comfortable shoes, because in Ottawa you will be walking a lot.
A backpack, in which you have utensils and a jacket for a day
Also use our packing list for the vacationso that you don't forget anything.
Are you traveling in winter or for Winterlude Festival to Ottawa, then here are the right tips for you: Packing your suitcase for a trip in winter.

Freshly brewed tea is collected by sieve

You need to know this for tea time at Chateau Laurier

The Afternoon tea is served with these opening hours. You can also reserve a table here.

Dress Code is casual, smart casual or business casual.

Reservation is required for the afternoon tea. Tel. (613) 241-1414.

The menu offers a modern interpretation of the classic afternoon tea with English scones, open sandwiches and exquisite sweets. Prices may vary, so it is advisable to inquire directly with the hotel for current prices.

Types of tea offered: Exclusive LOT 35 teas are offered, curated specifically for Fairmont.

Special events: From November 25th to January 5th, a festive afternoon tea is offered with special menus and decorations. It is advisable to book early as this event is very popular.

Learn more:

Are you planning your stay in Ottawa? Discover our Top Tips for Ottawa and don't miss any sights!
Eastern Canada tour

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