Amanda Lynn Mayhew

Camping season in Northwestern Ontario is right around the corner and if you’ve ever experienced it, you know there’s nothing quite like it. The ice melts, the air softens, and suddenly the call of the outdoors feels impossible to ignore. It’s that time of year when weekends start filling up with plans for lakeside mornings, late-night campfires, and the kind of quiet you can only find deep in the bush.

For me, camping has never just been a hobby it’s been a way of life. I grew up with it. I still remember our old Boler trailer, packed up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Back then, it meant adventure. It meant fishing off the dock until sunset, roasting marshmallows until you couldn’t eat another, staying up way too late with friends, and waking up to the sound of water and wind instead of alarms. And honestly, not much has changed. I still chase that same feeling every season.

One of the best things about camping is that there’s no one “right” way to do it. Whether you’re pulling in with a 30-foot camper or hiking into a secluded spot with a tent on your back, each experience offers something different.

Camping with a trailer or camper brings a level of comfort that’s hard to beat. You’ve got a proper place to sleep, protection from unpredictable weather, and the ability to pack more gear, especially helpful for longer trips or family outings. It’s a great option if you want to relax without giving up too many conveniences.

But tenting? That’s where things get a little more raw and a lot more magical. With a tent, you can access places that larger setups simply can’t reach. You can tuck yourself into quiet, hidden spots along remote lakes, away from crowds, noise, and light pollution. There’s something special about that kind of solitude. It strips everything down to just you and the outdoors.

No matter how you camp, preparation is everything, especially in Northwestern Ontario, where conditions can change quickly.

A good tent is your foundation if you’re going that route. You want something reliable, weather-resistant, and easy to set up. Even if the forecast looks perfect, it’s always best to be ready for wind or rain. Pair that with a quality sleeping bag suited for the temperatures you’ll face. Nights can still get cold, even as summer approaches, so having the right insulation makes all the difference between a restful sleep and a long, uncomfortable night.

Coolers are another essential, and not all are created equal. Investing in a solid cooler means your food stays fresh longer, especially on those extended trips. It also gives you more flexibility with meals, which can really elevate your camping experience beyond the basics.

And then there are the things people sometimes overlook like chairs. A good camping chair might seem simple, but after a long day of exploring, fishing, or hiking, having a comfortable place to sit by the fire is worth it. It’s where stories get told, where you unwind, and where some of the best moments happen.

Beyond the gear, it’s really about mindset. Camping isn’t about perfection it’s about experience. It’s about embracing the little things: the smell of the fire, the sound of loons at night, the feeling of sand between your toes, and the freedom of being unplugged.

That’s what keeps me coming back, year after year.

Whether I’m setting up a tent in a tucked-away spot or pulling in with a camper, it always brings me back to the same place—that sense of adventure I felt as a kid with our Boler. The excitement of exploring, the simplicity of the outdoors, and the memories that come from it are truly endless.

And as this season approaches, there’s no better time to get your gear ready, make your plans, and head back out there.

There’s something special about small towns. The pace is different. The people are real. And the connection to the outdoors isn’t something you plan once a year—it’s simply part of life.

Places like Kenora are built on that connection.

Here, the outdoors isn’t just scenery. It’s the water you fish, the bush you walk, the trails you explore, and the stories passed down from one generation to the next. With the vast waters of Lake of the Woods surrounding the community and thousands of acres of forest at your doorstep, opportunity doesn’t require a plane ticket or months of planning. It’s often just a short drive—or even a short boat ride—away.

For people who love hunting, fishing, and spending time outside, towns like Kenora offer something that’s becoming harder to find in bigger cities: access.

Access to land, wildlife, mentors and community.

Many of the best outdoor stories don’t start with a guide service or a big trip. They start with a parent taking a kid into the woods for the first time. They start with someone learning to cast a line off a dock at sunset. They start with someone saying, “Come with me, I’ll show you.”

That mentorship is the backbone of outdoor culture in small towns.

