As Churchill River Canoe Outfitters Turns 60, It Now Has A New Owner
Saskatchewan’s Churchill River Canoe Outfitters has not only achieved a milestone of being in operation for 60 years, but their owner Ric Driediger has handed over the keys to the shop to a new owner.
Ric had been at the helm for 35 years and now wanted to spend more time in the great outdoors, harkening back to his roots as a canoe guide. The new owner Martin Bernardin.
“On November 30, Theresa and I signed the papers to sell Churchill River Canoe Outfitters to Martin and Heather Bernardin of Montreal River Outpost in Air Ronge. Thirty-five years ago in the fall of 1988, Theresa and I purchased Churchill River Canoe Outfitters from Paul and Nancy Wilkinson.
I remember talking with a Missinipe neighbor about this purchase back in 1988. He told me it was important to claim my space by peeing on every corner of the property. And he said for good measure I should also pee on every canoe. I didn’t do the canoe part. More than that though, I remember the excitement and the fear I felt about this next stage in my canoeing journey.
Looking back now, the thing that stands out more than anything else is relationships. I have met and become close to some of the most amazing people in this world. Over the years I’ve had more than 180 different staff working for CRCO. They are like family to me. And so very many guests! Many of these have developed into very close relationships. More than anything else, it is these relationships I am going to miss.
I’m going to miss the stories. I love talking to groups before they head out, sharing in their excitement and anticipation. And then to share in their stories when they return. Wilderness has a way of creating life changing stories. I’m going to miss hearing these stories.
These things and so many more have greatly enriched my life over the past 35 summers. You have all been so much a part of that enrichment. I am a better person because of all and each of you.
This past summer I began to feel my energy beginning to wane. It was time to begin thinking about selling to someone who has lots of new energy and ideas. Martin came along expressing his desire and excitement.
I don’t know of a better person to take this business and run (or canoe) with it. Martin comes with lots of experience and knowledge. Many of you have rented Kisseynew Canoes from us. Martin is the proud manufacturer of these canoes. Some of you have the pleasure of owning one of Martin’s canoes. Martin knows canoes and knows the area. He and his family have paddled many of the routes we all enjoy. He is the best person to step into this role as the new owner of Churchill River Canoe Outfitters.
The best part is that Martin has asked me to hang around the office to continue to meet groups as they come in and out. He’s asked me to continue to talk about routes and tell stories. I’ll be there to maintain all these wonderful relationships we’ve developed over the decades. And I also have the freedom to do what I’ve longed to do for quite some time. That is to go canoeing!
So, during the summer of 2024, if I’m not out paddling, I am looking forward to seeing you again. Stop in! Say hi! Stay and chat for a while! Rent some canoes! And go canoeing! If I’m not in the office, maybe we’ll meet out there!”
Evan Holt
