The Backroads Bill Podcast

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, close calls in the backcountry, and the changing landscape of Canada's wilderness, Kevin offers practical advice, hilarious stories, and a passion for the outdoors that's impossible not to appreciate.

00:00 Meet Canada's Happy Camper
04:21 The Story Behind The Happy Camper
11:54 Adventures, & Solo Camping
21:34 Kevin's Favourite Canoe Routes & Camping Gear
32:03 Wildfires, Conservation & The Future of Camping

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 personalities and rare colours to how their incredibly soft fibre is turned into socks, yarn, and clothing made right here in Canada. Danielle also shares the story of leaving city life behind to help grow Dream Acres into a one-of-a-kind agritourism experience.

Learn more here: https://www.dreamacres.ca/

0:00 Intro
2:08 Alpacas vs. Llamas Explained
6:32 How Dream Acres Began
10:53 Walking Alpacas & Farm Experiences
23:39 Inside the World of Alpaca Breeding

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 to education has changed the way they think about science, school, and their future.

00:00 – Why Students Choose the Canadian Ecology Centre
04:30 – Learning Through Hands-On Experiences
12:04 – Life Without Phones for Two Weeks
20:32 – The Power of Community and Connection
33:45 – How the Experience Changed Their Future

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 science and geography outdoors to using hands-on activities, fieldwork, and real-world experiences to bring lessons to life.

They also discuss how living, learning, and exploring together helps students build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

0:00 – Inside a Unique Way to Teach
4:17 – Why Teachers Keep Coming Back
10:48 – Learning Through Hands-On Outdoor Activities
19:08 – Building Stronger Student Connections
32:34 – Why Experiential Learning Works

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 of Canada's oldest outdoor pursuits.

0:00 – Meet Geologist & Prospector Mark Hall
3:16 – Where to Find Gold in Northern Ontario
06:13 – How to Choose the Best Gold Panning Location
12:18 – Gold Panning Tools & Techniques
19:01 – Can You Actually Make Money Panning for Gold?

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 looks at how the city has changed while still holding onto its roots.

0:00 – Intro
4:25 – How the Map Project Came Together
11:31 – North Bay's Origins, Railways & Early Growth
17:44 – The Transformation of North Bay's Waterfront
28:19 – The Process of Creating a Heritage Map

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 adventures, the challenges of filming in remote locations, and what it takes to capture the beauty of the wilderness on camera.

We also talk about camping lessons learned the hard way, winter adventures, backcountry travel, and how Jay creates original music for their videos, giving each story a unique personal touch.


Find Jay and Sherri's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyofthebackcountry 

0:00 – How Beauty of the Backcountry Began
9:37 – Favourite Canoe Routes in Northern Ontario
13:42 – The Power of Lake Superior
16:40 – Essential Backcountry Camping Tips
29:26 – Creating Original Music for YouTube Videos

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 industry, Brian shares how mining has changed over the years, from advances in safety and technology to the growing demand for skilled workers.



0:00 – Intro
6:53 – Modern Mining & Technology
13:28 – Mental Health in Mining
21:13 – Teachers Mining Tours
30:09 – Careers & Hiring in Mining

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 Indigenous rights, public accountability, and stronger democratic institutions.

He shares stories from the road, lessons learned from representing one of Canada's largest ridings, and why Northern Ontario's voice remains as important as ever.

0:00 – Charlie Angus' Northern Ontario Journey
3:47 – The Adams Mine Battle
11:20 – Shannon Koostachin's Legacy
21:14 – Democracy in a Changing World
46:10 – The Future of Northern Ontario

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 after earning the chance to study under a world-renowned mentor. 

Christine takes us behind the scenes of writing the novel, including the years of research she devoted to understanding the mindset of professional musicians, the influence of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, and even taking piano lessons herself to better connect with the experience of performing music.

Find "The Instrument Must Not Matter" and more here: https://christinefischerguy.com/books/


0:00 – Intro
5:19 – Building a Piano Prodigy Character
14:31 – Burning an Entire Manuscript
22:14 – The Importance of Editors
32:06 – Taking Piano Lessons for the Novel