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Archaeological site · Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Agawa Rock Pictographs
Granite cliff above Lake Superior with Ojibwe red-ochre rock art, in Lake Superior Provincial Park, seen from a stone platform.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Agawa Rock Pictographs
Agawa Rock is a granite cliff that drops straight to Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, north of Sault Ste. Marie. At the base of the rock, by the water, there are dozens of paintings made in red ochre by the Ojibwe people over centuries.
The figures show canoes, animals such as caribou and horses, and Mishipeshu, a horned, spiny-tailed lake creature that, according to Ojibwe stories, controls the waters. The site remains sacred to local communities.
A short, steep trail descends from the parking area through rock fissures to a stone viewing platform on the lakeshore, from which the paintings can be seen. When waves are high, the platform is closed.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour.
Best time
June to September, on calm-lake days. With wind and waves, the platform may be closed.
How to get there
On the Trans-Canada Highway, about 150 km north of Sault Ste. Marie, near Agawa Bay.
Tip
Wear shoes with good grip and do not step onto the wet platform if there are waves: the rocks are slippery and the water is very cold.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Agawa Rock Pictographs
Who made the paintings at Agawa Rock?
The Ojibwe people, using red ochre over centuries.
What is Mishipeshu?
A lake creature with horns that, in Ojibwe stories, controls the waters.
How far is Sault Ste. Marie from Agawa Rock?
About 150 km via the Trans-Canada Highway, roughly a 2-hour drive.