If you are looking for a new way to experience beloved works of art, head to Huntsville.
The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is a self-guided tour of Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Algonquin Provincial Park. It’s an inspiring and dramatic collection of over 90 world-class reproductions that celebrate the unique artwork of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.
The group is best known for its paintings that were inspired by the Canadian landscape and they are considered the first major Canadian national art movement.
The stunning murals have been hand-painted by select mural artists from across Canada. You’ll find them displayed on the exterior walls of many businesses and public buildings throughout the region.
It is a free public art experience that was designed to engage both local residents and visitors alike. Members of the public are encouraged to view the collection at their leisure—it’s certainly an interesting take on a driving tour!
The main collection is focused in and around the Historic Downtown Huntsville Main Street District and you can explore the murals on foot. The tour begins in front of the Algonquin Theatre with the charming Tom Thomson statue in bronze.
The next step is jumping into your vehicle to track down the rest of the artwork in the surrounding communities and Algonquin Park. The park, and specifically Canoe Lake, is likely the most significant influence of both Thomson and the group.
Sprinkled throughout the Muskoka region, you can cover a lot of ground, visiting Huntsville, Deerhurst Resort, Algonquin, Dorset, Dwight, Port Cunnington Lodge and Baysville. Taking a relaxing tour and seeing the sites along the way will only double your enjoyment and may inspire you to return one day for an extended vacation.
It’s a year-round attraction the whole family will enjoy. Make an adventure of it and get the kids involved in planning the stops you’ll make, learning a bit of history about the Group of Seven and their works, and researching the mural artists who devoted themselves to the task of sharing all of this magnificent and important work.
It’s sure to be a fun and educational experience for all. Maybe you’ll discover your own latent talent for painting!
