2023 Staff Bio
Pit
Hi! My name is Gab-Riel but at Aikens, people call me Pit (or Pip as Pat like to tease).
2023 marks my 35th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m still working on Aikens stuff haha. After hours I play beer league hockey, watch hockey, and coach hockey. I donate annually to our fantasy football pool, which I can't seem to win, but it makes Sundays a lot of fun. Julie and I like to travel in the winter for a couple of weeks. I also serve on several boards such as the CDEM (Economic Development of Bilingual Municipalities in MB), and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Julie, myself, and the kids are/were (depending on when you read this) the official voyageurs for the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg from March 2020 until fall 2023.
The best part of working at Aikens is getting to know all the people that work here or stay here. It becomes a huge family, and I love meeting new people and sharing stories. There's no better place to enjoy someone's company than in Big Molly's Bar!
My go-to funny movie is Slapshot. It's a classic! Julie has only seen it one time - it was the night that the Winnipeg Jets 2.0 came back to Winnipeg. But when she finally did see it, she figured out that many of the sayings I use are from that movie.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… My dad, the Big Guy, had a million of these. "Never forget whose vacation it is" and "If you want to hoot with the owls at night, you better run with the dogs in the morning" were two of his favorites.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is that I went backpacking in South America for a few months after I graduated from university. One of the things we did, which was more out of necessity (ie: broke student on a budget) than adventurous was to get on a bus on the "world's most dangerous highway". This was a one-lane road on the side of a mountain in Bolivia. So many times the tires were inches from the edge and I thought we were going to fall to our deaths. You would pass spots on the road where there were 25+ crosses, which was obviously where another bus had fallen. If we ran into oncoming traffic, we had to be the ones to back up because the driver could see the edge from his side. And we passed under so many waterfalls that I'm surprised the road wasn't washed out completely. It took over 8 hours to arrive in the Amazon jungle finally. It was a white-knuckle day for sure.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle. People who like the corners obviously want to see the world burn.
Julie
Hi! My name is Julie but at Aikens, people still call me Julie.
2023 marks my 24th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m in Winnipeg planning all the logistics for your trip next year...and hopefully traveling a little.
The best part of working at Aikens is meeting so many wonderful people. It really does feel like we are all part of a great big family.
My go-to funny movie is… There are so many funny ones out there, I have so many that I come back to! Step Brothers certainly deserves a mention!
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… This one is super special to me, it's from the last conversation I had with the Big Guy the day before we lost him: “Never forget to stop and enjoy this beautiful place that you are in...it's important to take time to enjoy it with loved ones”.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is… Oh boy, this is a difficult one for me....I'm a planner...so not sure on the adventurous part. Does eating something weird count? I ate a Cisco in Finland...also tried Camel.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? For sure the middle.
Patrick
Hi! My name is Patrick but at Aikens, people call me Pat.
2023 marks my 24th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m unsure what to do.
The best part of working at Aikens is being in the outdoors.
My go-to funny movie is The Big Lebowski.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is when working on plumbing, don't chew your fingernails.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is take both my boys fishing in one boat, at the same time, for like a whole day...
Corner, edge or middle brownie? I'm more a date square kind of guy.
Janelle
Hi! My name is Janelle but at Aikens, people call me Jans.
2023 marks my 18th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m the chauffeur to all my kids' activities.
The best part of working at Aikens is living on a beautiful beach all summer with my family.
My go-to funny movie is Drop Dead Fred.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is “Kill em’ with kindness”.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is Skydiving.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle, no crispiness.
Sean
Head Guide
Hi! My name is Sean but at Aikens, people call me Szyds.
2023 marks my 8th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m ice fishin’ n bush rippin’.
The best part of working at Aikens is the Aikens Family!
My go-to funny movie is Superbad.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… You’re always one bite away from zero to hero!
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is travel to Australia.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? I’d rather have a beer.
Kurt
Head Guide
Hi! My name is Kurt but at Aikens, people call me Kurtek.
2023 marks my 6th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m bartending and looking forward to May!
The best part of working at Aikens is porch beers with the boys.
