OLAC - Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture

04/01/2026

Spring Ice - Tom Thomson - Spring 1915

The work was inspired by a sketch completed on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park and is part of the The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery

In the spring of 1915, Thomson returned to Algonquin Park earlier than he had in any previous year. In a letter to James MacCallum, he reported that he had already painted twenty-eight sketches by April 22. He became fascinated with the “opening of the waters” as the ice on the lakes began to melt, reporting in his letter to MacCallum that the ice would “break up [on] the first good wind, so I will soon be camping again.”

The outdoor gallery mural of Spring Ice is located at Algonquin Outfitters Canoe Lake Store, The mural was done by Marc Sorozan in 2009

03/29/2026

Come by Dwight Branch of Lake of Bays Library to take in the majestic views most will never see, created by photographer Rob Stimpson. Five of Rob's dramatic photos from his recent show at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto are on display to view and purchase. These views paint the vistas of the north and south poles as they endure change over time. To see more of Rob's work, visit his website https://robstimpson.com.

03/29/2026

Golden light spilling across the winding veins of the Oxtongue River 🍁✨
Captured from above in the heart of Lake of Bays, where winter still whispers through the trees and the river carves its timeless path through Muskoka’s rugged landscape.

This scene felt like watching nature breathe… slow, powerful, and untouched. Moments like this are why I chase the skies.

📍 Oxtongue River, Lake of Bays, Ontario
🚁 Shot on DJI Mini 5 Pro

03/27/2026

An amazing article about the Oxtongue Inspires photography book is in the latest Spring issue of Unique Muskoka!!

Pick up a copy while supplies last or view online, our spotlight starts on page 16! 📸🫎🛶🌲

https://simplebooklet.com/uniquemuskokaissue55spring2026?bid=3940544235

03/24/2026

Have you heard the news!? An Oxtongue Lake photography book is launching this Canada Day!

Oxtongue Inspires: Through the Lens of Local Artists from Algonquin to Lake of Bays

The book will be for sale July 1st at the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre and we are making arrangements to have it available online for purchase - stay tuned for more information!

OLAC - Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture has put together a book with the help of 15 very talented photographers that live in the area

The waters and wilds of Oxtongue Lake, River and surrounding area have long-inspired people —from the Indigenous nations who first called it home, to the map makers who charted post-colonial pathways, to the painters Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. Today, that legacy continues in Oxtongue Inspires: Through the Lens of Local Artists from Algonquin to Lake of Bays, featuring the work of fifteen local photographers.
This beautiful, full-colour coffee table book features more than 100 stunning images and a personal statement from each artist, reflecting on what this remarkable region means to them.

More details to follow. Get ready to be inspired!

All proceeds from Oxtongue Inspires will support OLAC - Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture and its ongoing work to preserve and celebrate local cultural history.

Published and printed in Canada 🇨🇦

03/24/2026

Early September, Oxtongue Lake - A.J. Casson - 1969

“I always wanted to be an artist. I don’t know who I got it from… yet even as a child of ten I was drawing.” Quote from A.J. Casson

In 1926, AJ. Casson’s childhood wish to become an artist came true when Franklin Carmichael of the Group of Seven invited him to join their group. On learning of their invite, Casson had this to say: “Gosh! That would be something.”

During his life as an artist, Casson spent much time documenting the landscapes across Haliburton County and other parts of Ontario. In the fall of 1969, while staying yet again at Oxtongue Lake, Casson sketched and painted this work from the bridge, looking north through the narrows. He titled it “Early September, Oxtongue Lake.”

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
A heavily tree filled shoreline with hills in the background and a blue sky filled with clouds. The trees are reflected in still patches on the lake.

CREDIT LINE Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, the Ottawa Art Gallery. Donated to the City of Ottawa by the Ontario Heritage Foundation

03/24/2026

Summer Storm - A.J. Casson

Another one of Casson’s paintings that was done on Oxtongue Lake, any guesses to what shoreline this was painted from?

02/04/2026

Autumn Foliage - Tom Thompson - Fall 1916

The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is a free public art exhibition, featuring over 100 recreations of art masterpieces, by Canada’s renowned Group of Seven artists and the man who inspired them, Tom Thomson. The Gallery is located in Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Algonquin Provincial Park. The murals are located on the exterior walls of businesses and stores, throughout the area, and can be viewed all year round.

This mural recreation is located in Algonquin Park at the Algonquin Outfitters Canoe Lake Store (KM 14 on Hwy 60) by artist Gerry Lantaigne 2009

11/24/2025

⏰ FINAL COUNTDOWN!
Last call to bid in the Paddle Art & Canoe Mural Auction!
Bidding closes TUESDAY, NOV 25 at 9PM sharp!
Choose from 110 stunning paddle artworks PLUS 6 Emily Carr–inspired canoe murals from HFA’s 2024 “En Plein Air” project. These 14–16 ft painted canoe murals make incredible statement pieces for cottages, boathouses, offices, restaurants, and more!
To date, the auction has raised over $104,600 for local arts and culture. Let’s keep it going! ❤️🎨
👉 Bid now: https://algonquinoutfitters.com/paddle-art-contest/
Presented by Algonquin Outfitters & Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

⏰ FINAL COUNTDOWN!
Last call to bid in the Paddle Art & Canoe Mural Auction!
Bidding closes TUESDAY, NOV 25 at 9PM sharp!

Choose from 110 stunning paddle artworks PLUS 6 Emily Carr–inspired canoe murals from HFA’s 2024 “En Plein Air” project. These 14–16 ft painted canoe murals make incredible statement pieces for cottages, boathouses, offices, restaurants, and more!

To date, the auction has raised over $104,600 for local arts and culture. Let’s keep it going! ❤️🎨

👉 Bid now: https://algonquinoutfitters.com/paddle-art-contest/
Presented by Algonquin Outfitters & Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

10/08/2025

09/18/2025

Fall colours are loading:🍃➡️ 🍂

🛩️ Check out the views from the plane on Tuesday, September 16!

Reserve your daily vehicle permit online to guarantee your entry:
https://reservations.ontarioparks.com
You can reserve permits up to five days in advance of your visit. Book for this weekend now!

What to expect: https://blog.ontarioparks.ca/fall-colours-at-algonquin-provincial-park/