Place of Clear Wawa Water

Place of Clear Wawa Water. . , I think you would agree that the Wawa town site is situated in the perfect spot , a level plain on the shores of a picturesque lake of crystal green water surrounded by rolling mountains of natural abundance. Wawa's Ojibway ancestors, early American tourists and our founding residents would agree with you! , The origin of Wawa's unique name is found in the Ojibway language. Some believe that the word "wawa" was Ojibway for wild goose, referring to the regular flocks that migrate over Wawa every year. The word "wewe" is translated as snow goose, a close relative to the Canada Goose that is common in Northern Ontario. , When early prospectors, tourists and sportsmen first explored and fished the Wawa area, their native guides told them that Wawa Lake was called "wawagonk" meaning place of clear water. This original Ojibway name may have been shortened to give us the unique name of Wawa which we use today. , The Michipicoten Ojibway regularly camped on the shores of Wawa Lake. It was a prime fishing location and resting place on a popular portage and trading route from Michipicoten Bay on Lake Superior to Missinaibi and James Bay. These waters also attracted gentlemen fishermen from as far away as Detroit and Chicago. They would hire local Ojibway guides and make annual treks to these prized fishing grounds at the turn of the 19th century. , In the 1880's Mormon teamsters were the first Europeans to inhabit the western shoreline of Wawa Lake. These labourers were contracted for the crucial job of transferring rails, supplies and manpower from Michipicoten Bay on Lake Superior to crews working on the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the Missanabie/Chapleau regions. The whole transportation process covered a distance of 100 kilometres through endless forests, swamps, lakes and crisscrossing rivers. , The Lakeview Hotel occupies the site where the Mormon contractors set up camp during their freighting operations. A small steamboat was used to aid in the transportation of supplies across Wawa Lake. The steamboats metal boiler and rotting wooden hull was once a unique relic for children to explore during family picnics along the shore. Keep your eyes open for old horse and mule shoes! You never know where they might be found. , Wawa residents are happy to boast that the spring fed waters of Wawa Lake provide us with some of the best fishing and pure drinking water around. A place of clear water is the perfect place to be!