Steeped in Tradition: Canada 150 Afternoon Tea

Take a culinary journey across the country that’s steeped in tradition and inspired by the romance of train travel and our place Canadian Pacific Railway history with Canada 150 Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. 

History

Known as “The Castle in the City”, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was originally a Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel. The railway connected Canada and the hotels built along it brought the country’s first tourists. Hotel Vancouver opened on May 16, 1888 and was the very first CP Rail Hotel. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver as it stands today is the third hotel to be named 'Hotel Vancouver'; the present Hotel Vancouver first opened its doors in 1939, on the eve of the Royal visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The hotel has been a landmark in the city ever since.

You can view the whole history of the hotel in just 77 seconds with this video.

Travel Back in Time

The private dining room at Notch8 restaurant has been transformed into a bit of a Canadiana time capsule. You’ll find original posters from other Canadian Pacific Hotels and the china is set on silver plates that were used at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in the 1950’s.

Culinary Adventure

Owing to our British roots, Afternoon Tea has long been a Canadian tradition. The Canada 150 Tea menu features culinary delights from all across Canada – each of them representing a different Fairmont Hotel. The journey begins with a palate cleansing Maple Panna Cotta, followed by scones with Saskatoon berry compote and Birch syrup Chantilly cream.

The savory selections begin in the east with Maple Foie Gras Tourtière and a nod to the Calgary Stampede with a Wagyu beef Corn Dog. Tea sandwiches include a mini West Coast Club sandwich piled high with fresh catch from the Pacific Northwest, Montreal smoked meat on rye, a delectable Atlantic Lobster Roll, a Peameal Bacon Sandwich and Bison Carpaccio.

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

If you still have any room left, the desserts are the star of the show. Canadian Mini Donuts (with extra chocolate and caramel to drizzle on!), Nanaimo Bar, a Whale Tail with Nutella, Butter Tart & a Wild Berry Tart. Don’t worry, if you don’t have room it can be packed up in a box to go!

There’s also a Children’s Tea for our tiny sippers. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available with advance notice.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Canada 150 afternoon tea will be offered until September 17, 2017.