The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is a free public art trail of murals reproducing famous Canadian landscape paintings, including works by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. There are over 100 murals on the exterior walls of businesses and public buildings, and most are in downtown Huntsville, where they can be seen on foot. The rest are in nearby communities, around Lake of Bays and in Algonquin Park, so you will need a vehicle to find them. The trail is viewable at any time of year, with guided tours offered only in July and August. It is an easy first stop in Huntsville and a good way to understand why this part of Ontario inspired so many painters.
What to expect
A self-guided stroll through downtown Huntsville, spotting murals on brick walls as you go, with each painting placed near the landscape that inspired it where possible. The scale is impressive, because many of the murals are large, and the colours hold up well in sunlight and in winter snow.
Tours and planning
Guided tours run in July and August, on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., costing about 15 dollars plus HST, or around 40 dollars plus HST with a painting class. The rest of the year you can follow the trail at your own pace. Pick up a map or follow the gallery's online guide, and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to cover the whole downtown.
Making a day of it
Combine the murals with lunch and a stroll along the main street, then continue to the Dorset Lookout Tower in season or to Algonquin Park along Highway 60. The Tom Thomson connection is strongest in the park, where several murals mark places he painted. In cold weather, take short walks and warm up in the downtown cafes.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided trail of more than 100 outdoor murals, with paid guided tours only in July and August.
Best time
Any time of year; summer evenings and bright winter days both show the colours well.
How long
One to two hours for the downtown murals; longer if you drive to the outlying ones.
Tips
Walk downtown first, use the gallery map, and drive to Lake of Bays or Algonquin Park for the outlying murals.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers and anyone curious about the painters of the Canadian landscape.
- Families
- Free and flexible, so children can treat it as a mural scavenger hunt.
- Couples
- A relaxed stroll followed by a downtown dinner.
- Pair with
- Dorset Lookout Tower and Algonquin Park both sit within an easy drive.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is the Outdoor Gallery free?+
Yes, viewing the murals is free and self-guided. Only the guided tours and painting-class tours are paid.
How many murals are there?+
There are over 100, mostly in downtown Huntsville. Others are in Lake of Bays, nearby communities and Algonquin Park.
When are guided tours offered?+
Guided tours run in July and August, on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. The rest of the year the trail is self-guided.
Can I see it in winter?+
Yes, the murals are outdoors and viewable all year. Dress warmly and keep walks short.
Do I need a car?+
Not for the downtown murals, which are walkable. You need a car for the outlying murals and those in Algonquin Park.
