Driven by a passion for the betterment of mind, body and spirit, accompanied by love for the outdoors, Ken and Wilda Hopper opened Bird’s Eye Outfitters to share their family’s joy with all who enter.
Located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the Hoppers offer their own unique blend of entertainment through recreational activities and all-natural, nutritious food options. It is home to the Superior Cafe and made complete by high-end beverages to help relax after a long day out on the trails.
Customers discover the outdoors from inside the Bird’s Eye shopping center, where one may choose from an array of high-quality outdoor equipment items and apparel. Others come to learn about guided trips and instructional opportunities, while engaging in in-depth conversations about everything outdoors.
“Ken and I have six kids together,” Wilda said when introducing her husband and children. “In having kids and growing a business, we were always very creative about the games we play outdoors. You didn't see a lot of kids outside, like you used to.”
This mom and pop steered their children outdoors, away from computer games all day, every day.
“We were like, ‘Get off your phones and video games, and everyone go outside,’” said Wilda. “That was when they got to run and play. It created this sense of connection with all of them. They were so much happier being outdoors.”
As close as any family could be, all members hopped on board to establish the business in 2016.
In the beginning, the eldest four boys spent their free time at the café. Six years later, Brendan, Jake, Sam and Tyler have all graduated high school, leaving younger sisters Syd and Siersha to pick-up where they left off.
“I think working for a family business teaches patience and people skills,” Syd wrote in a text message. “Here, I am not babied but taught how to do something that will prepare me for the real world. I can also share healthy recipes with others. It's also a cool way to hang out with family, while learning lessons and staying active.”
“Growing up in a family business dedicated to health and recreation has taught me the importance of fuelling your body,” Siersha texted.
Mr. And Mrs. Hopper strived to act as strong role models in the lives of their children, having passed on health-focused hobbies and values.
Ken studied conservation and earned a master’s degree in biology, while Wilda currently studies nutrition.
Together, the couple hold multiple recreational certifications from agencies like the American Canoe Association (ACA) instruction and British Canoeing Union (BCU) to instruct paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.
"We started kayaking trips through the Canadian lock system from the United States side,” said Ken. “We teach kayak and paddle board lessons.”
The family store caters to winter sports during the snowy months, via promotion of outdoor activities over the past couple years of pandemic.
“I teach a cross country ski class at Lake Superior State University,” Ken, who is also an adjunct professor at the university said. “On the syllabus, I have listed six different places to cross country ski in our area.”
Some people come to the store to learn about hiking trails and all the Eastern U.P. has to offer.
“We rent out snowshoes,” said Ken. “We do lantern lit snowshoe hikes.”
Snowshoe rentals are $15 per day.
Wilda enjoys outdoor snowshoeing with friends and family just as much as her partner. In recent years, she has placed more focus on the promotion of proper nutrition and diet.
It is just one more thing their children have learned about living a healthier lifestyle.
“I've worked with my parents in creating healthy food and outdoor activities for the community,” Siersha stated. “Personally, both these things have influenced my health in a positive way. My friends and peers have said the same things.”
Conversations of food and beverages loomed over family business talks during early start-up, but there were no arguments to be had; A plethora of healthy food options would surely dominate the menu list.
“It's fun to create things with the understanding of nutrition and health,” Wilda said, explaining diet’s impact on the mind and body. “I follow a lot of holistic and naturopathic doctors."
Customers may sit down and warm up, sipping on homemade hot chai or cocoa. Wholesome lunch options, like Buddha and smoothie bowls, are popular dish choices among patrons.
“It’s all really good, but with very clean ingredients,” she explained. “You won’t typically see avocado toast as a menu item in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. We wanted the menu to complement the good things you can do with your body, including being outdoors.”
The Buddha bowl is spinach, quinoa wild rice and steamy vegetables, immersed in homemade sauces and topped with green avocado.
An Ashmun Acai Smoothie Bowl is made up of fresh acai, blackberries, blueberries, bananas, and unsweetened almond milk, covered by banana slices, coconut, granola and kiwi. Gluten free granola is available to anyone who asks.
“They are very dense in nutrition,” Wilda said of her smoothies.
Customers can expect to find familiar vendor products, created by nearby craftsman and harvesters.
“We connect and stay connected with locals,” Wilda said. “We carry local honey and syrup; Anything we can source locally.”
The store’s honey was made by the hardworking bees of Northern Harvest Creations. Handcrafted leather purses, handbags and accessories were designed by Nothern Leatherworks.
Adults looking to relax after a long day may enjoy a cold brew.
“We have 13 beer tabs,” said Ken. “Our alcohol is high-end, upscale. It's a good quality and the same with our wines.”
“We have winter cocktail menus, as well as in the spring, summer and fall,” Wilda added.
Using the fruits of nature and outdoor activities to stimulate positive mental and physical health, the Hopper family continues its mission to teach friends, visitors and neighbors about healthier living.
Upcoming events are listed on the Bird’s Eye Outfitters website and Facebook page.
It is open Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The phone number is 906-259-7121.
