The Group of Seven Touring Route: The Journey Continues

As the only one of its kind in Ontario, the Group of Seven Touring Route immerses visitors into the scenic landscapes that inspired members of the art collective over 100 years ago. The works created during their time in the region, and along the north shore of Lake Superior were defining not only for themselves as artists but how Canada's landscape was depicted. 

The artists travelled by train to Algoma from Allandale to Sault Ste. Marie, then it was due north. Today, visitors travel the Trans Canada Highway 17 by motorized vehicle. During the journey, you can see the same railway line at various points along the trip, left with the warm feeling that you are following in their footsteps.

It's important to note that the route isn't a loop, but rather a there-and-back trip. This allows visitors to plan things to see and do in both directions. With a geography this impressive, you may plan a trip from 5 to 7 days able to enjoy local restaurants, see attractions and immerse yourself in arts and entertainment. We've created a sample itinerary to help you get started.

Recommendation: If you've yet to visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, this is a wonderful place to begin the journey. Located in Klineburg, the gallery has a long deep connection to the Group of Seven.

Best Time of Year: Summer and Early Fall as some attractions and businesses are seasonal.
Tip: Book places to stay ahead of time, check online or call ahead for hours of operation for attractions and businesses

Welcome to Algoma! Your first day takes you along the North Channel of Lake Huron is recognized as one of the best freshwater cruising destinations in the world. Waiting for you are scenic views, hiking trails, sandy beaches and friendly communities. Start the visit by visiting the Group of Seven Interpretive panel at the Bruce Mines Marina. The panel overlooks the waterfront estimated to the be viewpoint where friend and mentor Tom Thomson painted View Over a Lake, Shore with Houses, c. 1913. Stay at Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse and take a self-guided day trip to Aubrey Falls, which includes a delightful picnic lunch from the Copper Bean Cafe. Aubrey Falls is a remote, interesting waterfall in the Mississagi Valley.

Other things to do include the Bruce Mines Museum, shopping, the Historic Mine Trail and the Thessalon Coastal Trail.

The drive to Sault Ste. Marie leads through rolling farmland with views that include the waterway and mountainous terrain in the distance. A stop on St. Joseph Island can be added as a side trip to visit Parks Canada Site Fort St. Joseph and the local St. Joseph Island Museum. A must-stop along the route is the Loon Dollar Monument in Echo Bay, dedicated to Mr. Robert R. Carmichael, the artist who created the Loon Dollar design and was a resident of the Township. Dedicate time to exploring Sault Ste. Marie's cultural corridor downtown. Visit the Art Gallery of Algoma and its Group of Seven panel in the sculpture park. Try your skill with a mini painting lesson! Take a guided Group of Seven Walking Tour along the city's waterfront. Overnight in the city and enjoy dinner in the Canal District.

Tip: Visit the Algoma Country website for places to stay in the city and region.

Dedicate a day aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. This one-day train trip goes directly to the famous canyon where members of the Group camped and painted. View 2 interpretive panels and the boxcar at the station, a replica from the film Painted Land: In Search of the Group of Seven. The 114-mile excursion offers incredible views of Lake Superior, over spell-binding trestles and deep in the wilderness. Climb 300 stairs for a panoramic view of Canyon Park. Walk to Bridal Veil Falls, captured on canvas by both Lawren Harris and J.E.H. MacDonald. Lunch can be purchased on the train. Upon return to the city, take in one of the city's Italian restaurants.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially for the Fall Colour Train

Experience the magnificent shores of Lake Superior heading north on Trans Canada Highway 17. There are some interpretive panels on this section of the touring route including Lake Superior and Pancake Bay Provincial Parks. Stop at Chippewa Falls, the halfway point of the Trans Canada Hwy and where A.Y. Jackson sketched Streambed, Lake Superior Country on the Chippewa River. Wawa especially was a special place for members of the Group. Book a Summer Evening Hike in A.Y. Jackson's Michipicoten to hear stories of his time on Sandy Beach. Other stops that will interest you are The Voyageurs' Lodge, Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver, Old Woman Bay and the Agawa Bay Lookout. Overnight in Wawa and enjoy dinner at one of many local eateries.

Tip: Pack for any type of weather, Lake Superior is more of an inland sea and can create its own weather systems

The North Shore of Lake Superior is still as wild and rugged as it was during the Group's time in the area. From Marathon to Nipigon the drive along the route is rocky elevations, and breathtaking views of the Big Lake. Pic Island, Jackfish, Coldwell Bay and the Slate Islands are names made famous by the Collective. Visit Neys Provincial Park to hike to the lookout to view Pic Island. The Slate Islands can be viewed from the Terrace Bay Lighthouse. View a panoramic view of the Nipigon River area from the Lookout Tower. Enjoy a Superior Picnic from Drifters Restaurant and overnight in the area. Participate in a Group of Seven painting and interpretive talk with the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.

Tip: Visit the Superior Country website for places to stay, and places to eat and to learn more about this region on the Group of Seven Touring Route