What keeps me coming back time and time again to British Columbia has most certainly been the passion of the locals. There’s this infectious appreciation for working with dedication and perfecting one’s craft, then sharing it joyfully with the world. Taking to Whistler, I experienced once again the passion that sets this destination apart.
When I talk about being passionate, it’s the kind that feels approachable, a childlike excitement, and invitation to experience what each person has crafted. What I love most is the emphasis on keeping things local. Many coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and experiences are founded by locals and fueled by locally-sourced materials and ingredients.
When we walked in Mount Currie Coffee Shop, the sense of being in someone’s home was felt immediately. Originating from Pemberton (not too far away), the independently owned and operated shop opened their doors in Whistler in 2012. Mount Currie’s focus on being environmentally friendly is a special example of the shop’s intentionally conscious impact. Using compostable cups/flatware and locally sourced ingredients are just a few of their efforts. It’s special — the recognition of their role in the grander ecosystem of Whistler shows just how important a role this local coffee shop plays in the community.
Just around the corner is another one of my favorite local shops, Purebread. What started as a small stand serving pastries at the farmer’s market, has now blossomed into three bakery locations. The family-owned bakery brings smiles to all ages with their delicious pastries, coffee, and treats. The care in creating quality goods and creating an environment where both visitors and locals can retreat to is memorable.
Lastly, an example of looking to the bounty of local resources in Whistler: With a bite and drinks at Bar Oso, the freshness of each ingredient sparks the question, “but from where?” Well, with a menu tailored around Spanish food and paired cocktails, the restaurant has sought out British Columbia for it’s ingredients. The use of carefully prepared, locally-sourced ingredients creates a stand-out dining experience that can be tasted with each bite and every sip. Plus, “oso” means “bear” in Spanish, paying notice to Whistler’s abundance of wildlife.
Whistler provides an opportunity to support locally-made products and shops who seamlessly intertwine their businesses with the region. It’s truly special and with a bit of care, the time in Whistler can be kept local.
For more information on Whistler, be sure to checkout the official destination page.
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Read Next:
+ The Winter Adventure Guide to Whistler
+ 7 Experiences for the Non-Skier in Whistler
*Bon Traveler was welcomed as a guest of Tourism Whistler. As always, all opinions are own.
