The Backroads Bill Podcast

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 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?

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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