Hand-drawn hometown collection
A hand-drawn celebration of Dryden, available exclusively at QSL Bait & Tackle.
Community
Dryden is a welcoming Northwestern Ontario community surrounded by lakes, forests, and the outdoor life that defines the region. Max the Moose, the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge, Wabigoon Lake, and local fishing heritage capture a place residents are proud to call home and travelers are glad to discover.
Where to find it
102 Queen St
Dryden, ON P8N 1A7
Store hours
Checked September 14, 2026. Holiday, seasonal, and special-event hours may vary.
The collaboration
Dryden was always part of our route from Sioux Lookout to the United States. We would travel down Highway 502 toward Fort Frances, stopping in Dryden for supplies at Walmart, coffee at Tim Hortons, fuel at the Co-op, lunch, banking, and appointments. Our dog Hunter’s veterinarian was also in Dryden, so it became a practical and familiar part of northern life for our family.
The paper mill is unmistakable on the skyline, and Max the Moose was always a favorite for our children. We also attended the Little Bands and All Bands hockey tournaments to watch friends play, making hockey and the gatherings around it part of our own memories of the community.
QSL Bait & Tackle felt like a natural home for the mug because so many hunters, anglers, and travelers stop there for supplies. A locally drawn mug makes a meaningful souvenir to discover while picking up minnows or fishing gear. It has been great collaborating with Jennalea and Nigel on both the original Dryden Mug and a 40-ounce tumbler.
The story behind the mug
Ashley partnered with QSL Bait & Tackle to create a mug rooted in Dryden.
Research and community input highlighted Wabigoon Lake, outdoor traditions, and recognizable landmarks around Dryden.
Ashley translated each selected place and symbol into an individual hand-drawn illustration.
The drawings were refined and arranged into a continuous design that rewards a closer look.
The finished mug became a locally available keepsake through QSL Bait & Tackle.
Inside the illustration
Each element celebrates a recognizable part of the community’s history, landscape, gathering places, and everyday life.
Dryden’s towering moose statue welcomes travellers and celebrates the wildlife of the region.
The pedestrian bridge creates a memorable crossing above the Wabigoon River.
The lake represents fishing, boating, and the waterways that surround the community.
The historic building preserves stories from the city and surrounding region.
A fish, rod, and tackle honour the outdoor traditions shared by residents and visitors.
Evergreens and wildlife reflect the boreal landscape that defines Dryden.
The creative process
I built this design around Max the Moose, Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge, Wabigoon Lake, and Dryden and District Museum. Each was drawn on its own, then adjusted and arranged until the finished wrap felt less like a collection of icons and more like a walk through Dryden.
The mug and its making
A meaningful local gift
The mug makes a meaningful Dryden, Ontario housewarming gift, new-home welcome, or moving-away keepsake. Its hand-drawn local details give residents and former residents something familiar to recognize with every cup.