By
Anja Cahill
Screaming Heads, Ontario: Exploring Peter Camani’s Surreal Canadian Art Adventure
Step into one of Ontario’s most unusual and unforgettable outdoor art experiences with this photo gallery from Screaming Heads near Burk’s Falls, Ontario. Featuring towering concrete screaming head sculptures, the remarkable Midlothian Castle,...
Step into one of Ontario’s most unusual and unforgettable outdoor art experiences with this photo gallery from Screaming Heads near Burk’s Falls, Ontario. Featuring towering concrete screaming head sculptures, the remarkable Midlothian Castle, the famous two-headed dragon chimney and glimpses of the artist’s imaginative courtyard, these photos capture a Canadian adventure unlike almost anything else in Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands.
Created by Canadian artist and sculptor Peter Camani, the Screaming Heads installation has evolved over decades into a vast and ever-changing landscape of monumental art. Camani, a retired high school art and science teacher, purchased the property in 1981 and gradually transformed the former farmland and aging farmhouse into an extraordinary personal work of art. His home became the castle-like Midlothian Castle, while the surrounding landscape filled with enormous concrete sculptures, towers, faces, hands and other imaginative creations.
The installation's most recognizable feature is its collection of towering screaming heads, which rise unexpectedly from fields and wooded areas throughout the landscape. Nearby, the castle itself adds another layer to the experience, complete with dramatic towers and a two-headed dragon perched on its chimney. The result is part sculpture garden, part fantasy landscape and part lifelong artistic experiment—a place where every path and viewpoint seems to reveal another unexpected creation.
Located in the scenic Almaguin Highlands near Burk’s Falls, Screaming Heads has become one of those uniquely Canadian roadside discoveries that can transform an ordinary Ontario road trip into a memorable adventure. It is a destination that celebrates creativity on a monumental scale and reminds travellers that some of Canada's most fascinating experiences are found far beyond the usual tourist stops.
Whether you are exploring Northern Ontario, travelling through the Almaguin Highlands, searching for unusual things to see near Burk’s Falls or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind Canadian adventure, the Screaming Heads of Peter Camani offer a fascinating combination of art, imagination, landscape and local character.
Photo credit: Anja Cahill & Emma Cahill
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Created by Canadian artist and sculptor Peter Camani, the Screaming Heads installation has evolved over decades into a vast and ever-changing landscape of monumental art. Camani, a retired high school art and science teacher, purchased the property in 1981 and gradually transformed the former farmland and aging farmhouse into an extraordinary personal work of art. His home became the castle-like Midlothian Castle, while the surrounding landscape filled with enormous concrete sculptures, towers, faces, hands and other imaginative creations.
The installation's most recognizable feature is its collection of towering screaming heads, which rise unexpectedly from fields and wooded areas throughout the landscape. Nearby, the castle itself adds another layer to the experience, complete with dramatic towers and a two-headed dragon perched on its chimney. The result is part sculpture garden, part fantasy landscape and part lifelong artistic experiment—a place where every path and viewpoint seems to reveal another unexpected creation.
Located in the scenic Almaguin Highlands near Burk’s Falls, Screaming Heads has become one of those uniquely Canadian roadside discoveries that can transform an ordinary Ontario road trip into a memorable adventure. It is a destination that celebrates creativity on a monumental scale and reminds travellers that some of Canada's most fascinating experiences are found far beyond the usual tourist stops.
Whether you are exploring Northern Ontario, travelling through the Almaguin Highlands, searching for unusual things to see near Burk’s Falls or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind Canadian adventure, the Screaming Heads of Peter Camani offer a fascinating combination of art, imagination, landscape and local character.
Photo credit: Anja Cahill & Emma Cahill
The two-headed dragon's at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls in Ontario is a sure sign you have arrived! We were told that in the colder months a fire is laid below this chimney and the dragons are positioned such that the smoke from the fire...
The two-headed dragon's at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls in Ontario is a sure sign you have arrived! We were told that in the colder months a fire is laid below this chimney and the dragons are positioned such that the smoke from the fire blows through their open mouths and their eyes shine with the glow of the flames. I'm going to have to go back in the winter months to see this!
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Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls Ontario gives you a feeling of mystical urgency. These giant cement sculptures appear to be yelling into the void with varying degrees of panic. Despite their unsettled appearance, the grounds are calm and peaceful.
