Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Alberta, Canada

Take a deep breath, close your eyes and imagine you’re at the most magical place for afternoon tea. What does that look like? I thought of a scene quite like afternoon tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. A castle-like setting filled with fine dining ware and an unbelievable view of emerald coloured water surrounded by rocky mountains to talk about for a lifetime. Earlier this year my husband and I did a sunrise mountain elopement. This tea dream became a reality when I was searching for the best spot to share a first meal together as a married couple. As we were sitting in the room with our cups of tea we found ourselves wondering “are we in a real-life fairytale?”. I’ve heard that during a winter visit you might even wonder “am I in a real-life snow globe?” Get ready to add another spot to your tea bucket list.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Brief History

Known as an iconic hotel in Banff National Park, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise first opened in the late 1880s by the Canadian Pacific Railway. But it didn’t always look like the castle you can visit today. In fact, it even went by a different name.

Lake Louise was first discovered in 1882 and a one-storey log cabin known as Chalet Lake Louise opened for visitors in the location in 1890.

Starting in the early 1900s, it underwent significant renovations to become what you see today. These renovations went on for years. This included expanding its room count, designing brand-new wings, winterizing to stay open year-round and much more.  

It was around 1926 that the Canadian Pacific Railway renamed the building as Chateau Lake Louise. In 2001, Fairmont Hotel and Resorts was formed and it was renamed again.

More renovations occurred a few years later to add on new dining facilities and other accommodations.

The hotel has hosted many famous historic guests over the years including Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock, Theodore Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth II and more. 

If you recall my previous tea room review, Lake Agnes Tea House, this property is right before you get on to the hiking trail. You could visit both in one day if desired. But, if hiking is not for you, then this is the next recommended place in the area!

Entering the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The setting is more than exceptional for traditional afternoon tea. In addition to being surrounded by breathtaking views, the architecture of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is phenomenal. It’s easy to see how spectacular any event hosted within these walls would be. 

With an array of elegant indoor spaces, this place is popular for social events whether it be for something more formal like a wedding or just a meeting. Their world-renowned culinary team is ready to create an exquisite banquet menu for any occasion. 

Upon arrival, hotel staff were at the entrance to greet and confirm reservations before being directed inside. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is hosted 7 days a week, but the location depends on the day of the week.

If you’d like to be seated in the Lakeview Lounge, make a week day reservation. Afternoon tea guests on the weekends are served in the Fairview Restaurant. 

Afternoon Tea in the Lakeview Lounge

I was visiting during the week so we had to make our way to the Lakeview Lounge. I may have missed some signs or maybe there just wasn’t enough for me, as there was some confusion on the direction we should go.

The Fairview Restaurant was easier to spot, so the kind host at that location showed us the way to the Lakeview Lounge which was right nearby. 

From there, the Lakeview Lounge hostess checked our reservation, asked if we were here celebrating anything special (we were!) and escorted us through the lounge. 

The high ceilings, beige coloured walls and warm lighting opens the space filled with marble-like square tables and a few wood rectangular tables. When you first walk in, there are a few steps to take you up to a slightly higher level with a different pattern carpeting and black railings.

My husband and I stayed on the main level and were seated at one of the square tables with blueish grey chairs that were lined with silver studs. The table was already set for two with cutlery, cloth napkins, teapot shaped dish for tea bags, white and blue floral plates with similar teacups.

I noticed that most tables in the lounge were set with the same teaware, however there were a few that had a red version of the pattern instead.

There was also a handy tool on the table for guests. A trio of small hourglasses for timing your steeps, which is a must to make a great tasting cup of tea.

I considered ourselves very lucky to have a table reserved at the most wonderful spot. Tables in the Lakeview Lounge line along the floor to ceiling windows but also inside the centre. Our window seat was absolute perfection for sipping tea, nibbling on treats and looking out to take in the full view of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier.  

Adding to that, the overall ambiance was peaceful and unhurried. I quite enjoyed the classical music faded in the background and the soft chatters of guests at their tables enjoying what was soon to come. 

Once seated our server for the Afternoon Tea service came over with the most welcoming greeting and glasses of iced cold water. We visited during one of the extreme heat wave days, so this was very much needed! 

Tea Menu

After some small talk, we were presented with a book style tea collection that showed the loose leaf teas and their tasting notes. A personal pot of tea is included for each guest. Served with milk and sugar, if desired.

The tea menu consisted of 3 black teas, 3 green teas, 1 oolong tea, 1 white tea and 3 herbal teas for those that may prefer a naturally caffeine-free steep. I appreciated that it also disclosed the country of origin for each tea and ingredients used in a blend. 

Since morning had just ended but I had an early start to the day, I decided to go with their Imperial Breakfast black tea. It was described as the “perfect breakfast tea with burgundy depth and malt highlights.” 

My husband went for their Cream Earl Grey black tea which is “a remarkably heady earl grey tempered with wickedly delicious cream flavour”. 

