The Portage Lake Lift Bridge spans 1310 feet (399.29m) crossing over the Keweenaw Waterway, Portage Lake. Portage Lake runs entirely through the middle of the Keweenaw Peninsula and this bridge is the only roadway that connects them and the cities of Houghton and Hancock. This lift bridge was built in 1959 and is the world’s heaviest and widest (4 lanes) double deck bridge.

The Soo Locks Visitor Center is fittingly situated in the Upper Canal Park. The Park serves as an excellent place to watch passing boats going through the Locks at the observation platform. The Visitor Center is a great place to stop and ask for information on the Soo Locks, the surrounding area and everything it has to offer. A number of displays chronicle the construction of the Locks as well as thirty minute movie that details the history of this maritime marvel.

Once you’ve caught your breath after experiencing a thrilling 360-degree viewscape at the newly created Nipigon lookout tower, head back down the stairs to have a seat in front of the Moments of Algoma interpretive panel. Learn about the inspiration Frank Johnston took from the Nipigon River and listen to the audio available via the Moments of Algoma app to learn the secrets behind how he marketed himself as a painter.

While in town, head down to the marina area and enjoy a hike along the Nipigon River Recreational Trail access point nearby.  

The scenic harbour and inland islands of Rossport provided inspiration to Lawren Harris and many contemporary painters to the Group of Seven. You’ll find an interpretive installation in Wardrop Park as well as the start of the Rossport Coastal Trail, which winds its way for 1.5 km along Lake Superior to the Roadside Park Rest Area. After visiting the park, stop by the government dock for a view of Quarry Island from a vantage point close to where Harris painted Rossport, Lake Superior in 1921.

Travel to the centre of town, just off HWY 17 and Simcoe Plaza Road where you’ll spot the Terrace Bay Lighthouse. After taking your photo while sitting on the artist stool at the Moments of Algoma interpretive panel, climb to the top of the lighthouse to view the islands that inspired the painting Slate Islands, Lake Superior, c. 1921 by A.Y Jackson.

Head to the Visitor Centre to chat with staff about the Group of Seven, and to access the awe-inspiring vistas that drew Lawren Harris and the Group of Seven back to this area for many years. Take a mid-way hike break with expansive panoramic views at the gazebo which is in the middle of the 9 km round trip hike on the Pic Island Overlook Trail. Find a Moments of Algoma interpretive installation which highlights even more details about the Group of Seven and their treks along this same landscape.

Your Group of Seven experience continues along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Stop by the Marathon District Museum and Historical Society to hear local stories and see photographs related to the Group of Seven. A Moments of Algoma Group of Seven Interpretive installation just outside the Museum, frames how the rugged coastline has been immortalized and permanently captured on canvas by multiple members of the Group.

Trek the Lake Superior shoreline when you travel the Voyageur Trail from Pukaskwa National Park to Pic River.  While still within the park check out Horseshoe Beach where the Moments of Algoma interpretive panel features A.Y. Jackson’s painting Entrance to Puckasawa Bay, c 1960. Though spelt differently at the time than the current National Park name, this painting can be found in the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of Algoma in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Follow Michipicoten Harbour Road to the Sandy Beach parking area. After parking, a boardwalk will lead to the beach. Dip your toes in the crisp waters of Lake Superior and find the stunning sight of a Group of Seven interpretive panel. This location highlights the perspective A.Y Jackson painted in Shoreline, Wawa, Lake Superior, c. 1959, Art Gallery of Hamilton. Create your own Group of Seven moment here when you head down the shoreline and find a quiet spot to sketch or photograph this stunning shoreline scene. 

Learn more about the Group of Seven's connection with Lake Superior Provincial Park at the Visitor Centre and the Moments of Algoma interpretive installation.