30 August 2026
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2 weeks ago
taken in
Screaming Heads, Midlothian Road, Ryerson Township, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Just past the entrance to the Screaming Heads trail, you can spot the 2-headed dragon that tops the chimney of the Midlothian Castle near Burk's Falls Ontario.
30 August 2026
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2 weeks ago
taken in
Screaming Heads, Midlothian Road, Ryerson Township, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Peter Camani's Screaming Heads art installation is located at 981 Midlothian Road, about a 10-minute drive west of Burk's Falls, or 45 minutes north of Huntsville, Ontario (3 hour drive north of Toronto). This is private land, so be sure to check...
Peter Camani's Screaming Heads art installation is located at 981 Midlothian Road, about a 10-minute drive west of Burk's Falls, or 45 minutes north of Huntsville, Ontario (3 hour drive north of Toronto). This is private land, so be sure to check if it is open to the public before attending. Although there is no formal admission fee, donations are appreciated by the artists.
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Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls Ontario has a variety of things climbing up out of the ground - including these massive concrete fingers peaking out of the countryside in Northern Ontario.
30 August 2026
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2 weeks ago
taken in
Screaming Heads, Midlothian Road, Ryerson Township, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Within the artist's complex is a turret shaded like a screaming face. It appears to be an observatory in a perpetual scream. We were able to capture this image while visiting the artist's private courtyard at Screaming Heads in Burk's Falls Ontario.
30 August 2026
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2 weeks ago
taken in
Screaming Heads, Midlothian Road, Ryerson Township, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada
One of many classic screaming heads sculptures at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls Ontario. These sculptures range from 3-4 feet to 12 feet or more and are placed throughout the artist's grounds.
30 August 2026
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2 weeks ago
taken in
Screaming Heads, Midlothian Road, Ryerson Township, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Here I am at the gates of artist Peter Camani's private courtyard. Beyond here lies his private residence and workshop - where the magic is created!
30 August 2026
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2 weeks ago
taken in
Screaming Heads, Midlothian Road, Ryerson Township, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada
At Screaming Heads, a variety of concrete sculptures and monuments can be found throughout the grounds near Burk's Falls. This is an example of a ring of monuments that appear to be dedicated to friends of the artist who are no longer part of the...
At Screaming Heads, a variety of concrete sculptures and monuments can be found throughout the grounds near Burk's Falls. This is an example of a ring of monuments that appear to be dedicated to friends of the artist who are no longer part of the community. Each pillar was individually dedicated and uniquely adorned.
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The left-hand gate to artist Peter Camani's private courtyard at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls. Usually these gates are closed and visitors can only sneak a peak through the "web". On the day we visited the gates were open and we were...
The left-hand gate to artist Peter Camani's private courtyard at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls. Usually these gates are closed and visitors can only sneak a peak through the "web". On the day we visited the gates were open and we were permitted to stroll through the artist's courtyard.
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The right-hand gate to Peter Camani's private courtyard. Shaped like one half of a spider web, when closed, the gates make a complete web.
30 August 2026
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2 weeks ago
taken in
Screaming Heads, Midlothian Road, Ryerson Township, Parry Sound District, Central Ontario, Ontario, Canada
The hiking trail through the artist's private woods begins with this tower and humungous concrete screaming head sculpture. In fact, you have to walk through the mouth to begin your screaming head adventure! Can you spot my youngest daughter...
The hiking trail through the artist's private woods begins with this tower and humungous concrete screaming head sculpture. In fact, you have to walk through the mouth to begin your screaming head adventure! Can you spot my youngest daughter positioned here for scale?
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Behind the gates at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls Ontario, is the artist's private residence. This homage to a Midlothian Castle complete with turrets. Normally the artist's courtyard is closed to visitors, so we were delighted when it was...
Behind the gates at Screaming Heads near Burk's Falls Ontario, is the artist's private residence. This homage to a Midlothian Castle complete with turrets. Normally the artist's courtyard is closed to visitors, so we were delighted when it was open for exploration on the day we visited!
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Comments (2)
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I have been here before! I brought a friend and little seeker a couple years ago. Such a cool spot! I have an album in the old historic photos onI have been here before! I brought a friend and little seeker a couple years ago. Such a cool spot! I have an album in the old historic photos on here haha More ... -
Andrea Horning - I think you were my inspiration to include this stop in our Muskoka road trip itinerary! Your photos were so intriguing I had to seeAndrea Horning - I think you were my inspiration to include this stop in our Muskoka road trip itinerary! Your photos were so intriguing I had to see for myself and let me just say, this outdoor art installation does not disappoint! More ...
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