Ontario

The McMichael Art Gallery &  Tom Thompson’s Shack

The McMichael Art Gallery provides a unique art-viewing experience in a natural setting, on land

purposely designed to showcase the landscapes the Group of Seven had painted. The permanent collection includes over 6,400 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and other Canadian artists.  

The grounds surrounding the galleries are comprised of 100 acres of forested land in the Humber River Valley. In addition to the beautiful hiking trails, outdoor sculptures, and art installations, the ground is home to Tom Thompson’s Shack, the relocated studio where he (and other members) lived and worked. Our private, guided visit to the art gallery goes behind the scenes with stories of the personal lives of the Group of Seven and Tom Thompson, the stories behind the paintings, and an idea of significant role of the studio.  

Also on the grounds is the McMichael Cemetery, the final resting place for six members of the Group of Seven, their wives, and the founders of the art gallery.

Sit Back and Enjoy the Views 

Embark on a Lake Superior coastal drive and marvel at the geological wonders of the North. See stunning views of rugged landscapes: granite cliffs, cobbled beaches, evergreens, and sugar maples. 

The drive incorporates stops at places that inspired some of Canada’s most cherished masterpieces including the rapids at Chippewa Falls that inspired A.Y Jackson’s sketch Stream Bed, Lake Superior Country, c. 1955, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa.

Visit a National Historic Site

Sault Ste. Marie’s Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site is an interactive discovery centre housed in two of the oldest stone buildings north of Toronto.  Perhaps the visit to this historic site with its presentation of domestic life in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, together with its beautiful setting will provide some insight into the mindset of the Group of Seven, as they came to this region for healing and inspiration.

Dine in a Hangar 

Located in the historic waterfront hangar where aviation in northern Ontario took flight, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre specializes in the history of aviation and forest fire protection. Hop aboard an authentic vintage aircraft or learn from one of the many hands-on exhibits.  As a bonus, after a guided tour, enjoy a fabulous meal under the aircraft. 

Group of Seven Presentation 

Enjoy an insightful presentation of the Group of Seven by Joanie McGuffin. The McGuffins are a Canadian family of explorers, conservationists, and documentarians.  One of their passions is exploring and protecting the landscapes that inspired the Group of Seven as documented in the film Painted Land: In search of the Group of Seven.

Dinner Cruise

This cruise by North Channel Tours features fun staff providing an informative commentary and amazing scenic views while navigating around the North Channel Islands.  It is sure to be another fun part of our adventure!

Ferry to Tobermory

The history of Ontario, and the culture of the region is quite evident.  The name “Tobermory” is derived from the Gaelic Tobar Mhoire, meaning "Mary's well", and this is our destination when we climb aboard the “Big Canoe”, which in Ojibwe is the Chi Cheemaun Ferry.

Art History with the Specialists

At the McMichael Gallery, view the works of the Group of Seven before we visit their places of inspiration.  This tour provides insight into the lives of the Group of Seven and visits many places where the artists themselves have set foot. See presentations and hear stories from knowledgeable local experts.  

Beautiful Scenery

Breathe in the beautiful, rugged landscape.  Depending on the season, the palette of colours on display could be a study in shades of green with outcroppings of rock, but more likely from August to October, the palette will shift, incorporating vibrant yellow, gold, orange, scarlet, red, and purple.  In addition to autumn foliage, we’ll see geological wonders carved by glaciers and prehistoric waterfalls.  Tobermory, lakeside on the spectacular Bruce Peninsula, boasts 400-million-year-old rock formations!

Surprisingly Delightful Side Trips

From the Canadian Bushplane Museum, to historic sites, to a visit to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island, we’ll explore some interesting places in Northern Ontario!

