January is National Hot Tea Month, cause for celebration for dedicated tea-drinkers like me. While it’s possible to get a cup of basic English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe tea pretty much anywhere, it’s worth hunting down the places where you can indulge in a full-on tea experience. Generally, that starts with whole-leaf teas steeped for exactly the right amount of time (it’s always a bonus when your teacup arrives along with a timer).
Canmore Tea Company
737-7 Ave
If you’re looking to stock up and take home a supply of quality tea, you can’t do much better than a visit to the Canmore Tea Co. From rich, flavourful black teas to delicate herbal options, the selection is astonishing. There’s always something unique available for tasting, which is a great way to broaden your tea horizons.
One of the best parts of a visit to the store is browsing through the tea-pot selection. From pigs to tractors, moose and bulldogs to classic stout, round-bellied pots, if you’re looking to add to your collection of pots or in search of a unique gift for a tea-loving friend, you’ll find something cool here. The shop also offers a selection of tea accessories including strainers and cups… heaven for tea-lovers, really - and right here in Canmore!
Danielle Findlay Pilates & Wellness
608 Spring Creek Drive
Natur’el Teas are just one of many delightful surprises that await visitors to Danielle’s wellness studio space in Spring Creek.
I popped into Danielle Findlay’s boutique pilates and wellness studio in Spring Creek (go, it’s beautiful) and was delighted to be offered a cup of tea. Wild Blueberry Rooibos - it was delicious. Danielle also offers a lovingly curated selection of items in her small retail area - including organic teas by Natur’el Tea blended by hand in Banff.
Black Dog Café
30 Lincoln Park #101
The Black Dog Café is a super place to drop in for tasty breakfasts all day long. They do serve a variety of other things (amazing cheesecakes come to mind), but the other day I was in there to enjoy a frittata washed down by a most excellent cup of tea.
Black Dog Café makes a point of sourcing locally whenever possible - including their teas, which come from the Canmore Tea Company.
Pop in and visit - you’ll quickly be made to feel at home - you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone friendlier than Brad and Leah and their lovely dog, Shadow.
Dip one of these in your tea… ooh la la!
Communitea Café
1001 - 6 Ave
Communitea in Canmore has a great selection of loose-leaf teas as well as tasty snacks (including vegan and gluten-free options) and amazing soups and salads. A real community hub, this is where the locals gather. Bright, cheery, and busy, there’s a happy tea-fuelled vibe here that’s welcoming and warm.
The Pulse Café at The Malcolm
321 Spring Creek Drive
Is it my imagination or does good tea taste even better in a hand-made mug?
The Pulse at the Malcolm in Spring Creek offers a selection of lovely custom-blended teas as well as an eclectic mix of gifts in their retail area. I’m a sucker for pottery and love these Island Stoneware mugs adorned with Celtic knots.
In the summer, there are few better places to enjoy a leisurely tea-sipping experience than out on the patio behind the Malcolm. With Spring Creek in the foreground and Ha Ling beyond, it’s hard to imagine a finer place in the world to hang out and drink my tea.
What about you? Are you a rooibos or a white tea fan? English Breakfast or peppermint? Where are your favourite places to enjoy a cuppa’? Share your thoughts in the comments - I’m always looking for new teas (or places to enjoy them).