“Hey, Mama, can we do something special, just you and me?” Tofino Tea Bar was perfect for our special time together!

Written By: Gretta Kennedy, Traveling Islanders
Location: Canada • Vancouver Island • Tofino, BC

“Hey, Mama, can we do something special, just you and me?”

We were 4 days into our week-long family vacation and my daughter was asking for “just us” time.  She does this occasionally and each time she asks, I love what we come up with.

Here on the west coast of both Canada and the US, there is a coffee shop on almost every corner.

Coffee, coffee, coffee.

Now I enjoy a good coffee shop and I’m sure I could have found a unique one for Kaia and I to visit.  But I wanted to do something different with her this time. The last time we were on the west side of the island, I was introduced to a fantastic little shop called Tofino Tea Bar.  Since our vacation took us back to the area,  I decided to take Kaia for our “just us” time.

Tofino Tea Bar is an unassuming and friendly tea shop.

With a wide array of loose leaf tea, there is sure to be something for every pallet.  It was a hot day, so Kaia and I were looking for something cold and refreshing.

Now I have to admit that I’ve always thought of tea as a hot beverage.

Sure, I’ve had iced tea before, but never really liked it. So you’ll have to excuse me if I was a bit surprised when Cheryl, the owner and tea sommelier, offered my daughter an apple/raspberry infused tea that tasted more like juice. Kaia was surprised at its yumminess and consumed it quickly.

Cheryl – Owner of Tofino Tea Bar and “Sommelier”. A tea sommelier is someone with expert training and knowledge regarding tea…yes, they go to school for that. Here she is making a cold tea infusion.

I am learning there is much I do not know about tea.

I have a dear English friend who would readily agree.  She once made fun of me for calling a kettle a teapot and has since gifted me one of each.  I think this is more for her benefit for when she comes over for a visit.  But I digress….

At the Tofino Tea Bar, you can find so much more than hot tea.

During the summer, Cheryl creates 2-3 different cold tea infusions and each one is fantastic.  And if you really want a treat, ask for a tea milkshake.  They are amazing!

And it doesn’t stop there. Have you ever had the feeling after finishing a satisfying meal that you wanted something sweet, but not an entire dessert?  Try a tea pairing.  Much like wine, choosing the right tea can enhance your enjoyment of a simple dessert.Cheryl gave Kaia and I a small piece of dark salted chocolate and a cup of caramel rooibos tea.

Oh, was that ever good.  Let the tea melt the chocolate in your mouth and it’s like having a yummy dessert party all up in there.

Kaia was delighted to discover how something so little as piece of chocolate can change in flavour so much by just adding a sip of tea.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I was delighted too.

Cheryl, owner of Tofino Tea Bar and Tea Sommelier

Kaia and I stayed at Tofino Tea Bar for about an hour and a half, talking and getting to know Cheryl and this sweet shop.  As we left, Kaia asked for a picture with her new friend and looks forward to when we can go back.

People told me when I became a mother that the years would go so quickly. I’m realizing they were quite right.  I feel like Kaia was just born and now, I’m enjoying special time with her at a tea bar. As she grows, our relationship changes too. We had fun that day, just us.  Our conversation topics seemed more grown up. I noticed she seemed less like a little girl and more like someone who will be my good friend one day.  As we were leaving, Kaia turned to me and said, “Mama, that was really fun. I like spending time with you like that.” Me too, sweet child.

Details:

Tofino Tea Bar
381 Main St.
Tofino, BC, Canada

Phone: 250-785-8833
Website: www.tofinoteabar.com

Notes:
• The Entrance is at the back of the building. It’s a little tricky, but aren’t all hidden gems!
• Over 60 different kind of teas to choose from.

While our families experience at Tofino Tea Bar was complimentary, you can rest assured that our thoughts, opinions, and findings are our own as always.