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Bill Steer

Bill Steer

Back Roads Bill Steer is the founder and remains the GM of the Canadian Ecology Centre. He teaches part-time at Nipissing University (Schulich School of Education) and Canadore College. His features can be found across Village Media's Northern Ontario sites

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Recent Work by Bill

The myth and man behind the bear suit: Part two of Troy Hurtubise story

The myth and man behind the bear suit: Part two of Troy Hurtubise story

Troy Hurtubise wasn’t just a man in a bear-proof suit—he was a walking paradox. Part inventor, part performance artist, his life blurred the lines between science fiction and reality
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Project Grizzly at 30: How one man’s obsession became a national legend

Project Grizzly at 30: How one man’s obsession became a national legend

'Bear Man,' 'RoboCop,' 'mad genius'—Troy James Hurtubise wore many labels during his lifetime. As we revisit his legacy on the anniversary of Project Grizzly, we explore fact vs fiction in one man's quest for greatness
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A year on the back roads: reflections from northern Ontario

A year on the back roads: reflections from northern Ontario

From traversing the world’s longest seasonal ice road to uncovering Cold War secrets buried deep in the boreal forest, this was a year of unforgettable journeys
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Northern Ontario residents quiz Santa on history, geography and folklore

Northern Ontario residents quiz Santa on history, geography and folklore

In a heartwarming twist this holiday season, Back Roads Bill invited none other than Santa Claus to answer some of the most curious questions from across northern Ontario. From geology to folklore, Saint Nick proved he really does know it all
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From corporate life to polar explorer: Maria Leijerstam’s inspiring path

From corporate life to polar explorer: Maria Leijerstam’s inspiring path

Twelve years ago, British adventurer Maria Leijerstam made history by becoming the first person ever to cycle from the coast of Antarctica all the way to the South Pole—an extraordinary feat of endurance, planning, and determination
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Logging roads: The overlooked infrastructure powering northern Ontario

Logging roads: The overlooked infrastructure powering northern Ontario

'Use at your own risk' signs mark them—but behind those warnings lies a vast network that fuels billions in revenue, supports thousands of jobs, and connects Ontarians with nature like no other highway can
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The quiet charm of postcards in a digital world

The quiet charm of postcards in a digital world

In an era dominated by texts, emails, and social media, one humble form of communication quietly endures — the postcard. Once a staple of travel updates and personal messages, these small paper relics are finding new life among collectors and nostalgia seekers
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From tour to truth: a visit to Shingwauk Hall changes everything

From tour to truth: a visit to Shingwauk Hall changes everything

What begins as an educational tour quickly transforms into an emotional journey through one of Canada's most painful historical legacies—the Indian residential school system. At the heart of this experience is the former Shingwauk Residential School in Sault Ste. Marie, now home to a powerful truth-telling centre
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The last voyage: remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald 50 years on

The last voyage: remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald 50 years on

It has been 50 years since one of North America's most infamous maritime disasters—the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. Yet, questions remain unanswered and interest in its story continues to grow
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Robert Munsch and the girl who wrote back for 35 years

Robert Munsch and the girl who wrote back for 35 years

When eight-year-old Gah-Ning Tang wrote her first letter to children’s author Robert Munsch, she had no idea it would spark a lifelong friendship—and inspire one of his most beloved books
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