Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Review

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a real treat.

This was my first time doing afternoon tea.  I’m now a fan.

The gourmet tea, the wide variety of tastes and textures of the food, the one-of-a-kind setting – it all makes for a enjoyable and memorable experience.  You won’t find troops of tourists here either, so I’d have to argue it is off-the-beaten-path too.

At the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge the tradition of afternoon tea starts with tea, then a tray of small sandwich foods and then a dessert tray.  All of it is prepared with the utmost attention to detail.

Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The server provided a tea menu with a wide selection of teas.  The server can help with tea selection if you have questions.

Our menu had Earl Grey, Orange Pekoe, Assam Leaf, Margaret’s Hope Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong, Kenmare Ceylon, Jasmine Butterfly #1, Kyoto Cherry Rose, Cascade Peppermint, Egyptian Chamomile, Kea Lani Orange Pineapple, and Berry Berry.

• Just avoid asking for coffee!! I’m not sure what would happen… but it could involve the room going silent and security personnel escorting you out of the building. I’m kidding, but that’s how serious they seem to be about tea here.

After a while, the tea arrives. The tea itself is loose tea served in a tea press to bring out the flavor.

After sipping on tea for a bit, the “sandwiches” arrive on a tray for two people to share.  Quail eggs, cucumber sandwich, smoked salmon, goat cheese and other delectable ingredients.  It is a unique set of foods.  That is part of the appeal.

Though the sandwiches may look small, it is a filling meal. Then comes dessert.  The dessert is a meal in itself!

Afternoon Tea Dessert at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Skip lunch, skip dinner. All you need is afternoon tea at the Jasper Park Lodge. Look at it!…luckily it is a serving for two people to share.

I counted 7 different kinds of dessert items – everything I could ever want in a dessert and more.

Alas, the meal was finished and the bill arrived.

The price for everything seemed reasonable for this fancy of a meal.  Our tab for two was under $70 after taxes.

Explore the lodge and grounds after afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is a great way to enjoy the setting of the landmark Jasper Park Lodge hotel (originating in 1921) without having to stay there (this is an upscale accommodation out of most people’s price range).  The lodge has a lot of character.

Lac Beauvert boat rentals at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is on Lac Beauvert.  On a nice day, you can walk around Lac Beauvert or even rent a canoe or kayak and do some paddling to work off the calories.

Reservations required

Be sure to make a reservation for afternoon tea, which is served only between 2 and 4 PM daily.

• At one point, the Jasper Park Lodge’s website lacked info about the afternoon tea reservation requirement – which can cause confusion for those who have never done afternoon tea before and for those who see that reservations are not excepted for the Emerald Lounge.  I pointed this out to the concierge and it was promptly improved.  It goes to show that they listen to patrons.  Now, the website reads “Please note that reservations are required and at least one hours notice.”

I’d suggest calling for a reservation a day in advance during the peak months of July and August just to avoid disappointment.  The main number for the lodge is (780) 852-3301 or toll-free (866) 540-4454.

Even though we were not staying at the hotel, the concierge really seemed to go out of the way for us.  And the waitstaff service was good too.

My only complaint about Jasper Park Lodge is the tight parking lot for guests not staying in the hotel.  Give yourself extra time to park and walk to the lodge.  Or live it up and do valet service which is at the entrance of the main lodge building where tea is served.

All-in-all a good time.  I’d do afternoon tea again.

It might not be the best thing to bring kids to for a meal but it is perfect for a romantic meal.

I wonder if the chef changes the selection based on seasonal food availability.  Sounds like the perfect excuse to go back to find out.

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