Tundra Tom is a second generation Canadian wilderness guide who was raised in the bush of NW Ontario. Tom, along with sisters Jeanie & Bonnie, were raised at Echo Lake Lodge, a fly-in fishing camp.  Under the tutor of his father Hank, Tom learned the craft of guiding in the North at a early age - he began in Ontario at age 9!

Tom and Hank spent several years on the Maginnis River system from the late 1960's to the late 1970's at Bearberry outpost, which Tom managed for his family in the mid-70's.  During those years, Tom also built his own cabin at Hidden Valley - further upriver. 

In 1975, Tom & Hank began construction of their first cabin out in this remote country - which  under Tom's  & Andrea Cooper's efforts,  later became Lynx Tundra Lodge.  

Tom obtained his Pilots License in 1978, and has since logged over 13,000 hours flying float planes throughout the mainland Arctic & sub-Arctic while supporting remote expeditions. Tom moved from Ontario to the NWT in 1979, and lived in the towns of Hay River and Pine Point, Northwest Territories before moving to Yellowknife in 1984, where he lived until 1992. Tom moved back to Yellowknife after a few winters on Vancouver Island  in 1996. Iin 2006, spent the winter in the remote settlement of Lutsel K'e on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. These days, Tom migrates back and forth to the Arctic and his home in Northwestern Ontario, where he continues to guide photographers and to fly bush aircraft.

In Loving Memory of 

Hank & Marcella

Both at age 82, Hank & Marcella: the father & mother of Great Canadian Wilderness Adventures -  passed away in Milwaukee and Stevens Point, Wisconsin in January and February 2000 - one month to the day apart. Hank & Marcy are survived by daughters Nancy Czarnecki, Sally Uselding, Bonnie Rutta, Jeanie Cutts, and son Thomas.  Hank had made it back North again in 1999 on his last trip to the tundra that he loved so deeply. We miss you both so much- miss your love, and your never-ending support through all.  

Far out on the remote Thelon Barrenlands....

  of the NWT mainland Arctic flows 'Faess Creek' -  a small branch of the Zucker River.  In August  2002, nine people gathered at the Great Canadian camp on Whitefish Lake - mostly relatives of  the Faess family - to prepare the burial cairn for father (& grandfather) Henry's ashes on a huge landmark boulder at the entrance to 'Faess Creek' - one of Hank's favorite places.  the photos above are all part of that family gathering.  A bronze-like plaque was then installed at the site by Tom commemorating Hank in September, 2003.

May you rest in peace, Dad.

Tom's care & concern for the last wilderness has seen him involved with many conservation projects, many of which he has spearheaded. See the current Thelon Game Sanctuary issue.

Click here to read more about Tom's feelings about the land & his work.