101 Experiences Initiative: Unique Adventures in Ontario’s Northeast Inspired by Jocelyne Saucier
For those looking to experience Ontario differently, Nicole Guertin had an idea. When tourists kept asking, “What can we do around here?” in Temiskaming Shores, she created 101 Experiences – a project transforming local knowledge into unforgettable northern Ontario adventures. The initiative aimed to promote local culture, create inclusive communities, and help residents become tourism entrepreneurs.
Just like travelers seeking unique experiences, many casino players are also drawn to the thrill of trying something new, whether it’s a game or an adventure. Let’s take a closer look at why these activities are so appealing to both adventurers and gamers.
Popularity of Northern Ontario Among Casino Gamers
Northern Ontario’s unique experiences have started to capture the attention of online casino enthusiasts. Just like the thrill of spinning the reels or hitting the jackpot, adventures like guided nature walks or brewery tours tap into a similar sense of excitement and discovery. For casino players who enjoy social games like poker or live dealer blackjack, activities such as paddleboarding in a group or learning Indigenous teachings provide a real-world way to connect and share moments with others.
What makes this connection even stronger is the variety available – just as online casinos offer countless games to suit every taste, Northern Ontario provides something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping snowmobiling to peaceful yoga by the lake. Speaking of variety, let’s take a closer look at how 101 Experiences turned local knowledge into unforgettable adventures.
What Was 101 Experiences All About?
This wasn’t your typical tourism program. Instead of bringing in outside experts, the 101 Experiences initiative helped locals share what they already knew and loved. A mushroom forager teaching others their secret spots. An alpaca farmer sharing the joy of walking with these gentle animals. A brewery owner revealing the forgotten history of women in brewing.
The program was super smart about it, too. They offered free 5-week training to help people turn their knowledge into actual experiences tourists would pay for. And they really meant it when they said “everyone welcome” – they worked hard to include newcomers, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ2S+ community members.
In the Footsteps of Jocelyne Saucier
For those planning Northern Ontario travel, Jocelyne Saucier’s award-winning novels capture the region’s spirit. Her work “Il pleuvait des oiseaux” (And the Birds Rained Down) sold over 250,000 copies worldwide. The program created a special route following her literary footsteps through nine towns, letting visitors experience the landscapes and stories that inspired her writing.
Unique Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Food & Drink Adventures
The Boreal Wild Culinary Sampler offered lakeside cooking with local ingredients. This Canadian signature experience gave visitors a taste of ancient outdoor cooking techniques and fresh local flavours. At Gateway City Brewery, the “Witch Balls & Beer” experience combined craft beer tasting with local history – participants learned about women’s role in brewing while creating protective house charms.
At Des Isles Homestead in Cochrane, visitors could experience their 145-acre property, picking fresh oyster mushrooms from forest beds and exploring their greenhouses. The homestead offered both quick-pick sessions and educational tours about sustainable food growing.
Wellness in Nature
Wellness activities centred on Northern Ontario’s natural settings. The Soul Session combined yoga with journaling for mind-body balance. Snow Yoga on Lake Temiskaming took the practice outdoors, letting participants experience winter wellness against a stunning backdrop. Nature’s Harmony Wholeness Retreat provided weekend getaways combining outdoor activities, meals, and wellness practices at their Ecolodge in Mattawa. The Hands-on Natural Skincare Workshop in Haileybury taught visitors about holistic skincare using natural ingredients.
Arts, Crafts & Culture
“From Blueberries to Blue Skies” taught natural indigo dyeing, with host Vanessa Lamarche guiding participants through Shibori techniques and organic dye processes. Each participant created their own bandana while learning about traditional textile arts. The Stained-Glass Windows tour showcased Yvonne Williams’ historic artistry.
Animal & Outdoor Experiences
Dream Acres Alpacas, run by Jo-Anne Burton, offered two unique ways to meet their animals. Visitors could take guided walks with alpacas on maintained trails, learning about their calming presence while exploring the farm. For those who couldn’t visit in person, virtual tours provided intimate glimpses into alpaca life, from fibre processing to daily farm routines. These experiences successfully adapted during COVID-19, showing how farm tourism could blend education with accessibility.
Winter Adventures
Balls & Beer in Hearst let visitors explore the winter wilderness. Guide Dany Gratton, with 35+ years of experience, led groups through off-trail adventures. The 5-10-hour tours helped riders develop deep snow skills while experiencing Northern Ontario’s stunning winter landscape.
Indigenous Cultural Sharing
Traditional Tipi Teachings offered authentic cultural education. The program also addressed myths and misconceptions about Indigenous peoples, fostering understanding between communities. These experiences were guided by an Indigenous Advisory Council to ensure respectful representation.
Entertainment & Family Fun
The Ghosts of LaSalle Theatre tour explored Kirkland Lake’s historic venue. For families, modern entertainment options included foam parties, virtual reality experiences, and laser tag. Ivy Guevarra’s virtual geology walks showed off the 2.6-billion-year-old Canadian Shield rocks.
Water Sports & Exploration
Paddle the North offered guided experiences on Northern Ontario’s waterways. These trips combined physical activity with nature appreciation, letting visitors explore pristine lakes and rivers while learning about local ecosystems.
How the Program Worked for Hosts
When 101 Experiences was running, the path to becoming a host involved three main steps:
- Share your idea: Send in your concept for an experience based on your skills, knowledge or passion.
- Complete training: Join the free 5-week virtual program covering:
- Experience design and pricing
- Business basics
- Marketing strategies
- Platform management
- Final pitch at Passion Fair
- Launch and manage: Set up your listings on booking platforms, handle your own schedule and pricing, and start welcoming guests.
Indigenous Partnership and Respect for the Land
The heart of 101 Experiences was its deep connection to the land in Northern Ontario. Operating across the traditional territories of the Anishinabe, Cree, and Ojibwe peoples, the program created authentic indigenous experiences in Ontario while acknowledging and respecting these deep roots.
Every aspect of the program was shaped by guidance from its Indigenous Advisory Council, ensuring experiences honoured local traditions while supporting reconciliation through tourism. The Council played a crucial role in:
- Cultural representation
- Indigenous host support
- Educational content
- Community benefits
This collaborative approach led to authentic Indigenous-led experiences, from traditional tipi teachings to cultural awareness workshops. These activities created genuine connections between visitors and Indigenous communities while preserving cultural integrity.
Building Better Tourism
While 101 Experiences isn’t active now, it showed how tourism can work differently. Instead of just selling attractions, it connected people through shared experiences and stories. Many of the experiences created through the program are still running independently today.
Some numbers worth noting:
- 32 active experience hosts across Northeastern Ontario
- 5-week free training program
- 8 different categories of experiences
- Participants from multiple communities and backgrounds
Tips for Exploring Northern Ontario Today
While 101 Experiences has ended, there are still plenty of things to do in Northern Ontario:
- Visit many of the local businesses that hosted experiences
- Explore the regions featured in Jocelyne Saucier’s books
- Connect with Indigenous tourism experiences
- Support local guides and tour operators who continue to share their passions
When you visit Northern Ontario, remember there’s more to discover than just beautiful landscapes. There are stories, skills, and experiences waiting to be shared by the people who know this region best.
So next time you’re planning a trip to Northern Ontario, remember there’s more to discover than just beautiful landscapes. There are stories, skills, and experiences waiting to be shared by the people who know this region best.