The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB

Visited: June, 2005.  Reviewed: July, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Fair.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  A friend and I went for afternoon tea at the Banff Springs while we were there on vacation this summer. This was my first formal tea experience, and now I can't wait to go again! Making reservations ahead of time, we were seated at a table right by one of the enormous windows overlooking the magnificent Bow River Valley. The view alone would have been enough to make the experience worthwhile for me, but the tea and food were also excellent. We were first given nice, tall glasses of ice water and a lovely cold fruit salad (very refreshing after our walk from downtown Banff). Then the tea and a nice variety of finger sandwiches came (carrot ginger, cucumber, egg salad, and smoked salmon), and they were all quite tasty, though perhaps on the small side. The fresh raisin scones melted in the mouth, enhanced wonderfully by the rich Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves. The sweets were as pretty as they were delectable, including a small fruit tart, a swan-shaped profiterole (small cream puff), and a small cappuccino cream spongecake napoleon drizzled generously with a chocolate ganache. The house blend of tea is a lovely standard tea that accompanied the meal wonderfully. Be sure to take it white with the lovely whole milk provided (the dairy just does not compare here in Southern California!). Service was a bit slow, and they weren't very crowded when we were there. However, the lovely ambiance provided by the pianist downstairs and the grand decor of the Banff Springs (not to mention the incredible view!), more than made up for it.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Canada enthusiast  Add your review 

Visited: June, 2005.  Reviewed: June, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  The setting at Fairmont's Banff Springs Hotel distinguishes its afternoon tea above all else. Not that the food, service, and tea are lacking. Quite the contrary. It's just that the setting is so magnificent that everything else pales by comparison. The Rundle Lounge, where afternoon tea is served, is nestled at the far end of this vast, castle-like hotel overlooking Bow River Valley. As you sip tea, while listening to soft music provided by a pianist, you are immersed in a world of beauty. The encircling mountains tower over Rundle Lounge, whose immense windows along each wall provide panoramic views. The single choice of tea offered is the house blend, and it is beautifully served in a silver tea set. The traditional food courses of tea sandwiches, scone and pastries are very good. And service is exquisite. It would be hard to top the overall experience which the Banff Springs Hotel provides.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: hsv tea lover  Add your review  

Natur'el, Banff, AB

Visited: June, 2007.  Reviewed: June, 2007.
Meal: A good cuppa. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Jolene at Nauturel knows her teas and always find an interesting blend to recommend. 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Aydin  Add your review 

Visited: November, 2005.  Reviewed: January, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This boutique was a wide mixture of all good things. An excellent selection of teas and very knowledgeable employees. They served there tea is infusion pots with antique fine china, how fun. There is an eclectic mixture of Canadian handmade gifts, fine alpaca clothing and some amazing skincare lines! What an inovative and creative store!!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Emma Wilton  Add your review  

The Dove's Nest, Calgary, AB

Visited: August, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: It was exactky what I was looking for. I have been there multiple times because I enjoy it at a intimate level or with girlfriends!!!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Carla Bain 10/08  Add your review 

Tea Trader, Calgary, AB

Visited: January, 2009.  Meal: Merchant only. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Purchased to prepare at home.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Tea Trader's offers the best tea and service of any tea shop I have ever patronised, and I make a point of searching out tea houses everywhere i travel. They even remember my name! I strongly recommend this shop.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: cheryl, now (again) of prince rupert, bc 6/09  Add your review   

TotaliTea -- The Tea Boutique, Calgary, AB

Visited: February, 2004.  Reviewed: February, 2004.
Meal: No meal, just a cuppa. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teacup.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I don't live in Calgary, but was at an IT conference downtown and wandered into the Bankers Hall shopping concourse and found this tea shop. What I loved about it:
- fantastic tea selection (over 130 varieties), basically everything I could think of they had in stock
- the teas I bought (and ordered over the Internet since) were fresh and good quality
- beautiful store, it looked like something you would find in Paris or London
- prices are lower than in teashops in my hometown, even though the tea is at least as good or maybe better
- they will brew you up a cup of any of their teas
- there was a "tea of the day" you could sample for free
- wide variety of rooibos and yerba maté, which I can't always find loose
- very informed staff, when I asked about "Poona Kandy" tea, which normally draws a blank stare, I was told they had a Uva Bombagalla or Nuwara Elia which are from two other districts of Sri Lanka!
- they have gift baskets, so I could do my tea shopping and get gifts for friends all in one
- they have a nice online tea store (www.totalitea.com) which is a breeze to shop through, and they don't overcharge for shipping
What I wish they had:
- a tea room! They are a classic tea merchant, but it would be lovely to have a tea room alongside
- a location in my hometown ...  
Reviewer: Linda The Techie  Add your review  

Tea ... and other things, Cochrane, AB

Visited: June, 2009. Meal: Retail shop only. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Purchased for home preparation.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I drive from Calgary pretty much every month for my tea. The choices are huge and the prices very reasonable. Love the owner, Kelly, she is very knowledgable and helpful. Can't say enough good things about this place. Love,love,love it.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Joan 7/09  Add your review   

Visited: September, 2005.  Reviewed: October, 2005.
Meal: Retail shop only. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: n/a.
Tea: n/a.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I drive a distance to get to this tea shop and have done so numerous times.....AND will continue to do so. Your whole afternoon could be occupied perusing the vast selection of loose teas for sale. The owner is soooo helpful and knowledgeable and the prices can't be beat. Worth the trip! 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Cheryl  Add your review   

