This expansive and diverse country has served as the home and inspiration to many artists. From the rugged landscapes of the Rockies to the bustling streets of Toronto and Vancouver, these locations inspired art tapping into the heart of Canadian landscapes and cultural identity.

So join us as we venture through Canada to discover the lives, works and legacies of some of its most celebrated artists.

Emily Carr's Pacific Northwest Inspirations in Victoria, British Columbia

Our artistic journey begins on the west coast of Canada, in the vibrant city of Victoria, British Columbia. Here, the iconic Modernist painter (and unofficial "Group of Seven" member) Emily Carr found inspiration amidst the forests and coastal landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Carr's bold and expressive canvases capture the raw beauty and spiritual essence of the region's indigenous cultures and natural surroundings.

Visitors to Victoria can explore Emily Carr's legacy at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which houses an extensive collection of her paintings, sketches, and writings. Carr's works offer profound glimpses into the soul of Canada's wilderness, from the haunting totems of the Haida people to towering forest cedars.

Thinking of exploring Victoria on your Canadian adventure? Our British Columbia's Sea to Sky 20-day independent tour features this beautiful harbour city.

Bill Reid's Indigenous Masterpieces in Vancouver, British Columbia

Venturing to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, discover the monumental sculptures and intricate jewellery of Bill Reid, a pioneering figure in Northwest Coast Indigenous art. Born in Victoria (to a Haida mother and an American father), Reid's work reflects his deep connection to his Haida heritage and the cultural traditions of the Pacific Northwest.

Art enthusiasts can explore Reid's iconic sculptures and carvings (alongside other contemporary art) at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in the heart of downtown Vancouver. With towering totem poles and exquisite gold and silver jewellery, Reid's art celebrates the rich symbolism and spiritual significance of Indigenous culture, giving unparalleled insights into Canada's past and present.

Fancy combining urban Vancouver with some stunning natural landscapes? Why not explore our Road to the Rockies or Passage through the Rockies tours and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Alex Janvier's Vibrant Abstractions in Cold Lake, Alberta

Heading to the tranquil shores of Cold Lake, Alberta, you'll find the vibrant and expressive abstract paintings of Alex Janvier. A pioneering figure in Indigenous contemporary art and member of the "Indian Group of Seven," Janvier was born on the Cold Lake First Nations reserve in 1935. His bold compositions and vivid colour palette reflect his Cree heritage and deep connections to the land and spirituality of the Canadian North.

If you're exploring the wider area and more "Lakeland" locations, you can see Janvier's dynamic artwork at the Art Gallery of Alberta (in Edmonton). The gallery houses a diverse collection of his paintings, drawings, and multimedia installations.

Want to discover more about Canada's majestic lakes? Our Great Parks and Lakes of Western Canada tour is ideally suited to you.

Tom Thomson's Canadian Wilderness in Algonquin Park, Ontario

Travelling eastward to the heart of Ontario's wilderness, we encounter the rugged landscapes and vibrant colours that inspired the famed Group of Seven painter Tom Thomson. Renowned for his bold brushwork and evocative depictions of the Canadian wilderness, Thomson's iconic canvases capture the untamed spirit of Algonquin Park and its surrounding lakes and forests.

Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the same breathtaking vistas that inspired Thomson's masterpieces by exploring the many hiking trails crisscrossing Algonquin Park. Thomson was renowned as an avid outdoorsman with artworks almost exclusively featuring trees, expansive skies, tranquil lakes and winding rivers.

Tragically, Thomson died (aged just 39) by drowning on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park. His death was regarded as a profound loss for Canadian art, an exceptional talent cut short.

If you're exploring wider Ontario and want a deeper appreciation of Thomson's work, visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound (about three hours away), which houses a diverse collection of his paintings and sketches.

For an artistic bonus, explore the landscapes that inspired the "master of absence", David Milne. Perpetually inspired by the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness (living and working in Algonquin Park and nearby Bancroft in later life), Milne's minimalist compositions and vibrant colours captured Canadian landscapes like no other.

