2025 Staff Bio
Pit
- Hi! My name is Gab-Riel but at Aikens, people call me Pit.
- 2025 marks my 37th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm recovering from four knee surgeries in the winter of 2024/25. Torn Quadriceps tendon in November, re-tear in February. Subsequent infection caused more surgeries, but I entered the 2025 season at Aikens doing well. It was a long winter at home though... It was the first time since I was 3 that I didn't get on the ice more than 5 times to play hockey. I missed it a lot and can't wait to get on the ice in winter 2025/26!
- A fun fact about me is... Pat thinks I can speak fluent Spanish, but all I do is yell "Domingo Domingo Domingo" and it gets him every time. I understand a little through a few years of university classes and a few months in South America back in the day, but not enough to hold a conversation today.
- My favourite meal of the day is dinner. And I’m usually eating a nice ribeye, hopefully!
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is… I should say Pit's Point out of pride. But for me it's Pickerel Cheeks which has tons of structure and drop-offs to deep water, but it's close to the lodge so I always drove past it as a guide.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be probably an NHL player, just to get on the ice and be able to belong on the ice with the best in the world. Maybe even play in a big game in front of the "Whiteout" like the Winnipeg Jets did in these most recent playoffs!
- If my life had a theme song, it would be "It's A Good Life If You Don't Weaken" by The Tragically Hip.
Julie
- Hi! My name is Julie but at Aikens, people call me Julie... don't really have a nickname.
- 2025 marks my 26th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I’m planning all the logistics for your visit next year! … don’t worry I'm still making time for travelling and spending time with family!
- A fun fact about me is I’m a really good shot.
- My favourite meal of the day is supper. And I'm usually hoping to be eating some sort of seafood!
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Colin's Cruise.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day... oh man, my life if pretty good. Not sure I would want to swap. Maybe with the Princess of Wales so I can see what it’s like to be royal, be able to snoop around in a palace and try on all the beautiful clothes.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.
Patrick
- Hi! My name is Patrick but at Aikens, people call me Pat.
- 2025 marks my 26th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm a full-time hockey dad.
- A fun fact about me is that I love to quote 90's and early 2000's movie lines.
- My favourite meal of the day is dinner. And I’m usually eating delectable meals my amazing wife is tabling for her guys.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Weiner Bay.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Kendrick Lamar, just to make Jus jealous.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Highway to the Danger Zone... IYKYK.
Janelle
- Hi! My name is Janelle but at Aikens, people call me Jans.
- 2025 marks my 20th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm driving my kids around to all their activities.
- A fun fact about me is that I play the piano.
- My favourite meal of the day is breakfast. And I’m usually eating whatever Patrick is preparing!
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is MOF’N.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Beyoncé.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Walking on Sunshine.
Kurt
Head Guide
- Hi! My name is Kurt but at Aikens, people call me Kurteki.
- 2025 marks my 8th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm bartending, hunting and backpacking.
- A fun fact about me is that sometimes I can nose whistle. I’ve been told it’s impressive and inspiring.
- My favourite meal of the day is supper. And I’m usually eating sushi.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Toads Hole. Honourable mention to the guide dock!
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Boon. A Bait and Tackle legend!
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Riverboat Fantasy by David Wilcox.
Josh
Guide
Brenden
Guide
- Hi! My name is Brenden but at Aikens, people call me Boots.
- 2025 marks my 4th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm fishing, hunting and loving every day.
- A fun fact about me is that I love to bottom bouce!
- My favourite meal of the day is shorelunch. And I’m usually eating mustard fry.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is the dock bite!
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Rip Wheeler.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Should’ve been a Cowboy by Toby Keith.
Tyson
Guide
- Hi! My name is Tyson but at Aikens, people call me Tyson.
- 2025 marks my 3rd season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm working and fishing, maybe hunting.
- A fun fact about me is that I can’t sing my abc’s backwards.
- My favourite meal of the day is supper . And I’m usually eating mashed potatoes.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is… can’t give away my secrets!
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Brenden Mcculloch.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be La Grange, by ZZ top.
Kieran
Guide
- Hi! My name is Kieran but at Aikens, people call me K Dawg.
- 2025 marks my 3rd season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm practicing my muzzy fry.
- A fun fact about me is that the ocean freaks me out.
- My favourite meal of the day is lunch. And I’m usually eating beans.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is the Back Bay.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be The Rock.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Fire on the Mountain by the Grateful Dead.
Corrin
Guide
Aiden
Guide
- Hi! My name is Aiden but at Aikens, people call me Ferg.
- 2025 marks my 3rd season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm fishing.
- A fun fact about me is that I can juggle.
- My favourite meal of the day is lunch. And I’m usually eating soup.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Rodeo Ridge.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Robert De Niro.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be So fresh so clean by OutKast.
Eric
Guide
Marty
Guide
- Hi! My name is Martin but at Aikens, people call me Marty.
- 2025 marks my 19th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm fishing at Aikens.
- A fun fact about me is that I used to wrestle Kris King (Jets 1.0 captain).
- My favourite meal of the day is dinner. And I’m usually eating any red meat.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Pit Stop.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Kevin Costner.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be The Gambler by Kenny Rogers.
Joel
Guide
- Hi! My name is Joel but at Aikens, people call me Joe.
- 2025 marks my 4th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm at the University of Manitoba in business school.
- A fun fact about me is that I’m an avid bird watcher.
- My favourite meal of the day is breakfast. And I’m usually eating tacos or breakfast wraps.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is the Saddle.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Jameis Winston.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Thrift shop by Macklemore.
