Bonus: The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson

Unsolved Canadian Mysteries

Tom Thomson was one of Canada’s most celebrated painters, known for his breathtaking depictions of the country’s wilderness, particularly Algonquin Provincial Park. However, his legacy is forever intertwined with mystery, as his untimely death in 1917 remains one of Canada’s greatest unsolved cases.On July 8, 1917, Thomson set out on a solo canoe trip in Algonquin Park. When he failed to return, concern grew. A week later, his body was found floating in Canoe Lake, with a bruise on his temple and a fishing line wrapped around his leg. His canoe was discovered overturned, but something about the circumstances didn’t sit right with those who knew him. How could an experienced outdoorsman like Thomson, known for his skills in navigating the wilderness, have met such a fate so easily?Theories about his death have circulated for over a century. The initial ruling was accidental drowning, but some believe there was more to the story. One theory suggests he suffered a fatal head injury in an accident, possibly from hitting his head on his canoe or a submerged rock. Others suggest suicide, though there was little evidence to indicate Thomson was in a state of despair.Murder, however, remains the most compelling and controversial theory. Some speculate that he was killed in a drunken altercation at Mowat Lodge, a popular gathering place for park visitors. Others point to tensions over an alleged affair or financial disputes that may have led to foul play. Conflicting testimonies and inconsistencies in reports from that day have only fueled speculation. Even his burial site is shrouded in mystery, as his body was supposedly moved, but questions remain about where he was truly laid to rest.For over a century, the death of Tom Thomson has captured the imagination of historians, artists, and conspiracy theorists alike. Was it an unfortunate accident, a tragic suicide, or something far more sinister? Join us as we explore the mystery in our latest episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.