locally (likely within 5 km) and deposited fairly close to where they originated in bedrock. After the ice retreated, meltwater would flow between the boulders and winnow out all but the largest boulders. The finer material would be deposited farther downstream. The transport in ice and contact with meltwater has smoothed some of the sharp, angular edges that these blocks would have had initially.”
The size of these boulders and their proximity to the Trans Canada Highway means that there is a great deal of interest by boulderers, aficionados of the sport of bouldering, a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large boulders or artificial man-made boulders. “The Ignace Boulder Field has been described as “the best bouldering in Canada between the Niagara Glen and the Rockies!” He said, “Visitors will enjoy the experience of seeing the boulders - or climbing them – and can top up their visit by feasting on the namesake blueberries. Keep an eye open for roadside raspberries, too.” You can find these 15 km north of Ignace on Highway 599 (Savant Lake); pass the Park entrance and drive 4.3 km and turn at WGS 84 15 U E607201 N5484213 or N49° 30.064’ W91° 31.166’ (note you are on the 49th N parallel of latitude); drive 0.7 km NNW and then turn WSW and drive less than 0.5 km, the boulders are in sight (north side) scattered amongst the jack pine. These are enormous. You can see the extensive field as large white dots on Google Earth.