Whistler is a place where anything is possible, where risks are encouraged and creativity is embraced. Here are a few local businesses that are making their mark in this part of the world and beyond.
GET NAKED
For just over a year, Marie-Christine “MC” Boulet has been at the helm of the Naked Sprout, the plant-based vegan and vegetarian café in a prime Village location. Since taking over, Boulet has focused on the fresh-pressed juices and organic smoothies that put the Naked Sprout on the map. But she’s also putting her own stamp on the business. This is a great spot to fuel up for the day with a tofu scramble english muffin topped with vegan mayo and kale and parsley pesto. Or try the grilled Dynamite Wrap with its pulled oyster mushrooms, BBQ lentil and brown rice, crispy chickpeas and more. There’s a mouth- watering option for everyone. Check out nakedsprout.ca.
FOREST FINDS
Local jewelry-maker Victoria Saddleman calls her business Sziktsut Creations (Zik-Shoot). It means Fallen Tree in the Lil’wat Nation, of which she is a member. Saddleman’s pieces are made from wood which she has foraged from the local forests. Her unique pieces, depicting hummingbirds, flowers and mountains, are handmade from stainless steel and wood. The wood is hand sanded, painted with acrylic paint and then finished with ecopoxy natural resin. “I think it’s good carrying a piece of the land everywhere you go,” she says.
Sziktsut Creations are available at local markets as well as the Arthentic boutique inside the Maury Young Arts Centre, which showcases a curated collection of handcrafted products from the Sea to Sky corridor. The boutique features jewelry, wood carving, pottery and more. Saddleman was the Arts Whistler Artist of the Month in February 2023. Check out her Instagram at sziktsut.creations.
BASKETS OF GOODIES
For more than a decade, Whistler Baskets has been brightening people’s days with their custom curated gifts baskets and boxes. The baskets are chock full of goodies for any occasion, as well as any budget. Recently, long-time local Dorothy Harwood has taken over ownership and has renewed focus on creating gifts that feature Canadian products and local vendors such as treats like Whistler Chocolate’s delicious organic chocolate bars, and Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Reduction, a balsamic sauce that can liven up any dinner plate and is made right here in Whistler. Check out whistlerbaskets.ca for more info.
ROCKIT TAKING OFF
There’s a new coffee hotspot in Creekside, fuelling mountain bikers and everyone else who stops by for the delicious coffee and treats. It’s called Rockit Coffee, close to the Creekside base on Whistler Mountain. Rockit has a decidedly funky feel to it with its rockstar décor. There’s a seventies vibe with vintage speakers, electronics, colourful furniture and lots of space to hang out while you soak up the trendy vibe. Check out rockitcoffee.ca or stop by when you’re passing through Creekside.
This content originally appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of Whistler Magazine.
