Afternoon tea is having a moment in Edmonton, and the city has options ranging from a $25 steal to a $99 splurge with a honeybee twist. Whether you're marking a birthday, catching up with your mum, or just want an excuse to eat tiny sandwiches, here's what's on offer around town.
The priciest — and most unusual — option comes from the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, whose Royal Queen Bee Afternoon Tea runs on select Sundays until October 4, 2026, with seatings at noon and 2:30 p.m. For $99 per person plus tax and gratuity, you get the classic spread of tea sandwiches, desserts and fresh scones, plus a tour of the hotel's own honeybee hives. That hive element makes it a one-of-a-kind bookend to a proper hotel tea.
For something more wallet-friendly, Cafe Bel-Air claims the budget crown at $25 per person plus fees, served Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The price covers unlimited teas alongside a full run of savoury dishes and desserts, which is hard to argue with.
Old Beverly Cafe, on 118th Avenue NW, comes in at $40 per person plus fees, Tuesday through Sunday. It's known as one of the most affordable ceremonies in the city, with a wide choice of teas, sandwiches and pastries. The cafe is also a good spot to learn the difference between high tea and afternoon tea — a British tradition built around small bites and, obviously, tea.
Lady Bea's English Tea House on 125th Street offers three formats: an afternoon tea, a garden tea and a sweetheart tea, with prices starting at $39. All include a pot of tea from the menu plus sweet and savoury plates, and the house runs Wednesday to Monday.
Rounding things out is The Art of Cake, which hosts its high tea on Sundays only. Tables are booked at $120 for two or $240 for four — about $60 a head. The cafe notes limited spots for its final September sitting, with October bookings opening soon, so planning ahead matters here.
Why it matters: high tea is one of those rare outings that works for almost any group — multigenerational family visits, bridal showers, a friend's birthday — and Edmonton's range means you can match the experience to your budget. Book early for weekend sittings, especially the Fairmont's hive-and-tea combo, which only runs on select dates through fall.
