When the weather turns cold, what’s better than a cup of tea? Find unique varieties, a wide selection, and expert advice at one of Edmonton’s many tea shops.
1) Hedgerow Tea Co.
Hedgerow’s exclusively organic, vegan loose leaf teas feature unique blends like Masala Chai, African Honeybush, and—perfect for fall—Pumpkin Spice. They also offer three flavours of rooibos: Caramel, Sangria, and Peppermint Mocha. All of their teas are blended in Canada for a fresh taste. You can also get any of these teas by the cup (with both oat and almond milk available) or grab a sweet, creamy tea latte. Hedgerow Tea Co. is open weekends alongside the Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market. || Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market (Second Floor), 10305-97 Street
2) The Cove Tea Company
Spruce Grove’s local luxury tea provider, The Cove offers a full range of premium teas, from classics like English Breakfast and Darjeeling to delicacies like Cocoa Forest Bloom and Cucumber Mojito. Their website includes “tasting notes” for each blend so you can find the perfect cup to suit your tastes. Once you’ve found your favourite flavour, you can make sure you never run out with their monthly tea subscriptions, delivered right to your door. The Cove also sells a wide selection of tea infusers, mugs, and teapots to take teatime to the next level. || Brookside Ave, Spruce Grove
3) Acquired Taste Tea Company
Acquired Taste’s walls of elegant silver canisters are filled to the brim with delicious, loose leaf teas from around the world. Among their extensive selection is literally dozens of flavoured black teas, from Apricot Cream to Chocolate Mint to Lemon Spice. Can’t make up your mind just yet, or looking for a delicious and thoughtful gift? Pick up a five-pack or ten-pack tea sampler! They also sell packaged teas from tea sellers around the world, including Northern Delights, an herbal tea line owned and operated by Inuit entrepreneurs. || 10122-124 St NW
4) Vedic Teas
Guided by the principles of Ayurvedic healing, Vedic Teas offers several tea blends crafted to reduce imflammation, alleviate stress, aid digestion, and more. Their Tulsi Wellness teas, featuring the Tulsi (or Holy Basil) plant, include peppermint blends, chai, and more. Besides their Ayurvedic blends, Vedic Teas also offers a full selection of black, green, rooibos, and white teas. For those starting their holiday shopping early, Vedic is already offering a wide array of holiday flavours, including Santa’s Eggnog and Christmas in Vienna; you can order individual teas or gift collections. || 230 Sioux Rd, Sherwood Park
5) Green Island Tea & Coffee
Located inside Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre, Green Island boasts over 300 varieties of loose leaf teas. For a delicious, unexpected brew, try their “Oreo Cookie” black tea or “Raspberry in Paris” rooibos. Green Island also specializes in tea additives made with Jiaogulan, or Gynostemma, an herb that purportedly boosts the immune system and reduce blood pressure. Go beyond just tea with Green Island’s collection of teaware, including Chinese gaiwan cups and Yixing clay teapots. || Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre, 8330-82 Avenue, Unit 156
6) Choy Hope Trading Ltd.
A South Edmonton fixture since 1994, Choy Hope Trading specializes in Chinese teas, including both scented and unscented green teas. Their authentic blends are sourced from growers across Asia, as they have been for nearly 30 years. You can also pick up a stunning clay or porcelain tea set, as well contemporary glass teapots. For those new to the world of Chinese tea and tea ceremonies, you can take an in-store class with their Tea Academy. || 9704-39 Ave NW, Unit 132
