Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

　　    Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is the largest center of original rock art and petroglyphs in North America. Established on January 8, 1957, it is situated in the southeastern corner of Alberta, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Lethbridge. The park spans the famous Milk River and was once a haunt of the Indigenous Blackfoot people. It is considered one of the most sacred sites by the Blackfoot and many other First Nations.

　　    Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park encompasses the largest area of prairie within Alberta’s park system. The most distinctive feature of the valley along the Milk River is the vast collection of sandstone hoodoos. The riverbank cliffs preserve the largest concentration of original rock art and petroglyphs in North America, numbering in the thousands, some of which date back as far as 9,000 years. The carvings etched into the stone tell distant stories. Research suggests that the petroglyphs primarily depict scenes of ancient life such as battles, ceremonies, funerals, and hunting. In addition, the park is home to a diverse range of bird species and wildlife.

　　    Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park offers guided tours. With an Indigenous guide, visitors can learn about the lives of ancient First Nations tribes, explore the stories illustrated in the rock art, and hear the myths and legends passed down through Indigenous oral traditions.

　　    Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park Reason to visit: The largest center of original rock art and petroglyphs in North America Continent: North America [North America] Country/Region: Canada [Canada] Province/State: Alberta [Alberta]