Scones, Sandwiches, and Chaos: High Tea Adventures with My Toddler in Vancouver
Give me a scone, jam, and overpriced crustless mini sandwiches, and I'm instantly back to weekend adventures with my parents in Zimbabwe. Clearly, this aspect of growing up in a former British colony stayed with me. So, I seek out places for High Tea. The girl-mum in me loves the idea of getting Yuyu dressed up in a pretty dress and going to enjoy tea with her. The reality is less glamorous than that, but I persisted on two adventures with Yuyu and gathered intelligence on a third spot for this guide. These are 3 places I’d recommend if you’re willing to have a sweet but chaotic high tea with mild panic when your toddler inevitably tries to make music by banging the teaspoons on the high tea china.
1. Notch8 Restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
The Official Info: https://www.notch8-dining.com/afternoon-tea/
Location & Parking: We took a taxi to save us the headache of finding parking. Travel Tip: We've learnt that while Ubers aren't able to take toddlers without a car seat, taxis can, you just have to make sure they are safely strapped into a seatbelt.
Price Check: It’s $75 per adult and $40 for kids under 12. However, I did explain that Yuyu was 2 years old and would not eat very much. We appreciated that we didn’t have to order the kids menu and she was able to just pick at a few things off of our trays.
The Vibe Check: The adventure begins as you enter the restaurant from behind an unassuming ‘secret’ door and walk into the dimly lit cellar where you’re pulled into the elegance of a new world. Their menu and decor changes based on various seasonal themes, and we loved all the detail of their fall decor and menu. Yuyu did try and play with most of the decor but, thankfully, none of it was breakable. The food was delightful and had the right mix of savoury and sweet options, with many things that Yuyu decided to take 1 bite from before placing it back.
Toddler Considerations:
High chairs are available.
Seating Tip: I loved that we got to sit in the half-booth with the cushions along the wall because we were able to keep Yuyu contained when she was done sitting in her high chair. I’d recommend asking for this table if you go with your toddler.
Wheely Friendly?Not really. There isn’t room in the restaurant to keep a stroller.
Potty Proximity: Bathrooms with change tables are available in the lower lobby of the hotel (Notch 8 is on the main level).
2. H Tasting Lounge in The Westin Bayshore
The Official Info:https://htastinglounge.com/
Location & Parking: We took a taxi, clearly, we’ve learned not to try and deal with downtown parking.
Price Check:$75 per adult and $50 for kids. You need to book and pay in advance. You don’t have to order the full tea for your toddler; they do have a separate kids menu ( much cheaper) that you can order from on the day, which is what I did.
The Vibe Check: Spectacular & Serene (Mostly) Yuyu, my sister Leila, and I went on this girls' date when she came to visit. I had to book it over a month in advance, and it didn’t disappoint. The Westin lobby is bright and inviting,just outside the dining area was a fun hot air balloon photo “booth” that tied in wonderfully with the “Around the World in 80 Days” tea theme. Inside, the music of a harpist set the tone for a civilized tea experience which, if I'm honest, made me second guess my decision to bring Yuyu.
This was by far the most creative and exciting high tea that I’ve been to. From the cotton candy floating from the mini hot air balloon on our table, to the various sweet and savory dishes arriving on a carousel, it wasn’t just delicious but also a fun experience.They periodically change themes but, i’m sure they are all equally as magical.
Toddler Considerations:
Get the high chair! I got swept up in how pretty the table was and convinced myself that she’d sit in the big chair. It was a rookie mistake because I know better
They have an “Eat Well menu for kids” available which doubles as a colouring sheet on the back. I ordered Yuyu quinoa and mustard crusted chicken nuggets served with carrot, apple, popcorn, and kale. She ate some of it but was more interested in trying things from our carousel. I probably wouldn’t order her a separate meal next time.
Our waitress was a total superstar. She is also a daycare educator and just knew when to step in and take things off the table because Yuyu might knock it over, or bring over extra napkins. I wish I got her name to say thank you here. She kept reassuring us that we were no bother as Yuyu tried dancing to the harp music between the tables.
Nothing broke, and we had a great time, but it was a bit stressful trying to get her to match the serene vibe of the afternoon tea. You’ll need to decide for yourself on your comfort level.
Post-Tea Activity: The dining area led out to a wonderful patio next to the waterfront with direct access to the Vancouver Seawall. Water is like a magnet to Yuyu. Going for a walk on the Seawall after tea was a wonderful way to let out some of her pent-up energy.
Wheely Friendly?Not really. There isn’t much room in the restaurant to keep the stroller.
Potty Proximity: Bathrooms with change tables are available in the accessible bathroom in the lobby of the hotel.
3. Neverland Tea Salon
The Official Info:https://neverlandtea.com/high-tea/
Location & Parking: I got lucky and had a meter parking spot right in front
Price Check: High tea for adults was $60. They have a smaller Tinkerbell High Tea for kids under 12 for $42
The Vibe Check: Casual & Whimsical I didn’t plan on coming here but happened to be right next door at Le Petit Spa where I’d just come from my mum and baby spa treatment (highly recommend it). Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to extend my parking and take baby Gabriel on an early lunch date. Neverland has a more casual vibe but looks super cute and whimsical with teacups hanging from tree branches and chandeliers.
I saw people having high tea ( which looked delicious) and decided it would be more fun to come back with Yuyu, so I just ordered from their weekday lunch menu (Blackberry brie and bacon croissant with soup which was delightful!). Gabriel was a great date who cooed and napped in his stroller.
Toddler Considerations:
High chairs are available and would be necessary.
Kids Menu: Even though they have the smaller Tinkerbell High Tea, it’s still quite a bit of food for a 2 year old. I was told you can ask, and the chef might be able to accommodate ordering a small meal from the lunch menu instead, so it’s worth asking.
Stroller Rule: No, officially. Customers are asked to leave strollers outside. I didn’t know this and brought mine in, but no one said anything. I think it was because it was a quieter Wednesday and there was space.
Wheely Friendly? No. It’s a small space, customers are asked to not bring strollers.
Potty Proximity: Bathrooms are clean and spacious with a change table available.
Author
I’m Mimi, the writer behind Mi & Yu. This blog was born out of a year spent exploring Vancouver with my toddler Yuyu and newborn son Gabe while my husband Jamie worked through a demanding fellowship.
What started as a way to survive the newborn phase turned into a collection of tried-and-tested family adventures, real reviews, tested logistics, and the occasional toddler meltdown included. Now back home in Newfoundland, I’m sharing those adventures so other parents can skip the decision fatigue and get straight to the fun part.
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