In communities like Kenora, guiding is also more than just a job. It’s a lifestyle and a tradition. Many guides grew up learning the land from their parents or grandparents before turning that knowledge into a career that shares Northwestern Ontario with visitors from around the world. They don’t just guide hunts or fishing trips—they guide experiences that people carry for the rest of their lives.

But perhaps the most powerful part of small-town outdoor life is the community that surrounds it.

People support each other here. When someone gets their first deer, first bear, or first big fish, the story travels quickly. Not because anyone is competing, but because people genuinely celebrate those moments. Those milestones matter.

They matter because they represent more than success in the field. They represent patience, respect for wildlife, and a connection to nature that is becoming increasingly rare in modern life.

As someone who spends a lot of time introducing new people to hunting and the outdoors, I see firsthand how transformative that first experience can be. When someone steps into the woods for the first time and truly understands what it means to be part of nature rather than just observing it, something changes.

Confidence grows.
Respect grows.
And often, a lifelong passion is born.

Small towns like Kenora make those experiences possible.

They provide the land, the water, the wildlife—and perhaps most importantly—the people willing to share it all.

In a world that often feels fast, crowded, and disconnected, places like Kenora remind us that sometimes the greatest opportunities aren’t found in big cities or big arenas.

Sometimes they’re found in a quiet boat at sunrise.

Sometimes they’re found walking through the bush with someone who believes in you.

And sometimes they’re found in small towns with big outdoor opportunities.

Northwestern Ontario is more than a place on a map for me — it’s home. It’s where I was born and raised, where I learned what hard work looks like, and where I first understood the connection between people, land, and tradition. The forests, lakes, and endless stretches of wild country shaped who I am long before I ever stepped in front of a camera or began producing outdoor content.

No matter where my work takes me, I always find myself coming back north.

Growing up here meant learning respect — respect for wildlife, for weather, and for the generations of people who lived off the land long before us. Hunting and fishing weren’t trends or hobbies; they were part of everyday life. Time in the outdoors brought families together, built confidence, and taught lessons that couldn’t be learned anywhere else. Those values have stayed with me, and they continue to guide the work I do today.

Over the years, I’ve watched something incredible happen across the region. The face of outdoor culture in Northwestern Ontario is changing — and women are helping lead that change.

More women are stepping into hunting camps, taking to the water with fishing rods in hand, learning the skills that were once considered “not for them,” and discovering that the outdoors is a place where they belong. It’s not about replacing tradition; it’s about expanding it. The North has always been strong, and now it’s becoming more inclusive, more welcoming, and more representative of the people who love it.

Through my work with programs like Take Me Hunting and through media production, I’ve had the privilege of introducing new hunters and anglers — especially women and youth — to the outdoors. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when someone experiences their first sunrise in a blind, their first fish pulled from a northern lake, or their first moment of real confidence in the wilderness. It’s not just about the hunt or the catch; it’s about empowerment, self-reliance, and connection.

Northwestern Ontario offers something that is becoming harder to find in today’s world: authenticity. Here, the land still feels wild. The lakes stretch farther than the eye can see. The stories are real, and the people are genuine. When I bring people back to this area — whether for filming, events, or personal adventures — I’m not just showing them a destination. I’m showing them a way of life.

I believe the future of outdoor culture depends on mentorship and accessibility. If we want hunting and fishing traditions to continue, we have to open the door wider. That means creating safe spaces for newcomers, supporting women who want to learn, and making sure young people see themselves represented in this world. It means sharing knowledge instead of guarding it.

For me, returning to Northwestern Ontario isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about responsibility. This region gave me my foundation, and now I feel called to give back by bringing attention, opportunity, and new experiences to the place that shaped me.

The North will always be rugged, wild, and proud. But today, it’s also evolving. Women are stepping forward as guides, mentors, storytellers, and leaders. We’re not changing the spirit of the outdoors — we’re strengthening it.

