Jill

I see many references to this event. It sounds like fun, but I have heard that it is super expensive, $35 pp, I think. Does anyone know how pricy it truely is, and/or can offer an alternative, less expensive {albeit perhaps less fancy} option for afternoon tea in the Victoria area?

Cindy

I think it actually may cost more than $35 these days. I've also heard that it is 1)very nice and 2)not really worth the price. I have heard from someone whose judgment I trust,who lives in the area, that there's a place called the White Heather Tea Room; the ambience isn't as posh as the Empress but apparently the experience is just as nice and the food is nicer. When are you going? In the summer, there's a wonderful afternoon tea on the lawn at Point Ellice House; you tour the historic home first (not as objectionably touristy as it sounds, it's actually quite interesting) and then have tea in the garden. Another possibility is Point-no-Point in Sooke.

Jill

Thanks so much for the advise, Cindy. I plugged "Ellice House" in on my computer, and was surprised to see it come right up! It looks great!!! We are planning on visiting in the summer, so this looks like a fine option. And only $16.50, including admission! Question: Their site mentions getting there by water taxi. Do you have any idea how difficult water taxi is to access, whether this would require reservations, and how long to allow for the trip? Again, I appreciate your help.

April

For atmosphere, there's no place quite like The Empress for afternoon tea. Until Easter weekend, residents can have tea there for under $25, and BC seniors get even a better bargain. Later the price jumps and in high season expect to pay around $46. Is it worth it? It depends on if you *have* to have tea at the Empress.<BR><BR>Personally I don't think any tea is worth $46. I'd much rather eat at the White Heather Tea Room where the food is always fresh and the prices are reasonable. You can have the 'wee tea' for about $7, a regular tea which offers a good assortment for $12 or so, or the big tea for two for about $30. You'd need transportation though as it is out of town on Oak Bay Ave. Reservations are a good idea.<BR><BR>As for the harbour ferries, you don't need a reservation. Just go down to the lower causeway or a number of other spots around the harbour, wait for a ferry to turn up and hop on. They run frequently so you don't have to wait long. If they're still doing their water ballets on Sunday mornings, stick around and have a look.

Cindy

Hi, Jill - yes, the above poster is quite right; it's easy to get a water taxi to Point Ellice House. They're easily found around the inner harbour. It's also possible to drive to Ellice House if you have a car, but it's a little difficult to find; it's in a sort of industrial area, tucked away off a side street. If you go, try their lavender lemonade; it sounds weird but it's quite wonderful! The trip by water taxi doesn't take very long (I can't recall exactly but I think maybe about 10 minutes or so) - sorry, I can't remember how much it costs, but not an awful lot.

Jill

Cindy and April,<BR>Thanks for all the great advise.<BR>I think that we'll do a "walk thru" of the Empress, but $46 is a bit much to pay for tea, no matter how nice it is! We are really looking forward to the Point Ellice House - From your comments, the water ferry sounds like a more enjoyable way to get there than driving, and will add to the experience. We will try the lavender lemonade for sure!