Pic Island has been forever immortalized by Lawren Harris. This solemn island in the greatest of lakes, Lake Superior, can best be seen from atop the Pic Island Lookout Trail in Neys Provincial Park. An interpretive panel dedicated to Harris' depiction of the island and the Group's time in the area is located in what could have been one of his vantage points to create this iconic painting. The pull of the north shore of Lake Superior made a deep impression on this group of artists, leading them back for repeat trips.
Neys Provincial Park's history is a unique one when following the Group of Seven Touring Route. Not only to view the celebrated Pic Island, but to immerse oneself in the peaceful wilderness of northern Ontario.
During the Group's time in this area, circa the 1920s, the village of Coldwell lay east of what is now the provincial park and was once a railway and fishing community until the 1960s. All that remains of the village now are a few foundations, shipwrecks in the harbour and a cemetery. As if mirroring the solemnesss of the land, during World War II, the area was known as Neys Camp 100 a POW camp for German prisoners of war between 1941 and 1946. Visitors can see the actual remains of the camp and also view a model of this former camp.
Through the parks' Natural Heritage Education, take a guided walk to learn about the sub-Arctic plants found here, northern wildlife and the elusive group of Woodland Caribou. Visitors can enjoy one of six hiking trails located in the park. We recommend knowing your abilities before venturing out.
As it was then, and continues to be today, Neys is surrounded by unwavering natural beauty: the rugged coastline, sandy and cobble beaches, and fresh greenery from the boreal forest. It is easy to see why, under members' of the Group's attentive gaze, this landscape was inspirational.
