About Us

Whiskeyjack Tea Company started as my small, hopeful idea to bring ethical, environmentally friendly tea options to folks in our tiny town in the Kawartha Lakes. Based in Ontario, Canada, we pride ourselves on our products that are completely recyclable or compostable. Both founders are graduates of Sir Sandford Fleming College, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences...now that's a mouthful!

Tea is the number 2 consumed beverage in the world, and is well known for its health properties! It can help give you that boost you need in the morning, or help you wind down after a long day.

My love of tea started very young, when I would beg my mother for 'real' tea parties, and insist on sipping some Orange Pekoe with her. It became a comfort in my teen years when I started discovering Earl Greys and Fruit infusions. It helped me become closer to my father through our love of herbal remedies and natural resources. I distinctly remember going on walks with him while he picked Burdock, or Staghorn Sumac to make drinks and poultices at home. I remember him making me Yarrow tea when I was nauseated or motion sick. Tea has always been a part of my life through the good times and the hard ones. 

It took some time to find the right name for us. I wanted it to reflect both my love of nature and wildlife, but also pay homage to the lands we live on. The Whiskeyjack (Canada Jay or Grey Jay) is Canada's national bird! They are corvids, related to other jays, crows and ravens. They are affectionately known as camp robbers to those who prefer the great outdoors, due to their boldness to approach humans for treats, or steal from unattended food storage.

The Whiskeyjack name is believed to come from the Algonquin word Wisakedjak ( also Wīsahkēcāhk in Cree and Wiisagejaak in Oji-cree) and is known as a benevolent trickster. Part of our decision making in choosing this name comes from our respect of our living on Indigenous lands, and to the tribes of this region. We acknowledge that we reside on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat, and as such, strive to be stewards of this environment through our sustainable practices.

As such, our packaging is all completely reusable, and when it wears out it can be completely recycled. While we do suggest to purchase Loose tea when possible to reduce waste, we do understand the demand for bagged tea. Our tea bags are made from plant based materials and contain no staples, nylon or petroleum based products. This means they are entirely compostable and biodegradable.