Old Woman Bay
Old Woman Bay is a dramatic stretch of Lake Superior shoreline known for its long sandy beach framed by towering cliffs that rise roughly 200 metres above the water. The bay takes its name from a distinctive rock formation in the cliff face that resembles the profile of an old woman gazing out over the lake.
Details
Date Added to Canadian Geographical Names Database:
July 3, 1952?This is the date when the Government officially recognized the name. More Info
Notes
Biologist and geologist, Louis Agassiz paddled past Old Women Bay 1848 on his way from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay. He said this: In the afternoon a favorable breeze sprung up. Our men were profuse in their thanks and compliments to the "old lady", and in addition to the tarpaulin, must needs rig a spritsail, which they made of a blanket extended between an oar and the fish-spear.
Sources and Further Learning
The name for the bay and river come from a rock formation near the river's mouth that resembles the face of an old woman.