About Us
Gaylen and Susan Byker and Ian and Tanya Byker Phair bought Stokely in 2007. They are long time guests of Stokely and cross country enthusiasts.
They have been bringing their family to Stokely for over thirty years, and their love of this place and the memories they created, were the guiding force behind their purchase.
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The Bykers have been committed to improving the trail system, grooming and accommodations.
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Stokely remains a skier's paradise and a wonderful place to make memories with family and friends.
Videos about Stokely
Stokely's Beginning
Stokely Creek Lodge is the result of a dream. Chuck Peterson, the founder scoured the Algoma Highlands region over
forty years ago in search of the perfect mix of snow and terrain to pursue the sport he loved. "You need a tremendous
variety of terrain and very skillfully designed trails to bring Nordic skiing into its own" said Peterson. He always had a
passion for conservation, and eventually purchased 8,000 acres, which seemed like the perfect way to ensure
that this land would be properly cared for and preserved.
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The dramatic region along Lake Superior's eastern shore is edged by rugged cliffs of the Canadian Shield that rise
almost 1200 feet above the lake. During the winter months, prevailing northwest winds collect moisture over the lake
and dump over 17 feet of fresh powder near the highland cliffs creating what was in effect a "natural snow machine."
The first Stokely Creek ski trail was opened during the winter of 1976-77.
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Chuck asked a Norwegian geologist and cross country skier named Hakon Lein to guide him through the highlands.
Together they laid out much of the Stokely Creek trail system.
In the News and On the Web
We count it a privilege to be ranked in USA TODAY's 10Best Cross Country Ski Resorts in North America in 2019. We are glad that our guest and friends took the competition so seriously that they voted us into the top 5.
We work diligently so that every trail is well-groomed, every fireplace is welcoming and every guest is more than pleased. We appreciate the recognition for the hard work of the staff.
Each year The New York Times (Travel Section) prints a feature on the 52 Places travelers should visit.
In 2019, writer Sebastian Modak, visited and reviewed each destination on the list.
Stokely Creek Lodge, the Ice Sculptures and Gaylen Byker were featured in the ariticle.
The place to visit was the Lake Superior Ice Sculptures and Stokely Creek
offered the accommodations and transportation.
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Look at the event page for tour dates.
Northern Ontario Travel
The December 2019 Northern Algoma Travel Magazine host a fun article about writer and photographer Martin Lortz's first trip to Stokely Creek.
He writes "Recently, the lodge was voted the fifth and best Nordic ski resort in North America by USA Today. Spend a day here or a few, and you will doubt not the worthiness of such high praise-well you know, once you get beyond the parking lot that is."
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Read Martin's article to understand the reference to the parking lot.
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https://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/stokely-creek-lodge-a-winter-wonderland
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John Sutter, travel writer for CNN Travel gives Stokely Creek a great review.
"Stokely Creek Is One Of Five Great Places To Cross Country Ski In North America"
The perfect mix of snow and terrian turned a dream into a reality...
Just a few km North of Sault Ste Marie, amid the Algoma Highlands,
you will find Stokely Creek Lodge.
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That article appeared shortly after the family purchased the resort. It was such wonderful praise.