The Backroads Bill Podcast

About 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

Publisher

North Bay Echo

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Sept 2023

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

163 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   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 Falls began, how that place became tied to memories of his father, and how those experiences eventually inspired him to start leading voyageur canoe trips. Along the way, he shares stories of the fur trade, Indigenous history, old travel routes, traditional songs, medicinal plants, and the people who once travelled the same rivers centuries ago. 0:00 Intro 3:03 How Northern Spirit Adventures Began 8:43 The Voyageur Experience 16:29 Bringing Northern Ontario History to Life 30:29 A Full Day on the River

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   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 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 on the role outfitters play in remote wilderness travel and the importance of preparation, communication and risk management. 0:00 Intro 9:36 How the Wabakimi Wildfires Began 12:13 Evacuating Paddlers From the Fire 19:56 Rebuilding Wabakimi Outfitters 36:03 Why Wilderness Must Endure

3. 

   7 Oct 2026

   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. 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 here: https://www.benjaminjperry.com/ 0:00 Intro and Why Our Tears Matter 09:32 Learning to Cry Again 15:31 Shame, Masculinity & Tears 27:48 Faith, Queerness & Healing 42:10 Tears, Transformation & Hope

Who has been a guest on The Backroads Bill Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sean Lougheed
• Lauren Anderson
• Peter Annin
• Morgan Murphy
• Peggy Walsh

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

98

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

68

Contact The Backroads Bill Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about The Backroads Bill Podcast