Diaries of a Lodge Owner

There's something magical about outdoor gatherings—those special moments where food, nature, and companionship blend together to create lasting memories. In this episode, Willie the Oil Man takes us deep into the art of the shore lunch, a beloved Canadian tradition that transcends simple outdoor cooking.

Willie shares decades of hard-earned wisdom on creating unforgettable wilderness meals. From selecting the perfect ...

Gary Tibo's life story reads like an adventure through Canada's cultural identity. Raised in the Sudbury Basin with Aboriginal roots—his father a Beothuk native from Newfoundland—Gary grew up hunting with a loaded gun at age ten, bringing fish home after school, and learning to live completely off the land. His father's determination that Gary wouldn't follow him into the dangerous mining industry led to an appr...

From the moment a float plane touches down on a remote lake to the camaraderie of sharing stories around a community dinner table, the outdoor adventures waiting in Canada's wilderness create memories that last a lifetime. In this captivating episode, Steve and Willie draw on their extensive experience as former lodge owners to guide you through planning the perfect outdoor getaway.

Now is the crucial time when savvy ...

Ever had that perfect fishing moment slip away? Now imagine it happening on international television.

When British angler Matt Hayes and German social media star Babs Kijewski arrived at Chaudière Lodge in 2015, Steve Niedzwiecki was determined to showcase the best of Ontario's Upper French River for their series "Castaway Canada." What unfolded instead was a masterclass in Murphy's Law and human dynami...

Deep within Canada's Arctic territory lies a world most Canadians will never experience - a place where snowmobiles are purchased at the grocery store alongside milk, where polar bears rip steel doors off community freezers to steal walrus meat, and where lake trout grow to mythical proportions. This is the world Justin Jenkins has embraced, splitting his life between Winnipeg and remote Nunavut communities where he works in m...

As winter's grip begins to loosen and the snow starts melting away, Willie and I find ourselves eagerly anticipating spring's arrival. There's something magical about these seasonal transitions – that feeling of renewal and the rush of excitement as we prepare for all that the warmer months bring.

This week, we're diving deep into springtime activities that connect us to the land and its rhythms. I shar...

What does it take to risk everything for a dream? Sean McAughey, the passionate new owner of Crow Rock Lodge on Lake of the Woods, knows that feeling all too well. In this captivating conversation, Sean walks us through his remarkable journey from wide-eyed young guide to lodge owner, revealing the perfect storm of experiences that prepared him for this moment.

Growing up under the mentorship of his biologist father and su...

In this episode, we dig into my unique experience of completing a 40-day water fast, exploring various health aspects, how to deal with cravings, and the importance of routine. It’s not just about fasting; it’s a deeper story about health, motivation, and the body’s response to nutritional changes.

• Introduction to the concept of a water fast 
• The motivation behind the 40-day commitment 
• Strategies for hydrati...

Step into the icy realms of Northern Ontario as we share tales of adventure, survival, and reflection in our latest podcast episode. Our journey begins with a heart-pounding story of getting trapped on an ice-covered island, accompanied by children and dogs. As we manoeuvre through thick ice and treacherous conditions, we reveal the lessons learned about ice safety and the thrill of exploration. With extended discussions that weave...

Snowmobile enthusiasts, gear up for a journey into the heart of winter maintenance with Andrew Johnston from Lakeside Marina. Andrew shares his expert tips on keeping your snowmobile batteries in top shape and sheds light on how disconnecting and charging them during spring can save you from fall frustrations. We also discover the transformation of Red Lake communities, where ice roads serve as essential links during the winter mon...

Can technology truly revolutionize the lodge industry? Discover how Noah , the innovative developer behind Treqit, is transforming lodge management through his groundbreaking software. With a background rooted in both computer science and a family tradition of lodge ownership, Noah offers unique insights into how Treqit streamlines operations through features like booking management and automated guest communication. Listen as we d...

Join us on an unforgettable journey through Northern Ontario's rich tourism heritage as we sit down with David MacLachlan, a key figure in the region's tourism landscape. Discover the fascinating generational tales behind Lodge 88, a legacy of passion and perseverance founded by David's grandfather 88 miles west of Shaplow. Through personal stories and anecdotes, David offers insights into spending summers at the lod...

Kyle Zachary shares his remarkable journey of entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario, balancing multiple ventures in bait trapping, guiding, and barbering. His commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction in each area reflects his passion for the outdoors and dedication to his community.

• Introduction of Kyle Zachary and his ventures 
• Growing up in Dryden and starting in guiding 
• Success stories from ...

Willie and Krysta share their compelling journey at Nordic Point Lodge, filled with unexpected challenges, heartfelt memories, and the strength of their partnership. Their insights reveal the importance of community, teamwork, and resilience in the face of adversity as they reflect on the first two and a half years of lodge ownership.

• The inspiring decision to purchase Nordic Point Lodge 
• The challenges faced durin...

Jerry Kruczek shares his journey as both an avid angler and a dedicated philanthropist, showcasing how fishing can inspire positive change in the community. Through his involvement with Fish Futures Inc., he emphasizes the importance of teaching youth about conservation and the joys of fishing while raising funds for essential environmental projects. 
• Discussion on community involvement and philanthropy by Jerry
• Overvie...

This episode reflects on a year of challenges and triumphs as two lodge owners share stories of their adventures, staffing dilemmas, and memorable events. They emphasize the importance of community within the lodge and the beauty of experiencing nature together. 

• Recap of the launch of the new season of The Fish and Canada Show 
• Reflections on past fishing adventures 
• Insights from the Eastern Swing fishing t...

We reflect on an incredible year filled with memorable fishing experiences, storytelling, and community connection. Join us as we share our highlights, lessons learned, and exciting plans for the year ahead.

• Sharing our Sportsman Show experiences 
• Recap of our successful giveaway and community engagement 
• Building a friendship with Rick Payne, our giveaway winner 
• Adventures exploring the Northwest Terr...

This episode celebrates the joy and magic of Christmas through personal stories, cherished traditions, and reflections on family gatherings. With a special note from Santa, the hosts share their love for live Christmas trees, the thrill of gift exchanges, and the importance of community during the holiday season. 

• Importance of real Christmas trees as a family tradition 
• Discussing contrasting gift-opening customs ...

What if nature holds the key to healing your deepest wounds? Join us as Willie the Oil Man shares his moving story of overcoming personal tragedies through the therapeutic power of the great outdoors. From the heartrending loss of his best friend Kevin in a boating accident to the physical challenges of a demanding career in the oil field, Willie reveals how fishing became his sanctuary, offering solace and strength during life&apo...