And as long as I can, I’ll keep coming home. I’ll keep bringing people here to hunt, to fish, and to experience the magic of Northwestern Ontario for themselves — because this is where I’m from, and this is where the story continues.

Northwestern Ontario is the kind of place that doesn’t need to try to impress you — it just does. Endless boreal forest stretches across the horizon, lakes reflect the sky like glass, and the quiet feels deeper than anywhere else. This is real Canadian wilderness, where adventure isn’t manufactured — it happens naturally.

For hunters and anglers, like me,  this region represents opportunity in its purest form. It’s not just about harvesting game or landing fish — it’s about the full experience: the preparation, the patience, the stories told around camp, and the connection to land and wildlife that only places like this can offer, and where our stories have been told around campfires for generations.

There’s something grounding about waking up in Northwestern Ontario. Coffee tastes better at camp. The mornings feel sharper. The day ahead always holds possibility, and you never know what is waiting for you around each corner.

A PLACE THAT KEEPS CALLING ME BACK

Just north of Ignace sits Silver Dollar — a destination that has become part of my own outdoor story. It’s a place where wilderness meets experience, and where preparation and persistence have rewarded me time and time again.

Silver Dollar Inn & Campground is a simple, authentic northern basecamp that puts you right where you need to be: in the middle of hunting and fishing country. What makes Silver Dollar special isn’t luxury — it’s access, atmosphere, and opportunity, and of course the owners.

The property offers comfortable accommodations, camping options, and easy access to surrounding lakes and wilderness areas. It’s the kind of place where mornings start early, gear gets organized over coffee, and evenings end with stories from the day’s hunt or time on the water.

For anglers, the surrounding lakes offer classic Northwestern Ontario fishing opportunities. Walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass are common targets, and the nearby waters provide plenty of structure, shoreline, and hidden pockets to explore. We had fun capturing moments of fishing a few years back, here is the link to this episode. Bear Hunting, Fishing & Triumph Motorcycle Tours | Amanda Lynn Outdoors

For hunters, the location is ideal. The surrounding boreal forest provides strong habitat for black bear and wolves, and the remote nature of the region allows for a true wilderness hunting experience. It’s the kind of terrain where scouting matters, patience pays off, with so many bears in the area, the hunting is fruitful especially in the spring.

Personally, Silver Dollar has been the starting point for several successful trips — including wolf and bear hunts that required time, persistence, and understanding the land. It’s a place I return to because it offers the real northern experience without distractions.

There’s also something to be said for the community feel. Places like Silver Dollar become gathering points for outdoorspeople — hunters, anglers, and travelers who share the same appreciation for wild places and simple living, friendly people who just pull over in the parking lot when they see you just to say hello.

STORYTELLING THROUGH THE OUTDOORS

As a producer, hunter, angler, and storyteller, I’m passionate about sharing places like this with others. The outdoors isn’t just something I do — it’s part of who I am, I enjoy bringing people up north to where I grew up and to what I know. 

From documenting hunts and fishing trips to working with outdoor brands and destinations, my goal is simple: show people what’s possible when they step outside and experience the wild for themselves.

The gear, the travel, the planning, the early mornings, the long days — it all comes together in places like Northwestern Ontario. And the story is always worth telling.

CALL FOR RESORTS, LODGES, AND OUTFITTERS

Do you own or operate a resort, lodge, or outfitting business with a story to share?

I’m always looking to feature destinations that offer authentic outdoor experiences — from hunting and fishing lodges to remote wilderness retreats and adventure-focused resorts.

If you’re interested in collaborating and showcasing what makes your location unique, I’d love to connect.

Contact: amanda@justhunt.ca
Website: www.justhunt.ca

Instagram: @justhuntinc
Facebook: Just Hunt Inc.
TikTok: @justhuntinc

Northwestern Ontario is more than a destination — it’s an experience waiting to be shared. And I’m always ready for the next story.

As hunters, we don’t just head into the woods for a season—we’re out there all year. Whether it’s deer, moose, bear, grouse or fish, every hunt is about more than the moment. It’s about filling the freezer for the winter months, feeding our families, and sharing meals with friends around the table.

