Harry Potter meets Zen.

This is how Susanne Gilllies-Smith describes the look and feel of her international tea store, Banff Tea Co.

Steeped in the world of tea since she was a young girl, Gillies-Smith grew up spending summers at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse at Lake Louise and opened up the Banff Tea Co. in June 2007.

Tucked modestly along Caribou Street, this whimsical and sensory-stimulating teashop lets you touch, sniff, hear, see and taste your way to the perfect brew. Giving into your tea cravings here also makes a big difference, as twenty-five percent of the total profits go to charities. 

Clear jars of loose-leaf tea, organized in their various red, white, green, black, organic and herbal families, find their home on the dark wooden shelves. Each jar is partnered with corresponding “sniffing tins” so you can smell any of the 180 teas (don’t miss the Chocolate Mint Rooibos, Moroccan Licorice Exclusive Blend or Turkish Apple), before you buy. Their tea-savvy staff will weigh your choices apothecary-style as you sip on a wee cup of their sample brew.

And tea is only half the story. What good is a fine brew if you have nothing nice to serve it in? The Banff Tea Co. has an assortment of colourful and uniquely-designed teacups, mugs and pots.

You’re sure to find the perfect match for your next Saturday afternoon, curl-up-with-a cup session.