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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20 episodes
weekly
Avg 41 min
English

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#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...
#143
June 10 · 34 min
Mining Industry Helps Canadian Ecology Centre
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...
#142
June 3 · 57 min
Charlie Angus on Democracy, Northern Ontario & Canada's Future
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...
#141
May 27 · 35 min
Inside the Mind of a Young Piano Prodigy
In this episode of Backroads Bill, acclaimed Canadian author Christine Fischer Guy returns to the podcast to talk about her brand-new novel, The Instrument Must Not Matter. The story follows a gifted young pianist who leaves Toronto for New York City...
#140
May 20 · 36 min
Living with Lyme Disease: One Northern Ontario Story
In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Justin Wood, founder of Geneticks.ca and a staff scientist at the University of Guelph, to talk about the growing reality of Lyme disease in Canada and the personal experience that changed his life...
#139
May 13 · 41 min
Inside the Environmental Battles Shaping Northern Ontario
On this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Brennain Lloyd from Northwatch, one of Northern Ontario’s longest-running environmental advocacy organizations. For nearly four decades, North Watch has been involved in some of the region’s biggest...
#138
May 6 · 33 min
The Story Behind The Original Bug Shirt Company
On this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with the team behind one of Northern Ontario’s most recognizable outdoor products, The Original Bug Shirt Company in Powassan. What started as a simple idea to help people enjoy the outdoors without...
#137
April 29 · 43 min
How Experts Measure Water Levels Across Canada
In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Otto Bedard who is an expert technologist in hydrometry, hydraulics and innovation. With recent flooding hitting the North Bay area, the timing couldn’t be better. Otto takes us inside the system...
#136
April 22 · 43 min
From Trails to YouTube: Curtis Lafleche’s Outdoor Journey
On this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with Curtis Lafleche, a Northern Ontario outdoorsman who has turned his passion for the backcountry into a growing presence on YouTube. What started as simple walks quickly turned into a deep curiosity...
#135
April 15 · 56 min
A Lifetime of Weather: David Phillips Reflects on Over 50 Years of Predicting Canadian Climate
In this episode of Backroads Bill, we sit down with one of Canada’s most recognizable voices in weather, climatologist David Phillips, for a conversation that spans more than five decades of forecasting, storytelling, and scientific change. From his...

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