There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing where your food comes from. Every package pulled from the freezer has a story behind it—long days, early mornings, patience, and gratitude. Those meals taste better because of it.

Here are some of my favorite meals made from our stockpile—simple, hearty recipes that work just as well on a busy weeknight as they do when feeding a crowd.

Venison burgers are a staple in our house. Lean, flavorful, and versatile, they’re perfect for grilling or cooking on a cast-iron pan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground venison
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients gently until combined—don’t overwork the meat.
2. Form into patties.
3. Grill or pan-fry over medium heat until cooked through.
4. Serve on a bun or lettuce wrap with your favorite toppings.

Air Fryer Moose Meatballs

Moose meatballs are a great way to use ground moose—tender, rich, and perfect for quick meals.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground moose
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Roll into meatballs.
3. Place in the air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Serve with pasta, rice, or on their own with a dipping sauce.

Bear Stew

Bear stew is comfort food at its finest—slow-cooked and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs bear meat, cubed
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 3 beets (any type)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt, pepper, bay leaf

Instructions

1. Brown bear meat in oil in a large pot.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
3. Add remaining ingredients.
4. Simmer on low for 2–3 hours until meat is tender.
5. Serve hot with fresh bread.

Homemade Pork Ribs (Farm Raised)

Living on a farm means we also raise our own pork and chicken, and these ribs are always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• Pork ribs
• Salt and pepper
• Your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Boil ribs in salted water for 45–60 minutes until tender.
2. Remove and pat dry.
3. Place on the grill or in the oven at 375°F.
4. Brush with BBQ sauce and cook until caramelized.
5. Serve hot and messy—just the way ribs should be.

Cream Cheese Corn (Perfect Side Dish)

This side dish goes with everything and disappears fast.

Ingredients

• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 4 oz cream cheese (sometimes I use an entire brick)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add corn and cook until heated through.
3. Stir in cream cheese until melted and creamy.
4. Season to taste and serve warm.

From wild game to farm-raised meat, these meals represent more than recipes—they’re the reward for a year spent outdoors, working hard, and living intentionally. Filling the freezer is only half the journey. Sharing those meals with the people you care about is where it all comes full circle.

Rhubarb Custard Pie with Butter Crumble Topping

No meal from our table is complete without dessert, and this one is my favorite. Rhubarb custard pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and when it’s topped with a buttery crumble, it’s hard to beat. Made from rhubarb grown right in the backyard in our large gardens, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like tradition in every bite.

Ingredients

Pie Filling

• 3 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Butter Crumble Topping

• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed

Plus

• 1 unbaked pie crust

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spread chopped rhubarb evenly in the pie crust.
3. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, cream, and vanilla. Pour over the rhubarb.
4. In a separate bowl, cut butter into flour and brown sugar until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the pie.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Sweet, comforting, and made from ingredients close to home, this pie is the perfect way to finish a meal built from a year’s worth of time in the field and around the farm.

Few wildlife issues spark as much emotion as wolf hunting in northern Ontario. Wolves are powerful symbols of wilderness, intelligence, and resilience. But conservation cannot be guided by symbolism alone. It must be guided by science, observation, and an honest understanding of how modern ecosystems function.

In parts of northern Ontario, regulated wolf hunting is not about eliminating predators—it is about protecting balance.

Moose populations across the north have faced sustained pressure for years. Climate change has brought warmer winters, increasing parasites like winter ticks. Habitat loss and fragmentation have reduced secure calving areas. Add sustained predation pressure from wolves in already stressed environments, and recovery becomes increasingly difficult.

When moose numbers decline, wolves do not simply decline in response. Predators often continue to exert pressure on fewer animals, slowing population recovery. This is especially true for moose, which reproduce slowly and are highly vulnerable to environmental stress. In these situations, wildlife managers sometimes intervene—not to dominate nature, but to give it room to recover.