The loose leaf tea is served in filter teabags. You can rest the teabags on the provided dish to prevent oversteeping.

Food Menu

The food menu is available ahead of time. In fact, you can find it on their website prior to booking. It seems to be the same every time.

What is really nice about it and that I don’t see enough at other afternoon tea services is there are 2 food menus. One is their standard Afternoon Tea and the other is their Vegan Afternoon Tea, priced the same as well. 

I ordered off the standard Afternoon Tea menu and my husband ordered mainly off the Vegan Afternoon Tea menu. The staff was very accommodating to any allergies or dietary restrictions. 

After a short wait, our server brought each of us a 3-tier stand filled with savouries, scones and sweets. Unfortunately, the food was not presented in the proper order for a traditional afternoon tea service. But, we made sure to eat in that order, so this review will reflect that. 

Savouries

The savoury portion of the standard Afternoon Tea service is listed as Finger Sandwiches but it’s so much more than that. It consisted of 5 items.

This included Country Ham & Cheese Choux Puff, Blackened Tuna BLT on a Petit Croissant, Honey Comb with Double Brie on Brioche Toast, Prawn & Avocado with Rice Crackers Dip and a Curry Chicken Finger Sandwich.

I thoroughly enjoyed every bite with my sips of the Imperial Breakfast tea. Quite a few of the items were new to my palate, so it was nice to experience them overlooking the breathtaking Rocky Mountain views. 

If I had to pick a favourite though, I would say that I would gladly go back for more of the Country Ham & Cheese Choux Puff anytime. 

Scones

Everything you see on the menu online is what you get, except you must choose 2 out of the 3 scones listed. The vegan menu offers gluten free scones, but my husband stuck with the list of scones from my menu. 

We both went with the Traditional Scone, then I also selected the Saskatoon Berry & White Chocolate Scone and my husband got the other one, Jalapeno & Cheddar Scone. This way we were able to sample every offering! 

I was pleasantly surprised that the scones were a decent size. I was a bit worried that they would be a very mini version since we were to each have two. Thankfully, they did not disappoint. 

The Traditional Scone was crispy on the outside and very light inside. The Saskatoon Berry & White Chocolate scone is a great pick for someone who might like a bit more sweetness.

Lastly, the Jalapeno & Cheddar Scone is definitely recommended if you prefer savoury. I didn’t find it too hot either, especially when you lather it with one of the many spreads they offer.

The scones were served with so much more than just clotted cream and jam. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise went all out and provided lemon curd and marmalade as well. Four different accompaniments…how does one choose? By trying them all!

I don’t typically use lemon curd on scones, but I couldn’t say no this time around. Since it is sweet and tangy, I preferred it most on the traditional scone. 

The clotted cream was lighter than a traditional clotted cream that would have been much thicker. It reminded me more of whipped cream. But, I still savoured every bit when paired with the marmalade and jam.

The star of the show for me was definitely their lavender infused jam. I enjoyed that on each of the scones and made sure to clean up the container it came in to not waste a bite!

Half way through the scones our teapots were feeling a bit light. You know service is impeccable when the server can read your mind and refill your teapots with fresh hot water at the right time.

A second steep was just what we needed as we were entering the final Afternoon Tea course. 

Sweets

The Sweet Bouquet is what they call the sweet portion of their Afternoon Tea. Six bite sized, mouth watering desserts were served here. This included a Macaron, Passion Fruit Truffle, Salted Caramel Pot de Crème, Olive Oil & Berry Cake, Lemon Meringue Tartlet, Vanilla Cream Berries.

It’s hard to pick a favourite from the sweet menu. They were all spectacular and I truly enjoyed that there was a great variety. The Olive Oil & Berry Cake and Lemon Meringue Tartlet are my top picks.

Price & Add Ons

Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada costs $65 per person, plus applicable taxes and gratuity. The price is the same whether you indulge in their standard afternoon tea menu or the vegan version. 

Add ons are available as well. If you would like to experience a Royal Afternoon Tea, you may have a glass of Giusti Prosecco. The service would then be $75 plus taxes per person. A glass of Canadian Sparkling, a cocktail or Taittinger Champagne is also available, priced at $80 and $85.

A trimmed down version of this service is available for children as well. Priced at $35 plus taxes per child.

Offered 7 days a week, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Find the full menu here.

Overall Thoughts

If there is one thing to critique about this Afternoon Tea service, I would say that the food on the savoury menu was too small. Understandably, finger food is expected, but I was surprised I left still a bit hungry. I’m usually quite full after this type of tea service.

However, to be fair, I was famished after a very early morning of hiking so it may just be because of that.

A magical place for afternoon tea is just what you’ll get from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Fulfill your dream of sipping tea in a castle with a picturesque backdrop by visiting at the next chance you get!

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Visit Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:

111 Lake Louise Drive
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada 
www.fairmont.com/lake-louise/dining/afternoon-tea

*Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by booking online here. 

**Prices and tea/food options may change. All were accurate at the date of this tea room review.