Acquired Tastes Tea Company, Edmonton, AB

Visited: May, 2001
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I am from Nova Scotia where it is difficult to get a nice variety of loose teas. I discovered this shop while visiting Edmonton. I insisted on going to check it out. It's a great little shop and the prices are reasonable. The owner was serving me. She was helpful and knowledgeable about her products. As a person who works in customer service, I was pleased with her efforts to help me the tourist. I hope this store is there for future visits! 
Reviewer: melaniesaxton@hotmail.com  Add your review   

Blue Sage Herb & Spice Company, Edmonton, AB

Visited: April, 2008.  Meal: Retail only. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: At home.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: everything is of excellent quality, no complaints at all, only repeat visitors! Thank you to all!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Marni B 4/08  Add your review   

Tea and Time Emporium, Glenmore Landing (Calgary), AB

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: July, 2005.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: very hospitable to me [I am in a wheelchair] my out of town & Calgary guests impressed
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Carolynne  Add your review  

Visited: March, 2005.  Reviewed: May, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Fanatastic ambiance. Great service. Owner always friendly and greets us with a smile and great service. Tea and food are great. Wonderful to try a different tea flavor each time. The ginger patch cake is a "to die for" dessert! Really helpful, have learned about tea brewing from them. Excellent loose teas to purchase and take home. JUST THE BEST!!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!  
Reviewer: Betty  Add your review  

That Country Place Gift & Garden Tea Room, Hanna, AB

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: July, 2005.
Meal: Cream tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Very enjoyable! and the tea passed the test of a true Nova Scotian tea drinker! Beautiful surroundings and lovely idea. The tea cups remind me of my 2 grandmothers Thank you
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Kathy and Heather   Add your review.  

Visited: July, 2005.  Reviewed: July, 2005.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: What a delightful teahouse! Beautiful decor and bubbly hostess - looking forward to dessert!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Janice, Marie and Linda   Add your review.  

Visited: January, 2005.  Reviewed: July, 2005.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: It was worth every ile I drove today to have tea and a visit with you 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Bonnie   Add your review.  

Visited: April, 2001
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: A wonderful little gift shop and tea room. The best tasting lunch I enjoyed during my trip to Alberta. I look forward to revisiting it on my next trip.
Reviewer: Karen   Add your review.  

Visited: March, 2001
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I have now been to That Country Place twice -- it was worth the return visit. This last time I brought my two young children with me, aged 2 and 4, and wondered whether I would regret it. I certainly did not. The service was wonderful, and accommodations were made to the available menu that suited my kids just perfectly. The kids thought it was wonderful, and my oldest now wants to have her birthday there too! That Country Place is well worth a visit, for the wonderful food, service, and the gift shop too!
Reviewer: Sharon   Add your review. 

Visited: July, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My parents and I are avid tea house visitors. We were delighted with the selection and quality of the tea! After a reasonably priced and absolutely wonderful lunch, we browsed through the attached gift shop. It was well worth the drive for a relaxing afternoon tea in the country.
Reviewer: Kathleen   Add your review. 

Visited: June, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My cousin and I had a great lunch of almond chicken in phyllo with Lady Hannah tea. The house they have moved in and remodeled is lovely and the stained glass windows are the crowning glory ... we will eat less lunch next time so there is room for dessert!
Reviewer: njohnson@eidnet.org   Add your review. 

Visited: May, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I live very close by and I like to bring my relatives for a nice relaxing lunch. I've always had a wonderful time and fully enjoyed myself. The hospitality is always terrific!
Reviewer: Kerry  Add your review.  

Visited: February, 2000
Tea: Good.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: A group of ladies and myself from Claresholm, AB enjoyed our experience at That Country Place. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. The atmosphere is very peaceful and we will return again!
Reviewer: Clara Eberl  Add your review. 

Visited: March, 2000
Tea: Good.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: A wonderful feeling to be with an enthusiastic small-business owner who genuinely enjoys what she is doing. Besides which the food and surroundings are as good as you will find anywhere. A delightful oasis in what is not the most pretty part of this great province.
Reviewer: Bruce & Rosalie Taste the Past B&B  Add your review.  

Visited: November, 1999
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We had a very relaxing and enjoyable time as Dawna and her staff served us in a friendly and personal way in her tastefully-decorated Victorian tea room. The gift shop has a wide variety of reasonably priced crafts and other gift ideas.
Reviewer: Kelowna, B.C.  Add your review.

The Jasmine Room, Lethbridge, AB

Visited: Before 2007.  Meal: Dessert tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teacup.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Very relaxing, cozy atmosphere. Polite service and the tea was tasty and the dessert delicious. Was there almost 3 years ago and have never been able to get it off of my mind. I compare it to all other settings that I'm in and wish I were back at the Jasmine Room.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Glenda Shank 1/08  Add your review.

Glenn's Restaurant, Red Deer, AB

Visited: December, 2008.  Meal: Other. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The tea shop is part of the restaurant and offers an extensive choice of loose teas. Black, white, green, rooibos, blooming, British favorites, estate teas, Oolong, herb & fruit, organic choices and more. Any tea sold in the shop (about 200 choices) may be purchased in the restaurant. Tea is served in proper teapots accompanied by charming teapot-shaped cookies. Generous portions of loose take home tea for your money. Great service and knowledgeable staff top off the experience.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Alberta Book Lady 2/09  Add your review.