Toronto 
Toronto’s waterfront will host A Lake Story, a large-scale public art project by Melissa McGill, on September 27 and 28. Presented by The Bentway as part of the inaugural Water/Fall Festival, the event brings together more than 400 paddlers in approximately 120 canoes for a slow-moving procession across Lake Ontario. Each canoe will carry a wind-activated colour field painting created with pigments sourced from the lake and its shoreline.
The pigments — including materials such as goldenrod, clay, algae, red brick, and wild grape gathered from areas like Leslie Street Spit, Gibraltar Point, and the re-naturalized Don River — were developed in collaboration with Jason Logan of the Toronto Ink Company. The procession reflects McGill’s interest in site-specific works that engage with water, land, and sustainable traditions.
A Lake Story has been developed with input from Indigenous knowledge keepers and ecologists. Following the performances, the project will be celebrated with a film presentation and a display of the colour field paintings.
What to Expect:
A canoe procession with 400+ paddlers in about 120 canoes, each carrying colour field paintings made from Lake Ontario pigments. Created by artist Melissa McGill, presented by The Bentway.
Two performances are scheduled on September 27 and 28, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., each lasting about two hours. The route begins at Biidaasige Park, continues along East Bay Front to Sugar Beach, and then returns to the park. The procession may be adjusted if weather conditions require.
Where to View A Lake Story:
Route:
- Starts at Biidaasige Park
- Travels along East Bay Front to Sugar Beach
- Returns to starting point
Note: route may change with weather conditions
Organizers encourage audiences to choose one of several vantage points:
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Biidaasige Park (51 Commissioners St.) – procession launch site; limited parking with a temporary lot of 120 spaces at 11 Munition St. and some on-street options nearby.
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Cherry Street South Bridge – a white and yellow bridge past Commissioners St. offering clear views of the water.
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Sugar Beach – at the foot of Jarvis St., across from Redpath Sugar.
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East Bay Front promenade – accessible via Merchant’s Wharf from Parliament St.
Audience members are advised to arrive early, dress for outdoor conditions, and make use of Bentway volunteers in yellow shirts who will be on hand to provide guidance.
