Going for high tea at the Chateau Laurier has been on my Ottawa Bucket List since I was a little girl. I remember that my dad had promised to take me for my 18th birthday but alas, 11 years after that works too! It was a lovely September day that I’m not likely to forget anytime soon, from tea delicious teas, to the warm company and an occasion to dress up! As an Ottawa native, over the years I’ve jumped at any occasion to attend events at the Chateau Laurier, from galas, to weddings, to brunches (and tea time!) I can’t resist the charm that is this beautiful place.

What makes high tea at the Chateau Laurier such an iconic Ottawa activity? The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is one of (if not THE) most beautiful buildings in the capital! It has a rich history, having entertained famous artists, politicians, and royalty – this is where the queen stays when she visits! It’s also a centrally located hotel that is great to make as your base if you are visiting the city!

Now is a better time than ever to go experience tea time because they’ve recently renovated the infamous Zoe’s restaurant where the high tea takes places. It’s a beautiful mix of retaining the historic character of the building and introducing some new industrial modern elements. Unlike other tea times, this is one where you’ll truly feel like royalty (royalTEA, anyone :)?). It’s tea time fit for a queen or king!

When is the best time to go for high tea at the Chateau Laurier?

Tea time is open Monday to Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m and on weekends Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. It’s best to either reserve a spot online or to call the Chateau Laurier directly. While they are open any day, tea time is most popular on Sundays.

There are of course certain times of the year that are busier than others, like Mother’s Day, Easter, and close to the holidays. The lead up to Christmas is a particularly magical time to visit as the hotel is celebrating its’ annual Trees for Hope event, where the halls of the hotel sparkle with the lights of beautifully decorated trees.

When visiting though you’re likely see Bachelorette parties, birthday balloons, anniversaries, family gatherings or parties just because it’s (insert day of the week)! The reality is though that it’s a wonderful experience to have regardless of season and you don’t necessarily need a special occasion to visit!

How much does high tea cost and what should I order?

Well you can’t do tea time without ordering a beautiful tray (on the menu as Afternoon Tea).

One tray for one hungry person.

One tray for two content people.

One tray for three who want a light tasting.

The ideal ratio is one tray per person, or you can opt to share with one other person, three is spreading it quite thin! You can expect one tray to cost around $50 (with a little premium if you go for holiday tea time), which is very reasonable considering the quality of the ingredients, presentation and taste!

The price also includes tea and scones with delicious whipped butters! With the Afternoon Tea selection, you’ll have access to a tea expert and a wide variety of tea options to chose from, from black tea, to oolong, there’s something for everyone. I’m a tea-aholic, so we not only got the tea that it came with, but we also chose a blooming tea. It was a very neat experience to watch the flowers bloom until they were ready to consume!

The menu varies, but when I’ve been last it was a delicious mix of sandwiches with smoked duck on rye, turkey brioche slider buns, prosciutto and peach on focaccia, and artichoke salad on a baguette. The deserts included; lavender and lime shortbread, elderflower and strawberry yogurt mousse, whipped lemon meringue tartlet, sweet pea and raspberry victorian sponge and lastly milk chocolate and hazelnut for all those macaron lovers.

There are also options that are kid friendly. Opt for the Little Prince and Princess tea time for a tasting that the kids will love – is there anything cuter!

What to wear for high tea at the Chateau Laurier?

 

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Happy to have fulfilled a lifelong wish to have high tea at the Chateau Laurier! Happy birthday to mama and me! We are ready for a tea date with the queen anytime! #myottawa 👸🏻

A post shared by Monica (@ahlanmonica) on Sep 16, 2018 at 2:55pm PDT

While the website says casual, most diners you’ll find are more business or smart casual. It’s the perfect setting and occasion to get a little dressed up for – I mean when else do you get to eat at a castle?!

This is the ideal situation to whip out those delicate white or floral dresses or jumpsuits. Here are a few outfit inspiration ideas for the ladies.

So, is high tea at the Chateau Laurier worth it?

If you’re a tea lover – this is your mothership.

If you love sweets – you won’t be disappointed.

If you love history – you’ll be impressed by the setting itself.

My wife is dragging me here – enjoy it, you’re scoring major points with her!

If the menu hasn’t already convinced you and made your mouth water, then I don’t know what will! I regret that it took me so long to get out for the experience and I’m already planning my next visit! Whether you are visiting Ottawa and looking for activities to do, or you’ve lived here many years and have always wanted to go – just do it, go for the royal treatment!

Other high teas in Ottawa to consider

There’s no reason why not to make high tea at the Chateau Laurier an annual activity, but if you’re looking to explore other high teas, try some of these!

• Vanitea Room 
• Quelque Chose
• Moscow Tea Room

For other things to do in Ottawa, make sure to check out this complete guide to the city!

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