2026 Service Excellence, Large Business, award winners The Hilton Resort & Spa Whistler celebrate on stage at the gala on Thursday, October 22. Photo: Joern Rohde Photography.
For 60 years, the Whistler Excellence Awards have celebrated the businesses, organizations and individuals that help make Whistler one of the most vibrant and successful communities in Canada.
This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of the awards, honouring six decades of innovation, leadership, service and community impact.
Delivered in partnership with the Whistler Community Foundation and AWARE, the Whistler Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement in business, leadership, service, sustainability, arts and community impact.
Congratulations to every finalist and winner from the 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards, and thank you for being part of what makes Whistler such a multi-faceted, sparkling place to live.
Business Person of the Year – Presented by BDO
Mei Madden, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation – winner
Shane Holland, Whistler Hardware Store
Bruce Stewart, Nesters Market
Emerging Business of the Year – Presented by A Little Bud
Coast Mountain Disposal
Prodigy Wildfire Solutions – winner
Sunii Energy
Rising Star of the Year – Presented by Hotel Association of Whistler
T’ec Georgina Dan, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – winner
Ania Spencer, Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Oscar Krell, OK Home Services
Service Excellence – Small Business – Presented by Reactive Design
Coworking Whistler
Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society – winner
Whistler Happy Pets
Service Excellence – Large Business – Presented by Whistler Blackcomb
Canadian Wilderness Adventures
Hilton Resort & Spa Whistler – winner
Wild Blue Restaurant & Bar
Sustainability in Action Business, with AWARE, – Presented by Cascade Environmental Resource Group
Nita Lake Lodge – winner
Heike Designs
Four Seasons Resorts and Residences
The Champion of Arts & Culture –presented by KR Productions
Coast Mountain Brewing – winner
Laugh Out LIVE!
Whistler Film Festival
Citizen of The Year, with Whistler Community Foundation, – Coast Mountain Law
Jennifer Black, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Society – winner
Greg McDonnell, McDonnell Counselling
Ben & Sarah Hryciw, WORCA
Members’ Choice –presented by RBC
Coast Mountain Brewing
Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society – winner
Shane Holland, Whistler Hardware Store
Mei Madden, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation