Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 (Baysville, ON) When you’re paddling the Oxtongue River, little else matters. Stresses fade away with every stroke of the paddle as you glide across the water. The scenery is spectacular – it’s no wonder Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven were inspired to paint some of their iconic works here – and the sound of the wind in the pines soothes the soul.
Paddlers have long embraced the Oxtongue and its headwaters to the east in Algonquin Park. You only need a few essentials to really connect with the land and water: a canoe, a paddle, a lifejacket, and a map. And you’re far more likely to encounter wildlife than people.
The Oxtongue didn’t just inspire the Group of Seven – it inspired a new brew, too. The canoe is older than this great country, so a day of paddling calls for a beer that will equally stand the test of time, a brew like Lake of Bays Oxtongue India Pale Ale. Its refreshing citrus twist echoes the coolness of a dip in the water, and it leaves you with a lingering pine bitterness reminiscent of the great trees that line the water.
Just like the Group of Seven and the brewmasters at Lake of Bays Brewery, you can get inspired by the scenery of the Oxtongue, too. While you’re out paddling this summer, whether it’s on the Oxtongue or one of our other great waterways, snap a few photos for The Great Outdoors photo contest, inspired by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. It’s sponsored by Lake of Bays Brewery, Algonquin Outfitters and Cavalcade Color Lab and features fabulous prizes.
If you don’t have a canoe to start your adventure, don’t worry – Algonquin Outfitters can help. For more than 50 years, they’ve been outfitting outdoor enthusiasts just like you. Stop in at their store on the shores of Oxtongue Lake.
Oxtongue IPA is part of the Great Outdoors collection from Lake of Bays Brewery, all of which are made from the fresh, clear water of Lake of Bays. You’ll find it all season long – and the rest of the year, too – at the LCBO, Beer Store, and grocery.
Pssssst! Speaking of Tom Thomson, we’ll be releasing a brand new brew in Mid-September in honour of the 100th anniversary of his death. Look out for The West Wind Black IPA. Portion of the proceeds go to the Art Gallery of Ontario.
