Nature has a remarkable way of preserving history, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Agawa Pictographs in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Tucked away along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, these rock paintings offer a glimpse into the life of the Ojibwe.
With red ochre (using a mix of iron oxide to produce the red colour), the early Ojibwe peoples have created intracite designs which has stood the test of time – and provide us a window into their stories and culture. The intricate designs depict animals, human figures, and symbols that convey stories of cultural significance.
The most recognizable pictograph is “Mishipeshu”, whom is referred to as the Great Lynx, a mythical water being. Other images that can be found include snakes, caribou, canoes, a bear, and other figures. Estimates place the creation of the pictographs to around the 1600s – 1700s.
“Mishipeshu”. Respecting the cultural and historical significance of the site means refraining from touching or disturbing the art. 
To view the pictographs, you’ll need to access a short trail off a parking lot on the south west side of the Trans Canada Highway (see link for parking lot). After a 10 to 15 minute walk down a rugged but well-marked path, you’ll come across the large rocks along the shores of Lake Superior. The pictographs are alongside a rock facing the water, and the viewing platform is a slope towards the water.
Be sure to visit when the water is calm and wind is low, as it can absolutely be dangerous when rainy or when the lake has high waves. The risk of slipping and falling into the water is evident even on mild weather days. Wear hiking shoes (not sandals).
We were lucky to have visited on a calm and sunny day, so the rocks and trail were dry and the water was peaceful. We visited on a Sunday in early August around noon, and it was still pretty busy down by the pictographs.
We were humbled to have witnessed the site and been given a chance to connect with the land, and acknowledge the Ojibwe who have created these artworks, and pay homage to their enduring legacy for those to visit and experience in the future.
Have you visited the Agawa Rock Pictographs? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. 🙂
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We’ve been here a couple of times, including once where it was a bit wavy, so we didn’t make it far on the rock ledge. Glad you managed to visit when the water was calm.
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Thanks for commenting! I was wo grateful we were able to visit on a calm day I can definitely see how it would be dangerous visiting during high wave time.
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