12 Ontario Group of Seven Locations that Will WOW You
Ontario’s landscape has inspired countless people, from artists to travellers like myself. I count myself so fortunate to live in Ontario and the ability to explore its rich wilderness. One group of artists that were inspired by Ontario is the Group of Seven. These artists have brought the vast and incredible landscapes of Ontario to the masses through their art. As a long time fan of the Group of Seven, they inspired many of my travels, like to various locations in Northern Ontario as well as to places nearby where they lived. So, whether you’re big Group of Seven fans like me or looking amazing places in Ontario to travel, here’s a list of the best Ontario Group of Seven locations that will leave you in awe and get out to explore more.
Who Are the Group of Seven?
The Group of Seven was an assembly of artists who all met while working in Toronto. They ended up going on various trips together, around Ontario, to paint. But it was Tom Thomson who inspired them to push further into Ontario’s wilderness.
It all began in 1912 after Tom returned from a painting trip to Algonquin Provincial Park. They were all inspired by his work and the beauty of Ontario’s landscapes and joined together in 1920 for their first exhibition at the Art Gallery of Toronto.
The group of men didn’t officially form the Group of Seven until after the war when they reunited in Toronto. Strangely though, because of his death in 1917, Tom Thomson was never really one of the Group of Seven. Though his name is always linked to them, thanks to his initial trips that inspired them.
While they were called the Group of Seven, the group was actually made up of 10 men; A.J. Casson, A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, Frank Johnston, Lawren Harris, Frederick Varley, Franklin Carmicheal, J.E.H. MacDonald, L.L. Fitzgerald, and Edwin Holgate. They were later renamed the Canadian Group of Painters.
Top Ontario Group of Seven Locations
The following are some of the extraordinary Ontario Group of Seven locations that inspired them to paint some of their most famous pieces. I bet you’ll start planning an Ontario road trip to some of these amazing spots once you’re done reading.
Lake Superior
Travelling around Lake Superior will leave you speechless and in love with the area. Lake Superior is the world’s largest lake and is flanked by breathtaking scenery that includes everything from waterfalls to hilltops with epic views. So, it’s no surprise that it is one of the top Group of Seven locations in Ontario. It was this area around northern Lake Superior that inspired hundreds of works of art from the group.
A Northern Ontario road trip is definitely in order if you’re looking for Group of Seven locations in Ontario as there are plenty up here. The first in the Lake Superior area is Chippewa Falls. Located along Highway 17, north of Sault Ste. Marie, there’s now a rest stop where you’ll find a picturesque set of rapids that inspired A.Y. Jackson to create Streambed, Lake Superior Country.
You can’t travel around this massive lake without stopping in Lake Superior Provincial Park. It’s one of Canada’s most spectacular parks and is rich in history and incredible outdoor adventures to be had. And in the Visitor Centre you’ll find a replica of the railway handcart they used to travel through northern Ontario. And just on the other side of the park you’ll find Sandy Beach Eco-Interpretive Park. It’s here that A.Y. Jackson painted Shoreline, Wawa, Lake Superior. You’ll find an interpretive installation that showcases the artist’s perspective.
Another amazing Ontario park, and one that is sadly forgotten, is Pukaskwa National Park. Set along Lake Superior it’s a rugged park with backcountry camping and hiking. And here, at Horseshoe Beach, where you’ll discover the spot where A.Y. Jackson painted Entrance to Pukaskwa Bay.
Further along the Trans Canada Highway you’ll come to Neys Provincial Park, another popular location for the Group of Seven in Ontario. While you may not have heard of this park you will probably recognize the famous painting of Pic Island by Lawren Harris. You can take in that spectacular view of the island too if you hike from Prisoner’s Cove to the Pic Island Overlook, a nine kilometre round trip hike.
The last must visit Group of Seven locations stop along Lake Superior is the Terrace Bay lighthouse. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for sweeping views of Lake Superior and see what inspired A.Y. Jackson to paint Slate Islands, Lake Superior.
Muskoka
Muskoka is known as cottage country here in Ontario and there are endless reasons why people flock here. With countless lakes, pristine wilderness, and natural beauty so close to home, Muskoka is a beloved Ontario getaway.
