Algonquin Provincial Park was a protected forest in 1893. Before the wilderness became famous for artists, it thrived as a logging centre. With the Village of Mowat bustling along Canoe Lake’s shore.
Industry faded and the railway carried a new visitor, artists!
Bringing a painter named Tom Thomson in 1912. With paintings that defined Algonquin’s mystery. And he became one of the mysteries with his death in 1917.
Today, he’s remembered by sightings of a lone canoeist in the morning mist of Canoe Lake. This is the story of his death, his ghost and an attempt to clear up the rumours.
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TRAINS | TOM THOMSON | DEATH | GHOST
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Algonquin Park turns to Artists
Algonquin Provincial Park began in 1893 as a protected landscape. Created to safeguard its forests, rivers, and wildlife.
Before it became known for its wilderness and artistry, the region was a busy logging hub. Including the Village of Mowat. Which was once home to about 500 people on the northwest shore of Canoe Lake.
Today, only a few foundations and the quiet Mowat Cemetery remain.
In the early 1900s, Algonquin shifted from industry to inspiration. Thanks to the Grand Trunk Railway, artists and “wilderness seekers” arrived in growing numbers.
Trains of Algonquin
Even the trains became part of local lore. Featuring stories of phantom whistles echoing through the trees and steam rising along the now abandoned lines.
One figure tied to this era was Charles Hays. He was the railway’s General Manager in 1896. Credited with saving the line from bankruptcy, working tirelessly, promoting a Pacific extension to investors in London, England.
Hoping to return home quickly for the opening of Ottawa’s most beautiful hotel, the Chateau Laurier. Hays boarded the fastest steamer ship of the time.
Sadly, this was the Titanic. Which sank in 1912.
After helping women and kids into lifeboats, Hays and his son‑in‑law made the ultimate sacrifice … going down with the ship.
And as if mourning, 7 years later, Hays Grand Trunk Railway was bankrupt.
Tom Thomson Comes to Algonquin
Among the artists drawn to Algonquin was Tom Thomson. He arrived in 1912 (oddly less than a month after the Titanic sank).
Often considered an unofficial member of the Group of Seven. The reason he wasn’t official … the Group didn’t form until 1920. 3 years after Thomson’s death.
Thomson’s iconic depictions of the Canadian wilderness were shaped by the springs and summers he spent in Algonquin.
During his stay, he frequented the Fraser’s Mowat Lodge. Considered a haven for young creatives. Not unlike New York’s Chelsea Hotel, which was known for singers and writers.
Basically, a place where artists gathered, shared ideas, and found inspiration.
And to support himself, Thomson worked as a fire ranger and guide in the park. Then he met Dr. MacCallum.
MacCallum was a respected University of Toronto professor who loved being around artists. He’d fund many of them including Thomson. Allowing him to paint full‑time all the way until his death in 1917.
Thomson’s Death
On July 8 of 1917, Thomson set out alone to fish.
He was last seen walking toward the Joe Lake Dam. Beside him was Shannon Fraser, then owner of Lodge.
And later that afternoon, his empty canoe was found.
His Body was Found
Clearing up the legend which often claims his body was never recovered. It was found! Eight days later in a horrid state.
Multiple doctors examined the corpse and clearly concluded it was an accident leading to drowning.
Yet mysteries linger. Such as the four‑inch bruise was found on his temple. Along with details such as…
- Copper fishing line wrapped around his ankles
- A missing paddle
Some even claimed he was shot. This was quickly disproved by a Park Ranger named Mark Robinson. He’d recently returned from fighting in WWI (at Vimy Ridge) and was very familiar with bullet wounds. Confirmed the bruise was not from a gunshot.
Was Thomson Murdered
Other facts have fueled speculation of murder.
Thomson had an ongoing feud with American‑German Martin Blecher. His nemesis at the time of death.
They disagreed with the First World War. Leading to some believing Blecher was a German spy.
And at the height of one argument, Blecher reportedly threatened Thomson. Saying, “you’ll not live to see another summer!”
It’s said Blecher was the first to see Thomson’s upturned canoe. But didn’t report it.
However, Blecher was said to have an alibi.
Didn’t stop the rumours. Such as from Journalist John Little. Who suggested in his 1970s book Who Killed Tom Thomson … that during a fight, Blecher struck Thomson with a paddle.
Which explains the mysterious bruise and missing paddle.
Thomson’s Ghost Remains & Taking Another Death
The haunting of Canoe Lake has become part of Algonquin’s folklore.
For generations, campers and rangers have reported seeing a lone figure paddling through the morning mist on Canoe Lake. Only to vanish when anyone approached.
Jimmy Stringer & his Eerie Death
Another great story comes from Jimmy Stringer. Stringer was a local at Algonquin and Guide. Who said he’d met Tom Thomson in 1913, when only 13-years-old.
Exactly 60 years after this meeting, Stringer shared a story with Canada’s Maclean’s Magazine (1973).
Happened during a row on Canoe Lake with an American friend. The friend froze, staring at something in the fog.
A lone canoeist appeared. Dark‑haired like Thomson. American claimed he heard a voice drift over the water, warning him that his brother had just drowned (which turned out to be true). The figure disappeared.
Jimmy saw nothing. But did feel a chill down his spine. Both were convinced it was Thomson.
Maybe the truth wasn’t Jimmy’s to tell … because not long after the MacLeans interview, Stringer was dead. Eerily, he drowned in Canoe Lake. Leaving many mysteries unsolved.
Personally, I’ve always believed Thomson died by accident.
Rumours say he was drinking (like so many nights before). This explains without legend how even an expert paddler like Thomson might make a terrible mistake. Hitting his head on a rock on the way down.
And causing the confusion as he struggled and sunk into the dark waters of Canoe Lake. However, like many stories in Algonquin … the truth will never be known.