The Jewel of Northern Ontario

by Doug

This past week was spent with our Geo-Tourism winners up in Dryden Ontario.  While there I continued to ask myself the question “why would our younger generation have any interest in travelling to Northern Ontario communities”?  It is a long way to go, travel logistics are difficult and it is costly.  What is it that is truly unique about the north that would make it a worthy destination?

As I observed the winners having a ball learning how to fish, the answer became clear. What is unique about the north is the hospitality of the people, great lakes to fish in and an unbelievable willingness of everyone there to help those who never fished before, learn.  Both Terry and Merrill of Merkel’s Camp just outside of Dryden were always offering help to ensure simple and easy fishing techniques for instant success.  The winners who had no previous experience fishing were quickly becoming pros.  Terry and Merrill made everyone involved feel like part of their family.  We felt like we knew them all of our lives.

Then I observed the pros of fishing giving back to the younger generation.  Wayne and Bob Izumi helped our winners learn some of their secrets to success and during the Kids & Cops event Wayne talked to just about every child on the dock fishing.  Of course there was Mariko giving her slant on having fun while fishing. Unbelievable!

And then there was Dana Soucie of the Dryden Development Corporation who was our overall host for the week.  Any time the winners wanted to do other activities Dana took care of ensuring the winners were able to do “whatever they wanted” while in Dryden.

The result; a unique adventure to be remembered forever!  And a new social circle to share the memories for others to follow.

I have concluded that for anyone or any group wanting to get involved in fishing, this is the place to go to learn.  I mean if you wanted to learn how to play golf, you wouldn’t go to a mini-putt course; your dream would have a pro teaching you the game on a major course, right? So keep this in mind if you and your friends are planning an adventure where you could learn a new activity that will last you a lifetime; and learn it from people who really want to ensure you do have fun while learning! 

In conclusion, the jewel of Northern Ontario and their biggest asset is their champion outdoor training facilities and unlimited helpful staff resources, the people.