Discovering Tom Thomson's Algonquin Connection

Tom Thomson’s “Into the Northland” – Replica mural at Deerhurst Resort

Paint & Paddle During “The Spirit of Tom Thomson” Weekend at Deerhurst Resort

If you’ve ever dreamed of painting like Tom Thomson, or following in this Canadian icon’s footsteps – or paddle strokes – in his beloved Algonquin Park, then Deerhurst Resort is offering a Fall weekend experience you won’t want to miss – The Spirit of Tom Thomson Weekend, which takes place September 20 – 22, 2019.

This is the 3^rd year that Deerhurst Resort, a Muskoka landmark founded in 1896 that might well have been known to Thomson, has teamed up with its onsite Eclipse Art Gallery to offer this art-inspired weekend. Muskoka artist and Group of Seven expert, Gerry Lantaigne will lead an Algonquin Park canoe trip to some of Thomson’s favourite spots, as well as a paint and sip session where guests will recreate their own Thomson replica painting later at the resort.

The weekend starts Friday evening with a welcome reception where guests are invited to browse the Eclipse Art Gallery’s “Crazy About Muskoka” exhibit, which showcases colourful works celebrating the vibrant, natural beauty of the region.

On Saturday, gallery manager Karin Kriekaard and Lantaigne will guide a morning paddling trip on Canoe Lake in 8-person canoes provided by Algonquin Outfitters. After returning from the park and picnic lunch, guests will have some free time to enjoy the resort’s amenities before trying their hand at their own replica Tom Thomson painting under Lantaigne’s guidance.

Discovering some of Thomson’s favourite spots on Canoe Lake in 8-person canoes from Algonquin Outfitters

Sunday will close the weekend with a tour of Huntsville’s Group of Seven outdoor murals, which adorn numerous Muskoka landmarks – including a replica of Thomson’s In the Northland at Deerhurst Resort. As well, Lantaigne, the creator and feature artist of the outdoor mural gallery, invited the G8 world leaders to add their brushstrokes to the recreation of Thomson’s most famous painting, The West Wing, during the G8 Summit held at Deerhurst in 2010. That mural, along with the leaders’ paintbrushes, is on display in the Canada Summit Centre in Huntsville.

Just 30 minutes from the Algonquin Park west gate, Deerhurst is close to Huntsville, where Thomson visited during his painting trips to Algonquin. In fact, his presence is constant in this charming Muskoka town in the form of a life-size bronze sculpture, complete with canoe and paint box, which sits proudly in front of the town hall. There’s even an optional cruise available on the Tom Thomson tour boat which is docked at Deerhurst and operated by Algonquin Cruises.

“The Spirit of Tom Thomson” weekend package at Deerhurst Resort is priced from $364 per person, based on double occupancy and includes two nights’ accommodation, Friday night reception, Saturday breakfast, Saturday Algonquin canoe trip with canoe rental, transportation to the park, park permit and picnic lunch plus a sip and paint session and guided outdoor Group of Seven mural tour. Dinner is additional as are taxes and a nightly resort fee that provides access to onsite canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, hiking trails, tennis and more.

For more information or to book click here or call 1-800-461-4393.