New face of the north: Women are redefining outdoor culture in northwestern Ontario
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.