• Private coach transportation
• Our unique Connections Program
• 4 nights of accommodation
• 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
• Local professional guides and all entry fees and park passes
• Services of a Professional Tours in Canada Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

Included Highlights

• McMichael Gallery and guided tour 
• Art Gallery of Sudbury and guided tour
• Canadian Bush Plane Museum tour plus dinner in the hanger 
• Group of Seven Presentation by Canadian explorer Joanie McGuffin 
• Lake Superior Coastal Driver with a local guide 
• Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site 
• Sunset Dinner Cruise 
• Chi-Cheemaun Ferry to Tobermory

Day 1: Travel to Sudbury

The adventure begins with a guided tour of the McMichael Gallery, home to a permanent collection of over 6,500 artworks including the works of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. Next, we travel along the Niagara Escarpment, making our way to the unspoiled wilderness of Northern Ontario. In Sudbury, a welcome dinner with fellow guests will be enjoyed.

Stay: Radisson Hotel, Sudbury

Nights: 1

Meals: L, D

Day 2:  Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie

Visit the Art Gallery of Sudbury.  Established as a Canadian Centennial project, the gallery is housed in a century-old mansion which was once home to a lumber baron. Learn about the history of bushplanes on a guided tour of the Canadian Bushplane Museum and have dinner in the hanger among the planes. Our group is in for a treat with an exceptional presentation about the Group of Seven by Joanie McGuffin, Canadian explorer, and conservationist.

Stay: Delta Hotel by Marriott, Sault Ste Marie

Nights: 2

Meals: B, D

Day 3: Lake Superior Coastal Drive

Today you’ll enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Northern Ontario.  Embark on a Lake Superior Coastal drive with a local guide and visit the Lake Superior Interpretive Center which highlights the park’s cultural history and natural features.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Sault Ste Marie to Little Current

This day starts with a visit to Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. Here you will take a step back in history with a tour of two of the oldest stone buildings, located northwest of Toronto: the Ermatinger Old Stone House and the Clergue Blockhouse. With costumed interpreters, the site depicts the life of the prominent residents from the 1800’s, showcasing period rooms and gardens, interweaving the story of the Ermatinger family with the story of Canada. The day will be beautifully concluded with the fresh Manitoulin air and magnificent scenery on a sunset dinner cruise.

Stay: Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 5:  Journey Home

After breakfast this morning, you’ll board the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry to make your way to the tranquil lakeside town of Tobermory.  The journey does pause for a farewell dinner and then continues homeward.

Meals: B, D

Radisson Hotel, Sudbury (1 night)

Located downtown, Radisson Hotel Sudbury is part of the Elm Place shopping and entertainment complex. Rest easy in their modern rooms, amenities include an indoor pool and fitness centre.

Delta Hotel, Sault Ste Marie (2 nights)

As the city's only waterfront full-service hotel, Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront invites you to explore the downtown while enjoying views of St. Mary's River 

Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre, Manitoulin island (1 night)

The Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre combines contemporary design with natural elements of wood, stone and décor reflecting the First Nations traditions..

This tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows a special travel Route A*, picking up in the following locations:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton

*Pickup points west of Brampton are NOT available on this tour.

May 2020 was the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Group of Seven’s first public show. 

Appropriate footwear may be needed to access some of the waterfall sites.

There are a couple of boat tours on this itinerary.  Although for most people medication is not required, there may be some who may want to bring along a remedy for motion sickness.  You don’t want to let a little thing like that spoil these amazing experiences.

Become reacquainted with the Group of Seven

The landscapes painted by The Group of Seven, are an important part of the heritage of Canada, and it may enrich the experiences on this trip to be re-acquainted with their story and their work.  

Here are a couple of related “do-it-yourself” day trip ideas to become familiar with the artists.  One trip would take you to Oxtongue Lake for the Outdoor Exhibit & Plaques of Honour.  Visitors are encouraged to walk around the lake, stopping to see the same views that inspired the Group of Seven artists about a century ago.  There is also a “Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery” with nearly 100 murals spread across Muskoka, with over 30 of these murals in Huntsville!  

It is possible for guests from anywhere in the world to join this tour by flying into Toronto with connections to a pickup point.  Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.