Wagashi Tea House owners Chris and Mariko Thomson

Wagashi Tea House is a delightful surprise—a verdant retreat attached to a Canmore garden centre in an industrial neighbourhood far from the cacophony of downtown. Its greenhouse-like walls and ceiling allow plentiful light and views of the surrounding mountains.

The greenhouse-like location overlooks the mountainous Bow Valley

Owners/chefs Mariko and Chris Thomson have crafted a carefully curated fusion menu centred around Japanese confections (such as adzuki bean paste rice balls), tea ceremonies and bento boxes.

My poke bowl ($24) is a wonderful mix of raw tuna, wonton crisps, edamame beans, corn, rice and a spicy house-made dressing so popular they sell it in bottles. I accompany things with a bowl of ceremonial-grade matcha, the hot water whisked in by hand.

My spectacular poke bowl, featuring raw tuna

On Fridays, locals arrive to buy raw, sushi-grade fish to take home. And perhaps a locally raised plant or two from the garden centre next door.

Wagashi Tea House
60 Lincoln Park, Canmore, Alberta
Thursday to Monday 9 am-4 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday
403-497-6144