Super Hosts at Red Pine in Northern Ontario Canada

In 1987 the search for a simpler way of life began...

Little did we know....

Yes, many northern sunsets have passed since James & Janice Bowden first decided to leave their big city (Hamilton, Ontario) life of stress and chaos. For James, after seven years working as a stage technician in a theater (lights, sound, set construction) the lure of dancing girls and high drama had lost its appeal. As for Janice, life as a highschool teacher was also wearing thin.

Our first season, at Red Pine in the summer of '88 was indeed a "learning experience". Our new, stress-free life was filled with wonderful challenges, like rebuilding electrical generating equipment, learning the difference between a walleye and a pike and trying to fathom how a flame makes a propane fridge work!

We have "come a long way, baby" and really do enjoy the lifestyle we now lead and feel privileged to know many guests that have become great friends. Janice has won an award for the "Outstanding Lady In Tourism In Ontario" (Presented by the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association). She has excelled as a cook and according to many of our guests also holds the title of "Best Cook In Ontario". As for myself, I can now identify all the species of fish that call Lady Evelyn Lake their home, and actually get a chance to catch a few of them! I'm a happy guy if I can work most of the season on building and renovating on Red Pine Island.

Bud (Papa)-"Chief Storyteller", Janice - "Woman-in-Charge", James -"Fishfryer, Handyguy",

Lil (Nana) -"Stainwizard", Elizabeth -"Social Coordinator"

Fisher "Recreation Director" (Retired)

Hunter "Rec Director, minnow sampler" Dora (the explorer) "Rec Director in training"

Bugsy & Hooter - "Pest Control"

As you can tell from this page, our lives are filled with animals both domestic and wild. If you have a pet that is as much of the family as anyone else, has a pleasant temperament and would get along with our motley crew, bring them along. Just let us know in advance of your arrival. Pets weighing over 300 lbs. may need special transportation arrangements and it is possible extra fees may be incurred...

Janice & I believe that the majority of our job is the hospitality that we extend to our guests: to attempt to convey in one week, the enjoyment we have known of this pristine northern environment over the years...