My go-to funny movie is Superbad.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Luck favours the prepared.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is biting an unidentified jelly fish in Australia
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Edge
Skip
Guide
Cam
Guide
Justin K
Guide
Dalain
Guide
Hi! My name is Dalain but at Aikens, people call me Dan.
2023 marks my 4th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m an ice fishing guide! #guidelife
The best part of working at Aikens is the connections you make and seeing the smiles on everyone's faces!
My go-to funny movie is Step Brothers.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Live life to the max and don't take anything for granted!
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is a backcountry hike to a small lake to fish!
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle, obviously.
Liam
Guide
Josh
Guide
Hi! My name is Josh but at Aikens, people call me Kid rock or Deep Blue.
2023 marks my 3rd season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m Globe trotting!
The best part of working at Aikens is that it’s always another day in paradise!
My go-to funny movie is Talladega Nights.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Do it now while you’ve got the time and no responsibilities.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is quitting a blue collar lifestyle to become a fishing guide.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Edge. It’s the best of both worlds.
Brenden
Guide
Hi! My name is Brenden but at Aikens, people call me Boots.
2023 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m a heavy equipment operator.
The best part of working at Aikens is fishing!
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… The good days on the water trump the bad days!
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Whatever there is!
Tyson
Guide
Hi! My name is Tyson but at Aikens, people call me Tyson.
2023 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m still fishing.
The best part of working at Aikens is spending time with great people.
My go-to funny movie is Talladega Nights.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… To work hard and keep pushing to be the best you can be.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is jumping my minivan.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Depends on the day.
Hayden
Guide
Hi! My name is Hayden but at Aikens, people call me Haydo.
2023 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m enjoying time with friends and family, playing hockey, pursuing a passion in photography and videography.
The best part of working at Aikens is all the people you get to meet and share the experience with.
My go-to funny movie is Step Brothers.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Live everyday like it’s your last.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is moving away to Tofino at 18 to try a new lifestyle.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle
Joey
Guide
Hi! My name is Joey but at Aikens, people call me Joey… I have yet to earn my nickname.
2023 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m practicing to become an interpreter.
The best part of working at Aikens is the outdoors!
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is that it is so much easier to learn to like someone rather than hating them forever.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is moving from France to Canada.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Edge.
Brad
Chef
Hi! My name is Brad but at Aikens, people call me Chef.
2023 marks my first season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m doing yardwork or gardening, working on new recipes, enjoying time with pets and family, or just relaxing with a good book.
The best part of working at Aikens is definitely the people! Already I have met many friendly faces, not to mention the staff. Good times!
My go-to funny movie is Idiocracy.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Always keep an edge on your knife, boy.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is… Aside from working here? I have had some fun travelling.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? The edge. Best of both worlds.
Anna
Baker
Hi! My name is Anna but at Aikens, people call me Baker Anna.
2023 marks my first season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m Working in the Whiteshell building docks and boathouses and riding my horses.
The best part of working at Aikens is the family like environment. I’ve become closest with people I otherwise would’ve never met.
My go-to funny movie is Vacation.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… The plants you water are the ones that grow, don’t water your weeds.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is a four day canoe/ camping trip up the caddy lake chain.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle
Annika
Head of Housekeeping
Hi! My name is Annika but at Aikens, people still call me Annika.
2023 marks my 2nd season (working) at Aikens. I’ve been here my whole life!
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m going to university for social work, reading, and listening/playing music.
The best part of working at Aikens is making memories with new friends.
My go-to funny movie is Happy Gilmore.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat forever.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is cliff jumping.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Edge.
Alex
GGO Hostess & Housekeeping
Hi! My name is Alex but at Aikens, people call me Party.
2023 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m wishing I was at Aikens!
The best part of working at Aikens is the views.
My go-to funny movie is Step Brothers.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… You’re here for a good time not a long time.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is moving to Lethbridge.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle.
Rachel
Housekeeping
Hi! My name is Rachel but at Aikens, people still call me Rachel.
2023 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m studying criminology. Working on my family farm or in colony schools.
The best part of working at Aikens is fishing with the Northstar girls or exploring the lake.
My go-to funny movie is Nacho Libre.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Don’t put your nice clothes in the dryer. -Mom
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is move to Spain or backpack Asia.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle.
Abby
Housekeeping
Hi! My name is Abrielle but at Aikens, people call me Abby.
