Have you ever wanted to step foot into a painting? Well, here’s an idea for you! Why not go on a road trip? I’m not talking about just any road trip, I’m talking about a road trip with stops along the way that inspired the Group of Seven. Spots that haven’t changed much since they were there. It’s like taking a step back in time.
There’s something magnetic about the northern Ontario landscape. Something that feels wild, raw, and deeply moving. Over 100 years ago, seven artists felt that same pull. They packed their paint boxes, rode canoes, boxcars, and traveled on foot deep into Algoma and along Lake Superior’s coast to capture the spirit of the Canadian wilderness. They were the Group of Seven, and their brushstrokes would forever change how Canada sees itself.
In partnership with Destination Ontario, I explored the Group of Seven Touring Route for the first time. I wasn’t totally alone, I was joined by Rob Stimpson, a Canadian Photographer who has seemingly endless knowledge on the Group of Seven. He was a great guide to have! We started our trip at the peaceful shores of Bruce Mines and went all the way to the dramatic cliffs of Lake Superior. Along the way, we hiked waterfalls, visited museums, viewed original artwork, and stood in the exact spots where these artists once painted. It was a moving journey, absolutely unforgettable.
I’ll be giving you the full recap adventure, plus some fun facts and planning tips to help you create your own adventure!
Day 1 – Travel Day & Bruce Mines
- Pack your things, load your vehicle and get on your way! Safe travels!
- Explore the North Channel of Lake Huron
- Visit Group of Seven interpretive panel at Bruce Mines Marina
- Viewpoint for Tom Thomson’s View Over a Lake, Shore with Houses (c. 1913)
- Optional activities:
- Bruce Mines Museum
- Historic Mine Trail
- Thessalon Coastal Trail
Day 2 – Sault Ste. Marie
- Drive through the rolling farmland to Sault Ste. Marie
- Stop at Loon Dollar Monument in Echo Bay
- In Sault Ste. Marie:
- Art Gallery of Algoma & Group of Seven panel
- Guided Group of Seven Walking Tour
- Dinner in the Canal District
- Overnight in Sault Ste. Marie
Day 3 – Agawa Canyon Tour Train
- Full-day Agawa Canyon Tour Train excursion:
- View interpretive panels and replica boxcar from Painted Land film
- Canyon Park stairs & scenic lookout
- Hike to Bridal Veil Falls (painted by Harris & MacDonald)
- Return to Sault Ste. Marie
Day 4 – Lake Superior Shore & Wawa
- Drive north on Highway 17
- Stops:
- Batchawana Bay, Pancake Bay & Lake Superior Provincial Park
- Chippewa Falls – Inspiration for A.Y. Jackson
- Voyageurs’ Lodge, Agawa Crafts & Canadian Carver – Highly recommend getting an Apple Fritter!
- Old Woman Bay & Agawa Bay Lookout
- In Wawa:
- Sandy Beach – Where A.Y. Jackson painted and shared ownership of a cottage, and where an interpretive panel now stands
- Wawa Goose – Did you know that “Wawa” in Ojibwe means “wild goose”?
- Stay in Wawa
Day 5 – North Shore of Lake Superior
- Drive from Marathon to Nipigon
- Stops:
- Mink Creek Falls – Hike to this stunning waterfall. The area, particularly Peninsula Hill, has been featured in several Group of Seven paintings.
- Neys Provincial Park – Hike to Pic Island lookout
- Slate Islands view – From Terrace Bay Lighthouse (Recommend going up around sunset if possible)
- Nipigon River Lookout Tower
- Lunch: Superior Picnic from Drifters Restaurant
- Overnight in the area (Terrace Bay/Nipigon)
Group of Seven Interpretive Panels
There are 14 Group of Seven interpretive panels across Algoma and Superior Country. Each marks a spot where a painting was created or where the Group traveled. The panels offer a mix of history and a direct visual link between the landscape and the canvas. I really loved seeing the panels, not only was it satisfying to find them all but also they helped different pieces of the Group of Seven’s story for me.
Planning Tip: Begin or End Your Trip at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
After hitting the road, I visited the McMichael Canadian Art Collection located just outside of Toronto. Home to one of the largest collections of Group of Seven works, it’s a powerful visual point of reference that deepens your appreciation for what you’ll see on the road. The McMichael is also part of the Canada Strong Project, a national initiative celebrating Canada’s cultural resilience through art. I highly suggest visiting here as it is a very beautifully designed Art Collection complete with walking trails and all. It tied this whole adventure together for me, and I believe it would either be great to start or end your trip (or both!)
A Trip To Remember
This road trip gave me more than what I set out for. Road trips are very intimate ways to travel places, and even though this was my fourth time driving the coast of Lake Superior, I found so many new destinations, facts, stories, people. I’m really thankful I had the chance to do the Group of Seven Route this time, and I will certainly be doing it again in the future. I hope this blog post helps you with your itinerary, I know you’ll have the best time on this adventure! And remember to let the landscapes move you the way they did the Group of Seven.
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