Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens: A Garden Escape Worth Savoring

afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens with savory and sweet treats in the foreground and the gardens in the background

Tea in the Heart of a Garden

The famous Sunken Garden at Butchart Gardens

If you’re planning a visit to Victoria, BC, and want to experience a beautiful afternoon tea without the fuss, I have the perfect spot for you — The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens.

I recently visited with my mom as a belated Mother’s Day treat, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our getaway. The setting alone is worth the trip: an elegant early-1900s house nestled right in the heart of the gardens, with views of the formal Italian Garden just outside the windows.

We chose to sit on the outdoor patio. It was a cool afternoon, but the staff had thoughtfully provided cozy blankets at each chair, perfect for the temperamental spring weather.

A view of the formal Italian Garden lawn at Butchart Gardens — *I love that there were blankets provided at every seat! What a lovely touch on a cool afternoon!*

An Atmosphere That’s Elegant, Not Fussy

The atmosphere was casually elegant — think polished but not pretentious. The tables were set in classic white and silver with simple bouquets of fresh-cut flowers. The professional staff added to the atmosphere: they were friendly, engaging, and even offered to take a photo of each table once their tea was served.

Tea Blends Made Just for Butchart Gardens

The menu featured nine loose-leaf blends created especially for Butchart Gardens. We both chose the 100th Anniversary blend, a yummy mix of black and green teas that was full-bodied with subtle floral notes. Hop over to my article all about the 100th Anniversary Loose Tea to learn more.

The Food: Fresh, Beautiful & Delicious

Before our tea arrived, we were each served a cute little English trifle, layered with Chantilly cream, peaches, and a touch of limoncello. It was light, fresh, and delicious — the perfect start.

small peach trifle at afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens

Then came the main event: a traditional three-tiered stand filled with scones, savory bites, and sweets. The scones were gently flavored with candied ginger and served with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. The sweet selection was lovely — an assortment of small cakes and a chocolate truffle.

Afternoon tea sweet selection at Butchart Gardens

But for me, the savory tier stole the show — a variety of beautiful finger sandwiches and tasty bites featuring local ingredients and flavors. My favorite? A tiny creamed leek savory tart in a short crust pastry, topped with a dollop of Parmigiano Reggiano cream. It was buttery, cheesy, oniony perfection. Amazing!

The quality and freshness of everything was spot on, and it’s worth mentioning that they also offer vegan, vegetarian, dairy-sensitive, gluten-free, and children’s tea options.

afternoon tea savory selection at Butchart Gardens

What It Costs

Afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens is currently $52.50 CAD per person (roughly $38–40 USD at the time of writing), which seems like a great value to me, considering the experience. Note that admission to the gardens is required — an additional fee of about $40 CAD per person — but the gardens are so gorgeous, you’ll want to visit even if you don’t come for tea.

See the current pricing and menu selection here: butchartgardens.com/restaurant/the-dining-room

If you’ve ever thought about experiencing the famous afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria, consider trying the afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens as a more affordable, yet equally enjoyable option. You might even choose to enjoy both if you’re up for multiple tea experiences during your visit to Victoria. The tea at Butchart Gardens is more relaxed and approachable, set in one of the most beautiful locations where you can sip a cup of tea. I have fully enjoyed both locations and personally prefer the experience at Butchart Gardens.

A woman looking at a formal garden and lawn

What to Wear

One last tip: dress smart casual, but keep comfort in mind. You’ll likely be walking through the gardens before or after your meal, and the atmosphere isn’t overly formal. When we visited, we saw everything from walking shoes to baseball caps, and no one blinked an eye. My mom and I even wore beanies — it was chilly that day — and we felt right at home.

Two women enjoying tea with a formal lawn and garden in the background

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a charming afternoon tea in a truly beautiful setting, The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens should be at the top of your list. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for a relaxing afternoon with someone you love.

I hope to be back myself soon!

100th Anniversary Loose Tea from Butchart Gardens

A beautifully balanced black and green tea blend created by Butchart Gardens for their 100th anniversary. Soft, fruity, and floral with just a hint of straw and muscatel, this tea is perfect for everyday sipping or a special afternoon tea moment.