Regulated wolf hunting and trapping are one of the tools used to achieve that goal.

Ontario’s approach is not reckless or random. Seasons, wildlife management units, and harvest rules are informed by data, monitoring, and long-standing conservation practices. The objective is sustainability—healthy prey populations, healthy predator populations, and a functioning ecosystem.

An often-overlooked part of this conversation is responsible use. Animals harvested through regulated hunting are not wasted. Their furs are used to create warm outer gear—such as hats and winter garments—designed to withstand northern conditions. This practice reflects a conservation ethic rooted in respect: taking only what is allowed, and using as much of the animal as possible. In remote and cold regions, fur remains one of the most effective natural insulators, valued for both its function and durability.

Critics often argue that nature should be left alone. In an untouched wilderness, that argument might hold more weight. But northern Ontario is no longer untouched. Roads, logging, development, and climate change have altered the landscape dramatically. Human influence has already reshaped predator-prey dynamics, whether we acknowledge it or not.

Doing nothing is not the same as letting nature take its course—it is still a choice, and sometimes a harmful one.

Responsible predator management can benefit more than just moose and deer. Stable prey populations support scavengers, prevent sudden ecosystem shocks, and help maintain forest health. Conservation is not about choosing wolves over moose or vice versa. It is about ensuring that no single species overwhelms the system at the expense of others.

Indigenous and northern communities have long understood this balance. For many, hunting and trapping are not political statements but expressions of stewardship, responsibility, and respect for the land. Their voices—rooted in lived experience—are essential to meaningful conservation decisions.

None of this suggests wolves are expendable. They are vital to northern ecosystems and deserve protection. But protection does not mean immunity from management. Conservation requires nuance, adaptability, and the willingness to make difficult, often unpopular decisions.

Wolf hunting in northern Ontario will likely remain controversial. But controversy should not overshadow reality. When guided by science, local knowledge, and strict regulation, predator management can be an act of conservation—not cruelty.

If we want healthy moose herds, resilient ecosystems, and sustainable wildlife for future generations, we must be willing to look beyond emotion and focus on balance.

Winter in Northern Ontario has never been something I learned to tolerate — it’s something I learned to love. When the snow settles in and the lakes lock up with ice, life doesn’t slow down here. If anything, it becomes richer, quieter, and more intentional.

Winter shaped my childhood, my family life, and the way I learned to stay connected to the outdoors year-round. It’s a season filled with movement, tradition, and moments that stay with you long after the snow melts.

Snowmobiling: Covering Ground and Making Memories

Snowmobiling has always felt like freedom to me. There’s something special about moving across frozen lakes and winding forest trails, seeing parts of Northern Ontario that are only accessible once winter arrives. It’s fast-paced, social, and deeply tied to life in the North — connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and keeping people outdoors even on the coldest days.

Snowshoeing: Quiet Time With the Land

Snowshoeing is one of the simplest ways to experience winter, and sometimes the most meaningful. No noise, no rush — just the sound of snow underfoot and your breath in the cold air. It’s grounding. It’s accessible. And it’s a reminder that winter doesn’t need to be extreme to be powerful.

Cross-Country Skiing: A Shared Love With My Mom

Cross-country skiing used to be a favourite of mine and my mom’s. It’s one of those activities that feels woven into who you are. The steady rhythm, the peaceful glide, the quiet conversations — or sometimes no conversation at all. It wasn’t about speed or distance; it was about being outside together. Those are the kinds of winter memories that stick with you for life.

Backyard Rinks: Where Winter Became Home

Some of my favourite winter memories happened right in our backyard. When my boys were growing up, I used to flood the yard so they could skate whenever they wanted. No schedules, no driving, no pressure — just lights on, skates laced, and laughter cutting through the cold air. Winter felt magical then, and those backyard rinks turned cold nights into moments I’ll always carry with me.

