Outdoors: Six ways to experience the Group of Seven

It is our region in Ontario where members of the Group of Seven traveled together to seek out new inspiration, solitude, and tranquility.

Do you need to bring a backpack and hiking boots to experience what members of the Group saw and felt here? If you love backcountry camping and portaging a canoe, we invite you to do so.

But we’ve got some easier ways to experience the Group of Seven that don’t require portaging or pitching a tent.

1. Follow in Their Path

The Group of Seven took the Algoma Central Railway to access the remote wilderness that they sought and inspired their paintings.

Today, many of these painting sites still require hiking, portaging and remote transportation to access them.

But there is another way to see the landscapes that did inspire them: take a road trip along the coastline of Lake Superior.

From Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa, continue northwest to White River, Pukaskwa National Park and along the top of the Superior. Located along this route are interpretive panels, each telling a different story about the artists and landscapes they painted here.

On the journey you’ll discover breathtaking scenery and peaceful sandy beaches, natural and area attractions, places to eat, stay and meet friendly people who live on the Big Lake.

Travel Tips: Some signed sites are quite easy to get to, while others are generous hikes. Plan your route ahead so you know what to expect.

- Heather Bot

Read about the other ways to experience the Group of Seven.