Guillaume Boivin | GCBS Baker Bio

Guillaume Boivin, 35 (he/him)
Hometown: Saguenay, QC
Occupation: Psychologist
Instagram: @guiboivino 

Guillaume loves to spend time outdoors jogging, foraging for baking ingredients, and studying unique creatures. He started a bug collection as a child when his dad taught him the Latin names for insect species, and his fascination with them has only grown. His favourite insects and sea creatures now adorn his body in the form of tattoos. 

Guillaume works as a psychologist and is an educator and activist for the non-binary and transgender communities. He began baking with his grandmother when he was just a toddler but it became a more serious hobby while completing his Master's degree when he "procrastibaked" in between studying. The mental respite of baking has continued, and he favours classic French recipes infused with elements from nature.

When did you start baking? I started baking with my paternal grandmother. She used to babysit me when I was young because I wouldn't go to a regular daycare. Of course back then I was more interested in tasting and eating the raw batter but I remember loving to decorate cakes and baking cookies with her. Those are times I will cherish all my life.

What's your signature bake? My paris-brests. They are pretty adaptable in terms of decors and flavours so people feel comfortable asking for them.

What is your fondest memory in the kitchen? When I was a teen discovering himself, I brought baked goods to my secret crush and was told they were really good. I was a cheeeeezy teenager.

Why do you think you can be Canada's Best Amateur Baker? I'm creative, I think outside the box. I feel like I'll be able to bring the judges and the other bakers into my world and enjoy it.

Watch The Great Canadian Baking Show on CBC Gem.