My Mom from Saskatchewan recently came to visit Ottawa. We had already visited Parliament Hill and taken the cruise down the Rideau Canal. So, what to do? I found out Laurier House National Historic Site also offered high tea on the veranda. Sounded like the perfect mother-son activity.
We arrived at Laurier House and were seated on the beautiful veranda. I instantly felt like I had been transported back to 1920. Light jazz music added to the atmosphere.
Our friendly server started by offering up a variety of teas. We were able to sample different options and decided upon the chamomile tea. Our teapot and cups were beautiful, fine china.
Next, the server brought out a three-tiered silver tray with four different types of finger sandwiches on the bottom, including the classic high tea cucumber sandwich. The middle tray had scones with clotted cream and jam. While the top tray held delectable sweets like chocolate cake. My mom and I were just waiting for King Charles to make his entrance.
We enjoyed great conversation and nibbled away on our scones, finger sandwiches and sweets.
Soon enough, we were full and even had enough to almost fill a small box.
A great part of high tea also means you have free access to the Laurier House. Located in Sandy Hill, Laurier House was home to Prime Ministers Laurier and King. The home is decorated in the style of the era. Highlights for me were seeing a player piano and a working elevator of the time, even though it is no longer in use.
My mom and I toured all three levels of the house, with guides on each floor. The guides share interesting stories about Laurier and King. It truly is a building where “if the walls could talk” would be an apt phrase.
We loved our experience of high tea at Laurier House. I would best describe it as a high-class affair in a relaxed setting with friendly service.
High tea is served on Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. until September 26.
The cost of the experience is $68 per guest, and that also includes admission to the Laurier House.
You must reserve ahead for this experience, which can be done on the Parks Canada website.
Photos: Tom Middleton