Along with all the other things to do in Muskoka, it’s here that you’ll find The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery. Scattered across Muskoka and even in Algonquin Park are around 100 murals that replicate some of the Group of Seven’s best pieces. These large murals can be found down alleyways, across sides of buildings, and throughout many of the charming small towns within Muskoka.
And a great place to start your self-guided tour of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is in Huntsville. Right downtown you’ll find a statue of Tom Thomson in all his glory, sitting on under a tree, beside his canoe, and with a paint set on his lap. There are over 30 murals in Huntsville alone!
Related Post: Toronto to Muskoka Road Trip: +10 Amazing Places to Stop
Algonquin Provincial Park
One of Tom Thomson’s favourite places is Algonquin Provincial Park and it was his work from here that inspired the Group of Seven. So, if you’re looking for some Tom Thomson locations this is a great place to start.
One of his famous pieces, The Jack Pine, was created here. And you can hike the Jack Pine trail that takes you out to that famous viewpoint. Another sadly infamous spot in Algonquin is Canoe Lake. It’s here that Tom Thomson died in a canoe accident. But to pay homage to him there is a memorial cairn.
While in Algonquin Park don’t forget to stop at the Algonquin Art Centre. This gallery showcases some of Canada’s great wildlife and wilderness artists. They also have a lovely path winding around the grounds called The Legacy Path. It pays tribute to Tom Thomson through information plaques about his life and his art.
Related Post: Top Places to Hike in Muskoka
If it’s scenic views you’re looking for then head to Oxtongue Lake bridge, beside Algonquin Outfitters Road. Here you’ll find the spot where A.J. Casson was inspired to paint Early September, Oxtongue Lake. And if you do visit, make sure it’s in the fall! Another favourite spot of Tom Thomson and A.J. Casson – mine too! – is Ragged Falls – Oxtongue River Provincial Park. The stunning waterfall and river were both captured by them in numerous pieces.
Killarney Provincial Park
The next stop on our Ontario Group of Seven locations tour is Killarney Provincial Park. This is a special place for many reasons when it comes to the Group of 7. Three of the members, A.Y. Jackson, A.J. Casson, and Franklin Carmichael, were instrumental in convincing the government of Ontario to protect the park. So next time you’re camping or hiking in the park you can give them thanks!
If you’re looking for incredible hikes in Killarney Provincial Park that will take you to Group of Seven locations that inspired them, there are two main ones. The first is Cranberry Bog Trail that will take you to A.Y. Jackson Lake.
The second hike is the Granite Ridge Trail, or for a more challenging hike La Cloche Silhouette Trail. But both will give you sweeping views of the beautiful La Cloche Mountains that inspired Franklin Carmichael’s La Cloche Panorama.
Sudbury
If you’re in need of a rainy day activity on your tour of Ontario Group of Seven locations then head to the Art Gallery of Sudbury. Here you’ll find pieces from Tom Thomson, Franklin Carmichael, A.Y. Jackson, Frederick Varley, and Arthur Lismer.
Another of the top places to visit in Sudbury is the A.Y. Jackson Lookout. This gorgeous spot, overlooking the cascading Onaping Falls and Onaping River, is where he was inspired to paint Spring on the Onaping River. Strangely, the painting was obtained by the Sudbury Secondary School and after being on display for years, went missing. It’s never been recovered.
If you want to channel your inner artist, the Art Gallery of Sudbury offers workshops. One of which is a Plein Air Excursion at Onaping Falls.
Sault Ste Marie
Another great stop if you’re on a Group of Seven road trip is Sault Ste. Marie. Your first stop should be at the Art Gallery of Algoma, located along the St. Marys River. Here you’ll find a small but great collection of pieces from the Group of Seven and even a bronze bust of A.J. Casson on granite. And if you’re feeling artistic yourself you can join one of their workshops where you get a lesson on painting in the Group of Seven style.
One of the most famous Ontario Group of Seven locations is the Agawa Canyon. And you can hop aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train for an awesome day trip from Sault Ste. Marie. The train takes you through the rolling hills of Algoma Country that sparked many of the Group of Seven’s paintings.
