The Backroads Bill Podcast cover art

The Backroads Bill Podcast

The Backroads Bill Podcast

By: North Bay Echo
Listen for free

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 CommunicationsCopyright North Bay Echo World
Episodes
  • Inside One of Ontario's Most Unique Learning Experiences

    Inside One of Ontario's Most Unique Learning Experiences
    Jul 8 2026
    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
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • How to Find Gold in Northern Ontario

    How to Find Gold in Northern Ontario
    Jul 1 2026
    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?
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • The Stories Behind North Bay's Centennial Heritage Map

    The Stories Behind North Bay's Centennial Heritage Map
    Jun 24 2026
    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
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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