The Backroads Bill Podcast

The Backroads Bill Podcast

It’s time to hit the backroads of Northern Ontario and beyond with Backroads Bill! Tune in every Wednesday to explore the history and beauty of Northern Ontario. Alongside host and producer Ben, Bill (who is the founder and the GM of the Canadian Ecology Centre) goes more in depth to the stories he has been sharing for years on CBC Radio and Village Media. Whether it’s a “day-trip” “overnight-trip” or “Sunday drive” you will discover your next great adventure! Follow Bill on Facebook & Instagram: @backroads_bill and on Twitter: @steertonorthONT For the video version of this episode or to explore more North Bay podcasts and to stay updated on local events and news go to NorthBayEcho.ca. For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials. Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEcho Production Credits: Host: Backroads Bill Producer: Ben Sargent Produced by Clark Communications

Episodes

October 14, 2026 • 38 mins
In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Margaret Wanlin of Wabakimi Outfitters joins the show to talk about the devastating wildfires that swept through northwestern Ontario and changed Wabakimi in a matter of hours.

Margaret shares how the fire affected the lodge, outpost cabins and surrounding wilderness, along with the emergency efforts to help paddlers and visitors safely leave the area.

She also reflects o...
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In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, author and minister Benjamin Perry joins the show to explore the ideas behind his book Cry Baby: Why Our Tears Matter and what crying can reveal about grief, identity, masculinity and emotional healing.

Benjamin shares his own experience of going nearly a decade without crying and the process of learning how to reconnect with his emotions.

Find more about Benjamin Perry h...
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September 30, 2026 • 26 mins
In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Andrew MacKellar joins the show to talk about the upcoming North Bay Sasquatch Conference on October 10th and his own experiences investigating Sasquatch in Northern Ontario.

Andrew shares how his interest in Sasquatch began, the research he has done alongside his father, and the personal encounter that strengthened his belief that something may be out there. 

To fin...
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In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Volker Beckmann shares the story of how Thompson, Manitoba built its identity as the Wolf Capital of the World.

What began as a community effort to create more pride in the city eventually grew into Spirit Way, a 2.5-kilometre route featuring public art, wolf sculptures, and a massive wolf mural inspired by the work of Robert Bateman.

Volker explains how those projects op...
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In this episode of the Back Roads Bill Podcast, lawyer Jonathan Sommer joins the conversation to break down the massive art fraud surrounding renowned Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau and the wider problem of fake art in Canada.

Jonathan explains how he became involved in the Morrisseau case, how multiple fraud rings flooded the market with fake paintings, and why identifying and removing counterfeit works is so difficult...
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In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, filmmaker Jim Hyder joins the conversation to share the remarkable story of Wendell Beckwith, the reclusive thinker, builder, and free thinking scientist who made his home on Whitewater Lake in the wilderness of Northwestern Ontario.

Jim reflects on meeting Wendell in the 1970s, the unusual cabins and inventions he created by hand, and the unconventional way he approached scienc...
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In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, amateur historian and author Paul Ozorak joins the conversation to explore the Cold War bunkers, fallout reporting posts, radar stations, and abandoned military installations that still remain across Northern Ontario and beyond.

The discussion begins with a bunker recently exposed at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park after the June 2025 storm brought down surrounding trees. Fr...
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In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, Bethany and Maya from the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence join the conversation to explore the stories, artifacts, and technology behind North Bay’s unique military history.

From the Cold War and NORAD to the underground complex, radar stations, fighter aircraft, and early air defence technology, the episode looks at how North Bay became deeply connected to Can...
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In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, psychotherapist Brigitte Lebel shares her harrowing experience surviving the June 2025 downburst at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.

What began as a peaceful camping trip quickly turned into a traumatic night of fallen trees, injuries, rescue efforts, and hours of uncertainty.

Brigitte reflects on what it was like to stay calm in the middle of the chaos, return to the...
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In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, clinical psychologist Margaret McKinnon joins the conversation to discuss trauma, PTSD, psychological preparedness, and the mental health challenges that can follow emergencies and disasters.

Drawing on her own experience with PTSD and decades of research with military members, veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders, Margaret explains the impact of mental health in t...
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In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, professional forester Scott McPherson shares an inside look at the science, planning, and challenges behind sustainable forestry in Northern Ontario.

From climate change and wildfires to mill closures, forest regeneration, and the future of the forestry industry, Scott explains how experts balance environmental stewardship with the need for a healthy forest economy.

He al...
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For decades, Kevin Callan, better known as Canada's Happy Camper, has inspired thousands of people to explore the outdoors.

In this episode of the Back Roads Bill Podcast, Kevin shares the stories behind his bestselling books, his love of canoe tripping, and why helping people connect with nature has been his lifelong mission.

From unforgettable adventures in Algoma and Quetico to the lessons learned from solo camping...
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Discover one of Northern Ontario's most unique attractions at Dream Acres Alpaca Farm in Matheson.

In this episode of the Back Roads Bill Podcast, Danielle Piquette shares how a small family-run alpaca farm has grown into a destination where visitors can walk alpacas, stay overnight, shop handcrafted alpaca fibre products, and experience life at the farm.

We also dive into the fascinating world of alpacas, from their ...
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In this episode of Backroads Bill, we hear directly from the students taking part in the Canadian Ecology Centre's immersive summer science program. They share what it's like to step away from technology, live and learn in nature, and earn a high school credit through hands-on experiences.

From exploring ecosystems and conducting fieldwork to learning from industry professionals, the students explain how this unique approach...
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In this episode of Backroads Bill, we take you inside the Canadian Ecology Centre's summer programs, where students leave the traditional classroom behind and experience learning in the heart of nature.

Bill and Ben are joined by Josh, Shelby and Sarah who are just 3 of the educators who spend their time in the summer to help teach different courses. They share what makes this immersive program so unique, from teaching scien...
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July 1, 2026 • 31 mins
In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with geologist, prospector, and landman Mark Hall to explore the fascinating world of gold prospecting in Northern Ontario.Mark explains how gold forms, where prospectors look for it, and what it really takes to find it.

We also follow along as Bill tries his hand at gold panning, uncovering a few flakes along the way while learning the techniques, tools, and history behind one ...
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In this episode of Backroads Bill, Bill shares the story behind the North Bay Centennial Heritage Map, a special project created to highlight 100 years of North Bay history.

He walks through the stories, landmarks, waterways, railways, military history, and community moments that helped shape the city. From the evolution of North Bay's waterfront to its role as a transportation hub and gateway to the North, this episode look...
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In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Sheri and Jay, the creators behind The Beauty of the Backcountry YouTube channel.

The couple shares how a love of hiking, canoe tripping, and exploring Northern Ontario grew into a successful YouTube channel that inspires thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.

From Lake Superior and Killarney to the French River and Wabakimi, they discuss some of their favourite adventure...
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This episode explores the impact of the Canadian Ecology Centre's Teachers Mining Tours, which help educators and students get a firsthand look at modern mining and the many career paths it offers.  

The mining sector issues a challenge to help the environmental education centre.

Our guest is Bryan Wilson, Senior Vice President of Operations, Ontario at Equinox Gold's Greenstone Mine. With nearly 40 years in the ...
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In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with former Member of Parliament, author, and Northern Ontario advocate Charlie Angus for a wide-ranging conversation about democracy, the North, and the future of Canada.

After more than two decades representing Timmins–James Bay in Ottawa, Charlie reflects on the issues that defined his political career, from fighting for rural and northern communities to advocating for ...
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