Art-loving visitors to Bancroft can also explore the Art Gallery of Bancroft, an excellent public art gallery with a permanent collection featuring many leading Canadian artists.

Lawren Harris's Arctic Inspirations in Toronto, Ontario

Returning to urban landscapes and the streets of Toronto, explore the art of Lawren Harris, a founding member of the Group of Seven and a leading figure in Canadian modern art. Inspired by the stark beauty and spiritual power of the Canadian Arctic, Harris's canvases evoke a sense of awe and wonderment, capturing the transcendent essence of the northern wilderness.

Enjoy Harris's iconic paintings at the Art Gallery of Ontario (as well as over 9,000 other works of art!), which houses a comprehensive collection of works spanning his career. You'll also find the Tom Thomson Collection here, featuring over 300 works from Group of Seven artists and over 100 works by "early twentieth-century luminary" David Milne.

Jean-Paul Riopelle's Abstract Expressions in Montreal, Quebec

Continuing our city adventures, we head to the vibrant metropolis of Montreal, Quebec – birthplace of the abstract painter Jean-Paul Riopelle.

A pioneering figure in Canadian and international modern art, Riopelle is known for his bold "mosaic" palette knife techniques and energetic brushstrokes. His canvases pulsate with rhythm and movement, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the city where he grew up and trained.

Indeed, as a young man, Riopelle studied in Montreal, moving and working in surrealist circles. Later in his career, he created public sculptures in his home city, including La Joute, a fountain in Montreal's Olympic Stadium. The sculpture was relocated to "Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle" in the Quartier International de Montréal in 2003 – a move that caused considerable controversy at the time.

You can find several of Riopelle's monumental works at the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, featuring an excellent roster of contemporary exhibitions as well as a permanent collection of leading Canadian and international artists.

Although born in Edinburgh (Scotland) in 1959, Peter Doig was raised in Canada. He trained at the Ontario College of Art and Design and is known for his haunting, atmospheric landscapes that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Much of Doig's adult art harks back to the snowy Canadian scenes of his youth. Modern art enthusiasts can explore Doig's evocative artwork at the Musée d'art Contemporain de Montréal, which houses a significant collection of his paintings and offers film screenings, lectures, and family events.

Jean-Paul Lemieux's Serene Landscapes in Quebec City, Quebec

Travelling ever-eastwards and arriving at historic Quebec City, you'll discover Jean-Paul Lemieux's serene and introspective landscapes.

One of Canada's most renowned painters, Lemieux was born in Quebec City in 1904. He played an important role in the Quebec revival of figurative painting during the 1930s and 1940s.

Lemieux's art is hard to define. His evocative yet colourful canvases capture the timeless beauty of Canadian landscapes, imbuing both rural and urban scenes with playful, poetic melancholy.

Explore Lemieux's masterful works at the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, which boasts a major collection of his art.

Alex Colville's Realist Vision in Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Our artistic journey through Canada concludes on the windswept shores of Nova Scotia. Here, Alex Colville's realist paintings offer a haunting meditation on the human condition and the passage of time.

Born and raised in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Colville's meticulously detailed compositions (inspired by American precisionism) capture moments of quiet introspection and existential uncertainty amidst the noise of everyday life.

You can explore Colville's thought-provoking works at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, the largest museum in Atlantic Canada.

Soak up the picturesque coastal charm of Digby, Nova Scotia, and enter the enchanting world of Maud Lewis. Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, she is one of Canada's most loved folk artists.

Lewis's charming paintings capture the rustic beauty and simple joys of everyday life in the Maritimes. Visitors to Digby can explore her iconic artwork at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia's Maud Lewis Gallery, showcasing vibrant paintings and artefacts from her humble home.

If you'd like to explore Nova Scotia's stunning shorelines and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, take a look at our Maritimes motorhome holiday – a true Canadian hidden gem.

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Are you ready to explore Canada's art and culture?

To discover the diverse artistic landscapes of Canada for yourself, look no further. Explore our full range of Canadian motorhome holidays and enjoy the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and creativity defining this vast and vibrant country.

Peter Stannett

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Peter is our content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic.

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