2023 marks my first season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m a full time university student, listening and playing music and spending as much time as possible in the outdoors.
The best part of working at Aikens is the dock bites with the North Star girls and sunny beach days!
My go-to funny movie is The Great Outdoors and Paul Blart Mall Cop.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… to always have courage when experiencing new things :)
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is hiked up to Lake Agnes in the Canadian rockies and took a polar bear swim in Lake of the Woods while it was still partially frozen.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle brownie.
Chloe
Housekeeping
Hi! My name is Chloe but at Aikens, people call me Chloe.
2023 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m working with children and enjoying the outdoors.
The best part of working at Aikens is getting to know everyone.
My go-to funny movie is Ride Along.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Never regret a day in life. Good days give you happiness and bad days give you experience.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is go to Nashville.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle
Kayla
Housekeeping
Lorraine
Organization Expert
Hi! My name is Lorraine but at Aikens, people call me Lolo.
2023 marks my 35th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m planning my next winter vacation, puzzling, watching the Jets, cooking, visiting with friends and watching great movies!
The best part of working at Aikens is being in the wilderness and enjoying Mother Nature all summer. And don't forget those beautiful sand beaches to play on!
My go-to funny movie is all the Shrek movies.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Don't bite off more than you can chew and for heavens' sake......finish what you start!!!
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is go on a solo holiday. Yes I put on my big girl panties and went on a 21 day cruise all by myself!
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Definitely corner.
Rico
GGO Host
Hi! My name is Eric but at Aikens, people call me Rico.
2023 marks my 7th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m teaching physical education.
The best part of working at Aikens is visiting the well established watering hole with the boys.
My go-to funny movie is Super Troopers.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take -Wayne Gretzky” - Michael Scott
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is hike to the peak of a mountain.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle.
Manu
Lost Lake Host
Hi! My name is Manu but at Aikens, people call me Space Cadet.
2023 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m coding something.
The best part of working at Aikens is spending time with my crew.
My go-to funny movie is Scary Movie.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… If you're only available when it's convenient, you're not truly there for others.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is rock climbing in Ontario.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? The biggest piece.
Joel
Dockhand
Hi! My name is Joel but at Aikens, people call me Joe.
2023 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m at the University of Manitoba.
The best part of working at Aikens is the environment and the connections you make with everyone.
My go-to funny movie is Superbad.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… a wise man once told me not to bring my phone on the dock
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is probably just coming to work out here.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Obviously the edge.
Jody
B&T
Hi! My name is Jody but at Aikens, people call me Brenden McCulloch.
2023 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m hibernating.
The best part of working at Aikens is fishing.
My go-to funny movie is Super Bad.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is travel to Africa.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle.
Danic
Labour Team
Hayden
Labour Team
Aiden
Labour Team
Kieran
Labour Team
Brady
Labour Team
Hi! My name is Brady but at Aikens, people call me Holes.
2023 marks my first season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m quad riding.
The best part of working at Aikens is getting together with a couple buddies and going fishing after a long day's work.
My go-to movie is Pirates of the Caribbean .
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is… The impossible doesn't happen unless you give it a good try
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is cliff jumping.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Edge
Martin
Guide in training
Hi! My name is Martin but at Aikens, people call me Marty.
2023 marks my 17th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m fishing.
The best part of being at Aikens is catching big fish.
My go-to funny movie is Happy Gilmore.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is... Hard work beats talent when talent isn't working hard.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is jump off a 35' cliff.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Edge.
Natasha
Professional Laundry Helper
Hi! My name is Natasha but at Aikens, people call me Shash.
2023 marks my 15th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I'm dancing.
The best part of being at Aikens is the adventure.
My go-to funny movie is Princess Bride.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is... Don't care about others think.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is jump off a 30' cliff.
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Corner - no question.
Oscar
Arthur
Professional Chicken Burger Taste Tester
Hi! My name is Arthur but at Aikens, people call me Artie.
2023 marks my 9th season at Aikens.
When I’m not working at Aikens, I’m watching TV and playing video games.
The best part of being at Aikens is the beach!
My go-to movie is anything Star Wars.
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is cliff jumping!
Corner, edge or middle brownie? Middle.