Top Teas for Mother’s Day

With moms across Canada set to be treated to high tea on Mother’s Day, May 13th, here are our top picks for the best/quirkiest sippy services from coast to coast. —Noa Nichol

vancouver. Afternoon or "high" tea is as much a Mother’s Day tradition as brunch or breakfast in bed, and there’s really no place better to have it than at the Trump International Hotel Vancouver. Served in the sophisticated Champagne Lounge just off Georgia Street, there are several options or "tiers" to select from; however, in order to treat mom like the queen she really is, the Bellagraph Afternoon Tea (named in honour of the jeweler’s showroom located right in the hotel) is the obvious, elevated choice. Presented in a majestic hanging birdcage, this specialty service includes a glittering menu of delectable nibbles—savories, sweets and scones—by executive pastry chef Fumiko Moreton alongside a menu of exquisite brews from TWG Tea and flutes filled with Ployez-Jacquemart bubbly to wash it all down. Book today and show mom the tea-time of her life!

calgary. Talk about tea service! The Dove’s Nest on 90th Avenue SW includes either a small or large pot of tea to share (the Bella Coola infusion piqued our interest) plus a selection of seven savoury pieces, raspberry preserves, Devonshire cream, house scones and three sweet treats. There are even gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options to choose from, making this Calgary institute truly mom inclusive!

edmonton. Want to give mom the royal treatment this year? The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald offers a Royal Tea & Tour that includes a delightful afternoon tea followed by a historic tour every Saturday and Sunday, including the inn’s very own spectacular Queen Elizabeth II Suite (unless it’s occupied!). You can even make this tea a whole-day Mother’s Day experience by pampering your queen (and, perhaps, yourself as well) with a body treatment at the on-site massage centre.

toronto. OK, this one’s a little different. Experience high tea under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. Treat your momma to premium specialty teas, tasty sandwiches and decadent desserts by Daniel et Daniel while watching gorgeous sea creatures swim by.

montreal. What could be better than sipping high tea in a garden setting? At Montreal’s Pub Burgundy Lion, Sunday afternoon tea in served in a four-season solarium (so it really doesn’t matter whether the weather if co-operating or not), complete with two layered platters (sandwiches and savouries, and scones and classic British sweets) plus a choice of tea served in bone china as per true English fashion. And, for those in a celebratory mood, a choice of sparkling wine and champagne are available from the pub’s cart.