The Backroads Bill Podcast

North Bay Echo

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.

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Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEcho

Production Credits:

Host: Backroads Bill

Producer: Ben Sargent

Produced by Clark Communications

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29 episodes
weekly
Avg 40 min
English

Episodes 29

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#163
Yesterday · 36 min
100 Years of Giesler Boats: Wooden Boats Built by Hand in Northern Ontario
In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, Gerry and Matt Giesler of Giesler Boats join Bill and Ben ahead of the company’s 100th anniversary in 2027. As third and fourth generation boat builders, they share how their family has been building...
#162
October 21 · 34 min
Following the Voyageurs to New Post Falls
In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Andre Bernier of Northern Spirit Adventures joins Bill and Ben to share how he brings the history of the voyageurs to life on the waters of Northern Ontario. Andre explains how his connection to New Post...
#161
October 14 · 38 min
Wabakimi After the Wildfires: What Comes Next?
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...
#160
October 7 · 47 min
What Crying Can Teach Us About Being Human
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....
#159
September 30 · 26 min
The Search for Sasquatch Comes to North Bay
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...
#158
September 23 · 42 min
How Thompson, Manitoba Became the Wolf Capital of the World
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...
#157
September 16 · 44 min
Fake Art, Real Money: Inside the Norval Morrisseau Scandal
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...
#156
September 9 · 39 min
In Search of Wendell Beckwith: Northern Ontario’s Wilderness Genius
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...
#155
September 2 · 31 min
The Cold War Bunkers Hidden Across Northern Ontario
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...
#154
August 26 · 47 min
What Stories Are Hidden Inside The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence?
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...
#153
August 19 · 42 min
Surviving the Downburst: How Trauma Changes the Way You See the Outdoors
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...
#152
August 12 · 34 min
CanEMERG: Mental Health Support in Times of Crisis
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...
#151
August 6 · 46 min
What Does the Future of Ontario's Forests Look Like?
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,...
#150
July 29 · 43 min
Inside the Adventures of Canada's Happy Camper
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...
#149
July 23 · 35 min
Dream Acres Alpacas: A Hidden Gem in Northern Ontario
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...
#148
July 15 · 38 min
Experiential Learning Through the Eyes of Students
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...
#147
July 8 · 36 min
Inside One of Ontario's Most Unique Learning Experiences
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...
#146
July 1 · 31 min
How to Find Gold in Northern Ontario
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...
#145
June 24 · 45 min
The Stories Behind North Bay's Centennial Heritage Map
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...
#144
June 17 · 38 min
How Two YouTubers Document Northern Ontario's Wilderness
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...

Showing 1–20 of 29 episodes