Ice Fishing: Slowing Winter Down

Ice fishing has a way of forcing you to slow down. It’s early mornings, frozen fingers, shared meals, and long conversations inside a hut while the wind howls outside. In Northern Ontario, it’s about more than catching fish — it’s about tradition, connection, and finding comfort in stillness during the longest season of the year.

Winter Hiking: Seeing the North Differently

Hiking in winter offers a completely different perspective. The trails are quieter, the forests feel untouched, and every sound seems amplified. With the right gear, winter hiking becomes a powerful way to stay strong, clear your head, and appreciate just how beautiful the North is when it’s blanketed in snow.

Why Winter Matters Here

In Northern Ontario, winter isn’t short — it defines us. Staying active through the cold months keeps our bodies moving, our minds healthy, and our communities connected. Winter teaches resilience, creativity, and appreciation for the outdoors in every season.

Winter isn’t something to rush through. It’s a season that asks us to slow down, bundle up, and lean into the cold.

A Northern Ontario Comfort Food Classic: Camp Bannock

After a full winter day outside, comfort food in Northern Ontario doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be warm, filling, and shared. Bannock has always been a staple of life in the North. It’s simple, versatile, and perfect whether you’re coming in from the trail, the ice, or the backyard rink.

This is my go-to bannock recipe — easy enough to make anywhere and best enjoyed hot with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty winter meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
• 3/4 cup water or milk

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Stir in oil or melted butter.
3. Gradually add water or milk until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape into a flat round about 1 inch thick.
5. Cook in a greased pan over medium heat, or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once if pan-frying.
6. Serve warm.

It’s the kind of food that feels like Northern Ontario — practical, comforting, and best enjoyed after time spent outdoors.

Winter, at its core, is about showing up — dressing for the cold, stepping outside anyway, and making the most of what the season offers. That mindset is something I carry into everything I do, whether it’s spending time outside with family or building community through the outdoors.

At Just Hunt, that same philosophy applies: honouring tradition, encouraging participation, and celebrating the lifestyle that connects us — in every season. 

Northern Ontario winters have a way of shaping you—teaching you patience, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the quiet magic that settles over frozen lakes. For me, ice fishing isn’t just a seasonal activity; it’s part of who I am. I’ve been out on the ice since I was a youngster, bundled up in oversized winter gear, following my dad across the lake as our snowmobiles carved fresh tracks through deep drifts. Those early days built memories I still carry every time I punch a new hole through hard February ice.

Some people look at winter and see cold. I see possibilities. I see sunrises glowing pink across a lake that’s frozen solid. I see the soft shimmer of snow crystals swirling in a beam of headlamp light. I see moments of laughter, stories shared over steaming thermoses, and the peaceful stillness you only find when the world is blanketed in white.

Growing Up on the Hardwater

When I say we grew up ice fishing, I mean it literally. Day trips with my dad and my sister, Miranda and his friends made up a huge part of my childhood. We’d load the sleds and sleighs with augers, rods, minnows, a pack of snacks, mostly hotdogs, and the excitement only a kid can feel for spending a full day outdoors. Riding the snowmobiles across the frozen lakes was just as thrilling as catching fish—maybe even more exciting back then. The freedom of those rides, the roar of the engine, the sharp cold air biting your cheeks… that’s the stuff that sticks with you forever. I have a fond memories of myself, my sister and very old friend, Todd Rustan, owner of Fountain Tire in Dryden and Red Lake, Ontario, ice fishing often with our dads and chasing each other around on the sleds.

Now, years later, nothing has changed except the gear and the locations from Alberta to Quebec. The thrill is still the thrill. The cold is still the cold. And the fish—you still have to earn every single one.

A Northern Ontario Tradition

Up here, ice fishing isn’t a hobby, it’s a winter lifestyle. Families gather on the lakes as soon as the ice is safe. Friends make annual trips to favourite spots. Snowmobiles line shorelines like pickup trucks at a summer boat launch. And everyone—from kids just learning to tie a hook to seasoned anglers chasing trophy walleye—carries their own stories from the ice.

