fitness

It's Always Time for Tea

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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.

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.

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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!

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?

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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).