A new season brings exciting news - Stokely Creek Lodge has been sold!

Stokely Creek Lodge XC-Ski Resort began as a dream. Chuck Peterson, the founder, scoured the Algoma Highlands over 60 years ago to find the perfect place to pursue the sport he loved, xc-skiing.  He found the perfect place to develop skillfully designed trails to bring Nordic skiing into its own. After Chuck passed away we, Gaylen and Susan Byker and Tanya and Ian Byker/Phair, bought Stokely in 2007.  We brought our family to Stokely since it’s beginning and our love of the place and memories we created were the guiding force behind our purchase.

Now it is time to pass the torch to the next generation of people who love Stokely as much as us.  An ownership group of five passionate outdoor enthusiasts have come together to write the next chapter in Stokely’s story.  Andy Levin and Mary Freeman, their friend Tim Kunin, and Josh and Deanna Plath found a shared vision for the future of this remarkable place.  Their story actually began right here at Stokely, and we can take the credit for bringing them together!

Andy and Mary have been loyal overnight guests at Stokely for over 15 years. They’ve watched Stokely grow, brought their families to ski and snowshoe its trails and are thrilled to invest in its future. Their deep appreciation for nature, commitment to green energy initiatives and sharp entrepreneurial sense will help guide Stokely’s growth for years to come.

Tim, a successful business person and wilderness adventurer, fell in love with Stokely as soon as he came here, and was all in on helping grow and preserve it.

Josh and Deanna, from Goulais River, bring youthful energy, creativity and hands-on experience to daily life at the lodge. With backgrounds in carpentry, management, and IT, they’re eager to blend their skills to enhance the guest experience.  You’ll find them greeting guests, lending a hand in the dining room, keeping things running smoothly and out on the trails with their kids whenever they can.

Together, their team brings a mix of skills, experience and genuine love for Stokely. Over the past summer and fall, they had the rare privilege of gradually stepping into their new roles giving them time to learn and prepare for the exciting season ahead.  While they have many ideas for the future, one thing will never change- skiing, snowshoeing and the unique Stokely experience will always come first.  The quality of the trails, the warmth of the hospitality and the peaceful spirit that makes Stokely so special will remain at the heart of everything they do.

Saying goodbye to Stokely has been deeply emotional for our family.  We take comfort in knowing it’s being passed to a team who share our love for this place and who will carry its legacy forward with care and respect.  We’re grateful to have been part of Stokely’s story and look forward to seeing the lodge continue to welcome guests for many incredible years to come.

Gaylen and Susan Byker