Ice fishing and snowmobiling go hand in hand in Northern Ontario. Some days you spend more time riding than fishing, and that’s okay. Sometimes the best memories come from the trips between holes—the laughs, the frozen eyelashes, the moments where winter feels endless and beautiful all at once.

Passing Time, Making Memories

Even today, when I’m out on the ice producing television episodes or testing gear, I still feel the kid in me come alive. The one who used to stare down the fishing hole for what felt like hours. The one who asked a million questions. The one who pressed her mittens against her dad’s back while hanging tight on the snowmobile.

These winter pastimes shaped me. They made me fall in love with the outdoors, with exploration, with the challenge and reward of harvesting your own food. And they continue to remind me that some of the simplest activities bring the greatest joy.

So whether you’re an experienced angler or someone thinking of trying ice fishing for the first time, I encourage you to get out there. Drill a hole. Watch the snow fall. Breathe in the quiet. You’ll understand why Northern Ontario winters are something special.

And now I’m curious—what are your favourite winter pastimes?

On-the-Ice Walleye Recipe: Fire-Grilled Shore Lunch

Nothing tastes better than walleye cooked fresh on the ice. Here’s a simple recipe you can make over an open fire right beside your fishing hole:

Ingredients

• Fresh walleye fillets
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• Salt & pepper
• A pinch of garlic powder
• A pinch of paprika
• Lemon wedges
• Optional: a handful of crushed plain chips or crackers for crunch

Instructions

1. Heat a cast-iron pan over your fire or portable cooker.
2. Add butter or oil and let it melt completely.
3. Lightly season the fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Place the fillets in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky.
5. For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed chips or crackers on top during the last minute of cooking.
6. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Simple, fast, and perfect after a cold day on the ice.

Snowmobiling in Northern Ontario is more than a winter pastime—it’s a way of life. As soon as the lakes freeze and the trails fill with powder, the vast northern landscape becomes a playground of crisp air, winding routes, and breathtaking views. There’s a kind of freedom you only feel when you’re gliding across fresh snow, the world around you quiet except for the hum of the engine and the rush of cold air on your face. It’s fun, it’s exhilarating, and for many of us, it’s part of our identity.

But snowmobiling here isn’t just about recreation. In the North, it’s also a practical and often essential tool. When the roads fill with snowbanks and access becomes limited, our sleds become our transportation, our workhorses, and our lifelines. We use them to check traplines, reach remote hunting spots, transport firewood, and haul supplies into cabins that are impossible to access by vehicle in deep winter. For ice fishing, snowmobiles turn long hauls across frozen lakes into smooth, enjoyable trips, carrying everything from augers and rods to huts, heaters, and hot coffee. Up here, a snowmobile isn’t a luxury—it’s part of our survival kit.

And with that freedom and practicality comes responsibility. Snowmobiling may be thrilling, but safety has to come first—always. Conditions change quickly in Northern Ontario. Hidden slush under snow-covered lakes, pressure cracks, fallen trees, wildlife on the trail, and sudden storms can turn a great day into a dangerous one. Proper gear, regular machine maintenance, a charged communication device, and awareness of trail and ice conditions are essential. Tell someone your route, ride with a partner when you can, and never let excitement override good judgment. Adventure should never come at the cost of safety.

Of course, winter fun deserves a little extra flavour—literally. So here’s a quick ice fishing tip:
When jigging for walleye in mid-winter, try using a smaller presentation than you think you need. Walleye slow down in cold water, so a subtle flutter spoon tipped with a minnow head can outperform bigger, flashier lures.

And if you land a good one, here’s a simple Northern Ontario–style walleye recipe to celebrate the day:
Crispy Shoreline Walleye

• Lightly coat fillets in flour, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Pan-fry in butter over medium heat until golden and flaky.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
  Simple, fast, and perfect after a long ride.

Snowmobiling is part adventure, part lifestyle, and part necessity. When respected and enjoyed safely, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to embrace winter in Northern Ontario.

