You'll Feel Like An Explorer Finding Ancient Drawings On A Rocky Ontario Trail

This one is for all you hardcore explorers out there. You can hike to a truly breathtaking Ontario cliff that’s covered in ancient Indigenous drawings. Getting to this hidden gem is a total adrenaline rush, but you’ll feel so at peace once you arrive.

Located in Wawa, Ontario, inside of Lake Superior Provincial Park, you will find a series of ancient pictographs that have managed to withstand the elements over thousands of years. 

These sacred drawings, known as the Agawa Rock Pictographs, were created by generations of Ojibwe people who used the red ochre paintings to record their dreams and spirits. 

To get to this stunning location, you will need to follow a short but challenging half-kilometre trail that will lead you through busted boulders, rock chasms, and whimsical rock staircases.

In this case, the journey is nearly as beautiful as the destination. Nearly.

The site is typically open from mid-May to September and can only be accessed only when the surrounding lake is calm.

However, at the time of writing, Lake Superior Provincial Park is temporarily closed.

So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled to the park's website because you’re going to want to hit up this magical place ASAP.

To get up close to these incredible paintings you will need to venture out onto a small rock landing along the edge of Lake Superior. 

According to the Ontario Parks website, extra caution is required on the landing because of the “slope and the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior and its wave action.” 

Luckily, there are ropes and chains bolted into the cliff to give you something to hold on to.

Although these paintings have withstood the test of time pretty well, visitors are advised not to touch them, as this could speed up the fading process.

All in all, this 0.5-km hike should take you about an hour to complete.

Though, once you see the amazing cliffside and nearly turquoise waters, we suspect you won't be leaving this place anytime soon.

Agawa Rock Pictographs

Price: $10.84+

Address: 96 Broadway Ave., Wawa, ON 

Why You Need To Go: You can explore a beautiful section of Ontario as you discover ancient cliffside paintings. 

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We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.