Guest Spotlight – Ernest Somers

Some guests become part of the Blue Spruce story, and Ernest and Sandra Somers are certainly among them.

For more than three decades, Ernest and Sandra have made Blue Spruce Resort their gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park. Through countless visits, they have explored the park’s lakes and trails, finding inspiration in its landscapes and wildlife while creating memories that have spanned generations.

Ernest A. Somers is a Canadian artist, printmaker, poet, writer, and naturalist whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to celebrating and preserving our natural heritage. Over the years, he has authored and published numerous books featuring his artwork, poetry, and observations of the natural world.

Many guests may also remember Ernest as the winner of Blue Spruce Resort’s “Name the Hut” contest, where his thoughtful submission and accompanying poem helped give one of our special gathering places its name, The Gateway.

Although now retired from exhibiting his artwork, Ernest continues to sketch, write, and pursue new creative projects. Most recently, he has been collaborating with AI to transform some of his poetry into song. One such creation, Algonquin Bound, is a musical tribute to one of his favourite places and a destination that has inspired him and Sandra for decades.

The accompanying photograph captures Ernest working on a sketch while staying in Studio #6 on a cold, rainy day. Sketchbook in hand and coffee nearby, it is a familiar scene for anyone who has found inspiration in the quiet beauty of Muskoka and Algonquin.

We are honoured that Ernest and Sandra have chosen Blue Spruce Resort as part of their Algonquin journey for so many years. Their creativity, love of nature, and enduring connection to this special place remind us of the many ways our guests become part of the Blue Spruce family.

Thank you, Ernest and Sandra, for sharing your story with us.

Listen to: Algonquin Bound