Photo by Lucy Izon

Killarney, Ontario - Four of Canada’s famed ‘Group of Seven’ (Jackson, Harris, Carmichael and Casson) would travel to this stunning wilderness region to paint in the early 20th century. It was AY Jackson who ran into some surveyors from the Spanish Lumber Company, and became so concerned that his Trout Lake might be ruined, he rallied support through contacts at the Ontario Society of Artists and got the area around it protected. Today, Killarney, which is just 100 km southwest of Sudbury, is considered a jewel of the Ontario Provincial Park system. One lake, known for its crystal clear water and quartite mountains, has been named OSA for the Ontario Society of Artists.

Where: The popular Killarney Provincail Park, with its small lakes, white quartz mountains, and birch and pine forests, is on the north shore of Georgian Bay, just over an hour's drive southwest of Sudbury. Killarney Village has outfitters, accommodation, and great take-out fish & chips near the dock. Don't want to rough it? There's also the historic, rustic Killarney Mountain Lodge (there's a old story that Al Capone and friends would stay here on fishing trips.) Quick Tips: Make reservations in advance for camping or canoe rentals, especially during busy summer weekends. Several painting and photograpy workshops are offered in the park - contact Killarney Mountain Lodge for details.

Click on the Canada Cool Map below and discover destinations nation wide that make Canada Cool