Agawa Rock Pictographs

Agawa Rock is one of the most known Pictograph sites in Canada, found within Lake Superior Provincial Park. The area is also one of the most visited Indigenous archaeological sites in Canada. The majority of the red ochre paintings from the Agawa site are said to date back centuries. Pictographs are survived messages. This is a sacred site where generations of Ojibwe have come to record dreams, visions and events. Agawa Rock is a sacred site. Please respect and preserve the Pictographs. Do not touch the rock paintings. The paintings have proven to be truly resilient, withstanding the harshest of elements given their location on Lake Superior. Nevertheless, the paintings do continue to fade over time. Sun, wind, waves and ice are all-natural causes of the progressive erosion of the cliff face. Lichen or mineral deposition covers the figures in some places. We will never actually know how many Pictographs have already faded from Agawa Rock.

The images visible today include canoes and familiar animals such as moose, deer, bear and caribou. The most recognizable painting consisting of a spined-horned animal is said to be “Mishipeshu”, or the Great Lynx, the spirit of the water. Mishipeshu could work for or against humans — he could calm the waters, or he could bring wind and storms over Superior by thrashing his tail.

How to Get There

Agawa Bay is located approximately 135 km north of Sault Ste. Marie along Trans Canada Highway 17 in Lake Superior Provincial Park. There is a sign on the highway directing visitors to Agawa Rock. After a long, narrow, winding road you will reach the parking area. (Note: There are parking fees.) The trail to the site of the Pictographs is short, rugged and slippery more often than not. Ensure you dress accordingly (hiking shoes are recommended) and don’t forget your camera!

The picturesque trail descends 30 meters (98 feet) through rock chasms, broken boulders and sheer cliffs. You will have to walk down onto a rock shelf to view the Pictographs. They are only accessible when Superior is calm. Take lots of caution when venturing out to the paintings. The rock shelf is a constant slope and the unpredictable manner of Lake Superior increases risk.

The trail itself is open from mid-May to mid-September.

Round-trip hike: Approx. 500m, Half hour to 1 hour hiking time
Difficulty: Moderate, Steep-rocky sections and slippery conditions
Location: Agawa Bay, Lake Superior, ON
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