Exploring the Shield

History An area not to be missed is Bannock Point. Here sits a collection of rock figures called petroforms. Petroforms are features made by the placement of stones to create outlines of figures and shapes. These petroforms may have been placed by early relatives of present day Anishinabe and be more than 1,500 years old. The rocks are aligned in shapes of snakes, turtles, humans, and other geometric forms. They are thought to be sources of healing power used by the Anishinabe and are still used today. When visiting the petroforms, it is common to find offerings, such as strips of cloth tied to a tree. Today a society of healers known as the Midewewin pursue knowledge of the petroforms and the meanings associated with them.

History

An area not to be missed is Bannock Point. Here sits a collection of rock figures called petroforms. Petroforms are features made by the placement of stones to create outlines of figures and shapes. These petroforms may have been placed by early relatives of present day Anishinabe and be more than 1,500 years old. The rocks are aligned in shapes of snakes, turtles, humans, and other geometric forms. They are thought to be sources of healing power used by the Anishinabe and are still used today. When visiting the petroforms, it is common to find offerings, such as strips of cloth tied to a tree. Today a society of healers known as the Midewewin pursue knowledge of the petroforms and the meanings associated with them.

Another popular attraction is West Hawk Lake in the southeast corner of the park. West Hawk exists today due to the impact of a meteorite. The lake, at 111 meters (364 feet) in depth, is Manitoba's deepest and its clarity makes it a popular site for scuba diving. It also features a geological museum with interpretive displays of the lake and the park's geological history. West Hawk also is home to a fish hatchery where trout, walleye, and other fish are raised and scheduled tours are available. Another lake of interest is the Lily Pond. In summer it becomes flush with the blooms of colorful waterlilies, sitting amidst cliffs of rock estimated to be 3.75 billion years old—among the oldest on the planet.

Another educational center exists in the north end of the park. At Nutimik Lake is the Whiteshell Natural History Museum. Here in this log museum, you can come face to face with a bear and view displays of: the Winnipeg River, the boreal forest, petroforms, and lake sturgeon. A library is also available for further exploration.

Practicalities

A vehicle park permit is required at all times when traveling through the park. These are available at park entrance buildings, park offices, and many businesses throughout the park. Fees range from $5.00 for a casual permit, valid for three consecutive days, while an annual permit is $20.00. Further information on Whiteshell is available on the park's website. Travel Manitoba publishes several guides detailing accommodations, campgrounds, festivals, fishing regulations, provincial parks, and maps. Travel Manitoba can be reached at (800) 665-0040 or at Travel Manitoba's website.