Hayden
Guide
- Hi! My name is Hayden but at Aikens, people call me Peaches.
- 2025 marks my 3rd season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm fishing.
- A fun fact about me is that I played college football and was provincial champion in wrestling.
- My favourite meal of the day is dinner. And I’m usually eating steak.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Kurt’s hole.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Tom Cruise
- If my life had a theme song, it would be I Don’t Wanna by Kidd G.
Brady
Guide
- Hi! My name is Brady but at Aikens, people still call me Brady.
- 2025 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm playing hockey and going to school.
- A fun fact about me is that I have no sense of smell.
- My favourite meal of the day is dessert. And I’m usually eating anything with copious amounts of chocolate..
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is the dock.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Connor Mcdavid.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Take it Easy by The Eagles.
Seth
Guide
Colin
Chef
Linnea
Baker
- Hi! My name is Linnea but at Aikens, people still call me Linnea.
- 2025 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm travelling.
- A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to Greenland for the Arctic winter games in cross country skiing.
- My favourite meal of the day is dessert. And I’m usually eating ice cream.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is wherever the boat takes me.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be the Snow King in Yellowknife, because every year him and his helpers build a snow castle.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Don’t Worry, Be Happy.
Kailee
Guest Experience Supervisor
- Hi! My name is Kailee but at Aikens, people call me… some (very few!) call me Squeaks.
- 2025 marks my 5th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm thinking about Aikens.
- A fun fact about me is that all my jokes are original.
- My favourite meal of the day is breakfast. And I’m usually eating a breakfast skillet.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is… There’s a spot near the mouth of the South Arm… right up against the rocks.. I’ve heard the fishing is GREAT there! Ask Jus for more info on this hotspot!
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be with an Aikens celebrity; Mojo!
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Three Little Birds.
Annika
Head of Housekeeping
- Hi! My name is Annika but at Aikens, people call me Anni.
- 2025 marks my 4th season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm probably reading.
- A fun fact about me is that I bead (earings, medallions, patchs, etc.)
- My favourite meal of the day is lunch. And I’m usually eating soup.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is the dock.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Marie-Philip Poulin.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be You’ve Got a Friend in Me.
Kayla
GGO Hostess & Housekeeping
- Hi! My name is Kayla but at Aikens, people call me Mum (but just by the other housekeeping girls…).
- 2025 marks my 3rd season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm probably crocheting, drawing, or trying out a new crafty hobby.
- A fun fact about me is that my first plane ride EVER was the float plane up to Aikens!
- My favourite meal of the day is a bed time snack. And I’m usually eating a cookie.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is… Not sure if it’s that under-rated but fishing off of the Main Dock is always fun.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Billie Eilish. I would like to hang out with her dogs all day… her dogs a really sweet! :)
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Walking on a Dream by Empire Of The Sun.
Rilee
Housekeeping
- Hi! My name is Rilee but at Aikens, people still call me Rilee.
- 2025 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm a University student taking a business degree in Alberta.
- A fun fact about me is that I love the outdoors. Hiking, camping and skiing are a few of my favourite outdoor activities! I also love going travelling, my first trip to Europe was when I was 10 months old.
- My favourite meal of the day is dinner. And I’m usually eating a ramen bowl.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Scott or Justin from the Departures. I would love to backpack across the world and get paid for it!
- If my life had a theme song, it would be The Sun by Weezer now that summer is finally here.
Madison
Housekeeping
Jessie
Housekeeping
- Hi! My name is Jessie but at Aikens, people call me Jess.
- 2025 marks my 1st season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm the manager of housekeeping at the Rockwood Inn and reading books whenever I get the chance.
- A fun fact about me is that I have about 100 different species of houseplants, 5 freshwater fish tanks, and 2 terrariums. I also went on a 3-week trip to Japan last year with Kayla (housekeeping) and we are going back right after Aikens this year!
- My favourite meal of the day is breakfast. And I’m usually eating popcorn.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Daniel Seavey, because he's still a smaller artist and he can play any instrument! (I am musically challenged and can't play anything).
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Here Fishy Fishy by ABC Kids.
Tatjana
Housekeeping
Lorraine
Organization Expert
Jus
Carpentry & Maintenance
- Hi! My name is Justin but at Aikens, people call me Jus or Juice.
- 2025 marks my ? season at Aikens. I lost count after 10.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm dreaming of being at Aikens.
- A fun fact about me is that I “play” banjo.
- My favourite meal of the day is breakfast. And I’m usually eating lots and lots of coffee.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Down River Falls.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Kendrick Lamar.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Peekaboo by Kendrick Lamar.
Jody
B&T
Justin
Dockhand
- Hi! My name is Justin but at Aikens, people call me OJ.
- 2025 marks my 2nd season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm in university.
- A fun fact about me is that I like to snowboard.
- My favourite meal of the day is dinner. And I’m usually eating steak.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Green Mouth Bay.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Tony Hawk.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be “Free Bird”.
Sacha
GGO Host
Sébastien
Lost Lake Host
- Hi! My name is Sébastien but at Aikens, people call me Seb.
- 2025 marks my first season at Aikens.
- When I'm not working at Aikens, I'm studying engineering.
- A fun fact about me is that I played the saxophone in the 8th grade.
- My favourite meal of the day is dinner. And I’m usually eating tacos.
- An under-rated fishing spot on Aikens that I think more people should fish is Lost Lake.
- If I could swap lives with a celebrity for a day, it would be Tiger Woods.
- If my life had a theme song, it would be Upside Down by Jack Johnson.
Natasha
Oscar