There’s even a narration on your tour that helps you discover some of the places that were captured in their art, like Solemn Land by J.E.H. MacDonald and Distant Lake Superior by Frank Johnston. And once you arrive for your stop in the canyon you can see both Bridal Falls and Black Beaver Falls, both of which inspired paintings from J.E.H MacDonald and Lawren Harris.
Klienburg
Rounding out the top locations of where to find the Group of Seven in Ontario is Klienburg. Located less than an hour north of Toronto, the town of Klienburg is home to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. It focuses solely on Canadian and Indigenous art with a permanent collection of over 65,000 pieces. And of those are over 2000 pieces from the Group of Seven.
Along with incredible paintings and sketches from the Group of Seven there are other cool pieces like A.Y. Jackson’s painting box. It’s also here that some of the Group of Seven were laid to rest. In the Group of Seven Artist Cemetery are Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, A.J. Casson, Arthur Lismer, Frank Johnston, and Fredrick Varley. Interestingly they even brought in slabs of granite from northern Ontario to give them a sense of where they all loved to paint.
Also on the property is Tom Thomson’s art shack. The old wooden building is originally from Toronto, where he painted, but was moved the the McMichael property.
More Places to Find the Group of Seven in Ontario
Owen Sound
One of the top things to do in Owen Sound is visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. Here you’ll find some of his art as well as interesting artifacts. You can also hike the Tom Thomson Trail that runs between Owen Sound and Meaford, with highlights including the Leith Church and cemetery.
Tom Thomason was born in Claremont, Ontario but shortly after moved just outside of Owen Sound to the small community of Leith. In Leith, at their historic church, you’ll find the grave of Tom Thomson and a memorial. I love visiting his grave when I am in town. It’s a lovely spot to pay homage to the iconic artist. Many people leave paint supplies at his headstone, like paint brushes and painted rocks.
Toronto
It all started in Toronto. It’s where the Group of Seven all first came to meet and showcased their first exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which at the time was called the Art Gallery of Toronto, back in 1920. While their famous paintings were of the incredible Ontario wilderness they did also create pieces of the city and its architecture. You can find many of their pieces at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Other Group of Seven locations in Toronto includes; the Arts and Letters Club where they would meet, the Lawren Harris Park, and The Studio Building where a few of the group lived and had their studio. Another interesting spot is St. Anne’s Anglican Church where you’ll find murals painted by Carmichael, MacDonald, and Varley.
Wyebridge
A hidden gem of a Group of Seven spot can be found along Highway 93 between Barrie and Midland. In the village of Wyebridge you’ll find a couple of cute shops and a hearty food truck.
Plus, there’s a historic plaque dedicated to Franz Johnston, just south of Mill Street. It sits on the site of where his old home and studio was between 1940 – 1948.
Orillia
It’s no surprise that the artsy small town of Orillia is another great spot to visit while following in the footsteps of the Group of Seven artists. Frank Carmichael was born in Orillia in 1890 and lived there for some time with his family.
There are a few Carmichael locations to visit in Orillia. One is the historic plaque dedicated to him that stand beside the Orillia Opera House, downtown. If you’re road tripping with kids, there’s a lovely little park with a playground to visit, Franklin Carmichael Park.
Another place to pay homage to the artist is St. James’ Cemetery. Here you’ll find Frank Carmichael’s grave in block J. Interestingly, when Carmichael was a young boy, he did paint lessons at the rectory of the St. James’ Church. Gordon Lightfoot’s grave is also here.
Brantford
Best known for the Bell Homestead, another great has a connection to Brantford, Lawren Harris. Two of his most famous pieces are North Shore of Lake Superior, and my favourite, Pic Island. The only modern artist in the Group of Seven, Harris was born in Brantford in 1885. Now, the city marks his birthday, October 23, as Lawren Harris Day.
At the stunning Glenhyrst Art Gallery & Gardens, there’s a historic plaque dedicated to Lawren. Exploring the art gallery is one of the top attractions in Brantford. Plus, there’s also an adorable tea room attached.
Another Harris stop is his childhood home, located at 150 Brant Avenue, which is now a medical centre.
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