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| - Located in Kleinberg, about an hour outside of Toronto (think just past Canada's wonderland) is the majestic Canadian art palace of the McMichael art gallery. That assessment isn't totally off base. This gallery used to be the home of owners Robert and Signe McMichael and now houses one of the most prominent collections of Canadian art.
VIBE
Think of the Brady Bunch's house. It's kind of like that. There's a lot of stonework, and old mahogany woods reminiscent of a cottage country ski villa. That said, if you want to get your Group of Seven and Inuit art -on, this is the place to do it. Over 100,000 people visit the gallery each year and I'm ashamed to say this was my first time there. But it's worth it and a viable day trip for anyone, though I would recommend this as a great trip for the family. If you're into hiking there are trails and bigger hiking paths and picnic spots nearby at the Kortright Centre. Oh, and did I mention the grounds are IMMACULATE? The stone work and outdoor sculpture garden are beautiful. If you're a Group of Seven fan, the McMichael is the site of all members (excluding Tom Thomson). That said, Tom Thomson's original house is onsite and intact.
SEE
If you want to learn more about Canadian art and heritage, this is the place. There's over 6,000 pieces collected on the Group of Seven alone (obviously not all at once). There is also a theatre which used to be the site of the McMichael's old swimming pool and a very funky, technologically up to date totem pole. I'm not kidding: this totem pole is outfitted with an ipod, lap top and cell phone. Are we addicted to our technology much? Um, yes.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Mcget yourself to a Canadian treasure. Better than a happy meal. (Note to self: wow, I really need to work on my copywriting skills).
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