 The location of the subject is uncertain; Thomson's friend Winifred Trainor believed the site represented was Cedar Lake, though Grand Lake, Algonquin Park has also been proposed as the setting.As in his iconic "The Jack Pine", Thomson began the painting with an undercoat of vermilion that he allowed to show through in various places to contrast with the greens, to lend the work a feeling of "vibration" and movement.The pine dominates the composition without obscuring the view into the distance, and is successful as both specific representation and abstract design.