Lake Superior and the Group of Seven Route

Hike on trails where A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris and other Group of Seven artists were inspired. Your journey will include scenery along the shores of Lake Superior that have inspired artists old and new. Where possible, these hikes will lead to spots identified as painted by artists including the Group of Seven. Your itinerary will include hikes to Chippewa Falls, and within Lake Superior Provincial Park. Longer trips include hikes along the Voyageur Trail in Marathon as well as in Neys Provincial Park.

The landscape showcases rocky shores along Lake Superior, transitional forests, lakes and terrain. It begins in Sault Ste. Marie and is self guided with (shuttles included) or without a vehicle (all transportation included). B&Bs and/or lodges will accommodate your stay along the way.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 The trip begins at 8am from Sault Ste. Marie. We will head north along Lake Superior enjoying the views on the way. Your day will consist of three short hikes highlighting scenery that have been painted by Group of Seven members as well as multiple artists new and old. Your day will end in Wawa at the charming Rock Island Lodge. Here you will stay for two nights.

Day2 Your day can be spent either kayaking from the lodge or touring Wawa’s historic sites.

Day 3 Travel to the community of Marathon, nestled in Peninsula Harbour on Lake Superior. Hike out to Picnic Table Hill and explore Carden, and Beatty Coves. Your accommodations for the remainder of the week will be in the lovely Lakeview B&B in downtown Marathon.

Day 4 A shuttle will take you to the beginning of the Kwewiskaning Trail located on the traditional lands of Biigtgong Nishnaabeg First Nation. Hike along the shores of Lake Superior through Prospect Cove and by C.P.R. Island before you end up in Heron Bay where you will be picked up and brought back to the Lakeview B&B.

Day 5 Your hike will begin where you left off in Heron Bay. The trail continues on through forests, along ridges and eventually parallels the railroad tracks. After a side trip up to Hawk’s Ridge you end up at your accommodations for the night.

Day 6 Rest day, take in some golf, read a book or check out the rest of town.

Day 7 We will head out to Neys Provincial Park to hike the trail up to the Pic Island Overview which can be a highlight of your trip. This area was painted extensively by several members of the Group of Seven.

Day 8 Travel either back to Sault Ste. Marie or through to Thunder Bay.

Can be included: 7 nights accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 suppers, shuttles and luggage transfer.
Trail descriptions, itineraries and safety devices are also provided.

Devices are loaned for the duration of the trip and training will be provided on all loaned equipment. There is no additional cost for use of the trails. We will provide you the trail maps and descriptions, as well as safety devices before you head out onto the route.

All departures are from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and can start on September 21st in the lovely Sault waterfront district. This option includes local attractions such as the Art Gallery of Algoma, Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, and Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site Museums, which are all within walking distance. We would be happy to recommend a hotel or book one for you and added it to your invoice.

Trip costs and availability will be determined prior to booking.

Possible accommodations depending on availability.

Best months to do this route

June • July/August • September/October