Whether you’re new to snowmobiling or a seasoned rider, I encourage you to get out there this season—explore your local trails, support your snowmobile clubs, learn the safety basics, and embrace the northern winter the way it was meant to be enjoyed: with respect, responsibility, and a whole lot of fun.

See you on the trails! 

As the seasons shift and the temperature drops, the outdoors takes on a quieter, more powerful kind of beauty. For many hunters, late-season deer hunting becomes a test of patience, resilience, and preparation—especially for those who choose to take on the challenge with a bow. But alongside the stillness of the deer woods, there’s another tradition that brings energy, laughter, and community into the cold: duck hunting.

Together, these two forms of hunting create a balanced rhythm in the season, offering both solitary moments of reflection and lively camaraderie around a blind or boat. And while each pursuit has its own challenges, one truth remains constant: the right gear matters, especially when temperatures fall well below freezing.

Late-Season Deer Hunting: The Quiet Challenge

Late-season archery hunting demands focus and grit. Deer are educated by months of pressure, the foliage has dropped, and the cold settles into your bones faster than any other time of year. It’s a season where:

• Quality layers and proper insulation are the difference between staying on stand or heading home early.
• Handwarmers, wind-blocking outerwear, and insulated boots are essential.
• Quiet fabric and moisture control become more critical than ever.

Yet it’s also one of the most rewarding seasons. The woods are quiet, the sign is clear, and the hunting pressure drops. Many hunters cherish these final weeks because they represent pure, focused hunting—stripped down and deeply personal.

Duck Hunting: The Perfect Break in the Season

While deer hunting often feels introspective, duck hunting brings something entirely different to the table. It’s social. It’s energized. It’s loud in the best ways. There’s something special about a group of hunters brushing in a blind together, sharing coffee before sunrise, and working birds as a team.

Duck hunting is the perfect way to break up the long, cold deer season because:

• It’s active and keeps the blood flowing.
• It creates memories and laughs that last long after the season ends.
• It connects new hunters with mentors naturally, through teamwork.
• It provides delicious, versatile wild game for the dinner table.

The birds might not always cooperate, but the experience always delivers.

Gear: The Foundation of Success and Safety

Whether you’re sitting motionless in a boxblind or calling ducks in a biting wind, the cold can be brutal. That makes gear not just a matter of comfort, but of safety—and success.

Late-Season Gear Essentials:

• Base Layers: Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking.
• Insulated Outerwear: Quiet and windproof for deer; waterproof for waterfowl.
• Warm Gloves: Thin enough for archery release or waterproof for duck hunting.
• Boots: Insulated, high-grip, and dry.
• Calls & Decoys: For ducks, realism makes all the difference.
• Safety Gear: Tree stand harness, dry bags, and reliable headlamps.

Investing in quality gear means longer sits, safer hunts, and better experiences with your crew.

Duck on the Dinner Table: Simple Maple-Orange Duck Skillet

Here’s a crowd-pleasing duck recipe that’s perfect after a successful hunt—rich, sweet, savoury, and fast to make.

Maple-Orange Duck Breast Skillet

Ingredients:

• 2–4 wild duck breasts, skin on
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Instructions:

1. Score the skin of the duck breasts lightly, season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet to medium-high and place duck breasts skin-side down. Cook until the skin is crisp and fat renders (5–7 min).
3. Flip the breasts and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if preferred.
4. Remove the duck and set aside to rest.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic, soy sauce, maple syrup, orange zest, and orange juice. Let it reduce until slightly thick.
6. Slice the duck and drizzle the sauce over the top.
7. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or potatoes.

It’s a flavour-packed way to celebrate a good hunt with great company.

The Heart of the Season

Deer hunting builds patience and skill. Duck hunting brings laughter and teamwork. Together, they make the late season something special—something that brings people together in a way few other activities can. With the right gear, good friends, and great food, late-season hunting becomes more than a pastime—it becomes a tradition.