About Us

(left) Arlo and Susanne - (right) The Plain of Six Teahouse, Lake Louise

In 1959, Joy and Peter Smith bought the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse: a back-country business in the Canadian Rockies accessed only by foot or horseback. This unique purchase would go on to shape the rest of their daughter’s life. Not only does Susanne spend every summer serving tea to people from around the world, but also the importance of community and the need to provide for others have become central to her life. “We are all in this life together, and the more we can do for each other the better the world will be.”

To that end, The Banff Tea Company was created in order to be a part of Banff and to give back to local and global communities. The Banff Tea Company donates 25% of its’ entire profits to charity (usually ‘animal’ in nature) and is an active participant in town events. In the future Susanne plans to travel to the places where the tea comes from, donating time and resources, and eventually creating her own charity through funds from the store.

Lest you think the store is of a ‘serious nature’, you need just to step inside, smell the aroma, hear the world music and see the décor to recognize that the Banff Tea Company is a unique and fun experience. The store was designed to be a place of creativity (Harry Potter meets Zen) and the “sniffer tins” allow you to smell each of the 180 different teas before you buy. The friendly and knowledgeable staff weighs your choice of tea right in front of you – apothecary style – and answers any questions you may have!

Visit the Banff Tea Company, either in person or online, buy something healthy and tasty, feel good about yourself, help others and have fun in the process!