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Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park (2023 Travel Guide)

by Taylor On A Trip | Jan 18, 2023 | Alberta , Canada , Travel , Uncategorized | 4 comments

Taylor stands among miles of hoodoos in Writing On Stone Provincial Park

Practically dripping with magic, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park makes for the perfect Southern Alberta day trip.

Located near the town of Milk River, Alberta , near the Montana border, Writing-On-Stone is both a nature preserve and sacred area featuring many historical rock carvings and paintings.

In Writing-On-Stone, the hoodoos stretch on for miles, the hikes are awe-inducing, the sound of the Milk River flowing is ever-present, and the magic is abundant.

It took me almost a year of exploring Medicine Hat before I visited the park, but now that I have, it’s one of my favorite sites in the Canadian prairies.

Here’s what I found on my visit!

How to Visit Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta

Visit Writing On Stone Provincial Park Alberta Pinterest Pin

Details About Writing-On-Stone

🎟️  Visitor’s Centre – Open mid-May to mid-October.

📍 Address – NW 36 TW1 range 13, Milk River, AB T0K 1M0

When to Visit Writing-On-Stone

Visit Writing On Stone Provincial Park

I visited Writing-On-Stone provincial park on a Saturday in late March and found it to be the perfect time of year.

Alberta weather in early spring can be a bit brisk with snow on the ground, but it’s great for hiking. Plus, early spring means that you’ll mostly have the area to yourself, less a couple of families. Given the nature of things, I’d expect the fall to be much the same.

That said, the park does tend to get busy in summer, due to the beautiful weather of Southern Alberta and the facilities being open. If you plan on coming during that season, prepare to share the space with plenty of others and, as mentioned above, definitely book well in advance if you plan on camping.

How to Get to Writing-On-Stone

Visit Writing On Stone Provincial Park

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is located near the Montana/Alberta border and is about 44km from the Alberta town of Milk River.

The park is an easy day trip from Medicine Hat , which is only about an hour and a half away , and there were signs for Writing-On-Stone almost as soon as I first got on the highway.

Additionally, Writing-On-Stone is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Calgary, Alberta so, while it can be done in a day trip, I’d recommend staying overnight at either a campsite or in a nearby town.

Tips for Visiting Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park

Know that the facilities are seasonal.

Writing-On-Stone is home to a visitor center, and although I wasn’t able to check it out during my stay, it features information about the area, bathrooms, WiFi, bus tours, and a little gift shop.

However, due to the frigid environment the area experiences in winter, the Visitor Centre opens seasonally from mid-May through mid-October.

While there are food options at the park come summertime, no matter what time of year you visit, I’d recommend packing enough food and water to last you through the day.

Not only is this cheaper, but it’ll also save you from heading back to the main area every time you get hungry.

Be Aware of the Wildlife

A hoodoo cave against a blue sky in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta

During my early-spring visit, I didn’t see much wildlife whatsoever besides birds.

However, if you visit in the summer pay special attention to the fact that Writing-On-Stone is rattlesnake territory. Due to the hilly, hoodoo-esque landscape, rattlers may be hard to spot, so keep your ears perked and remember to step on top of rocks or fallen trees, not over them, as snakes like to hang out against them.

And, as always, rattlesnakes are probably more scared of you than you are of them (unless you’re terrified of the beasts like me.)

I also noticed signs for bears and cougars, which I would doubly keep in mind if you visit in the off-season or hike farther away from the main recreational area.

Keep Preservation in Mind

Visit Writing On Stone Provincial Park

As stated above, the cultural and historical significance of Writing-On-Stone dates back to 7000 BC, and maintaining the park for others to see and enjoy is super important. Not to mention, the eroded hoodoos are much older than that and are a sight to see in and of themselves. The entire area is fragile, so stick to marked trails and areas.

Be respectful when visiting the area, follow leave-no-trace principles, and definitely notify someone if you see any vandalism occurring.

Things to Do at Writing-On-Stone UNESCO World Heritage Site

Check out the hoodoos.

A hoodoo in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park

85 Million years ago, on the location of where the park is today, there was a coastal shelf of a very big inland sea.

Over time, sand deposits from this sea compacted, forming sandstone. Eventually, the sea disappeared, and much later, at the end of the last Ice Age, the sandstone eroded due to water, ice, and wind, leaving us the hoodoos and other intriguing rock formations we see today.

I. Love. Hoodoos.

I don’t know what it is, but walking all around giant towering sandstone rock formations is always such an ethereal experience for me. The hoodoos at Writing-On-Stone go on for miles, and the paths that take you around them are perfectly laid out for an immersive hoodoo experience.

Learn About the Petroglyphs and Pictographs

Petroglyphs and pictographs are protected behind a cage in Writing On Stone Provincial Park

The region of Writing-On-Stone has been occupied by Indigenous communities going back as far as 10,000 years.

In particular, the area is sacred to the Blackfoot (Aisinai’pi) people, who created many of the petroglyphs (rock carvings), and pictographs (rock paintings) featured at the site. The scenes created by these carvings and paintings tell stories of what life was like for those who lived here, and of spirits they encountered.

The photos below show a protected area where you’ll find the “battle scene” rock carvings.

Petroglyphs and pictographs in Writing On Stone Provincial Park, Alberta

Camping is bliss at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, as the many spots are nestled underneath gorgeous cottonwood trees and are just steps from the hoodoos and the river.

There are both full-service camping spots as well as more basic ones but, whatever you choose, try to book in advance – especially if you plan on visiting in the summer months.

If you don’t book in advance or show up later than you expected, never fear, you’ll be able to find hosts that can sort you out (summertime only).

Hike the Trails

Taylor stands among towering weathered rocks in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park

Aside from simply stumbling around through the hoodoos (which is an enjoyable activity in itself), there are some great legitimate hiking trails in Writing-On-Stone.

Personally, I hiked the 2.2 km (one way) Hoodoo trail and the 0.5km (one way) Battle Scene trail — both of which I had completely to myself — although there are plenty of options for longer hikes in the area.

You can either choose to do these hikes with a guide, or you can trek them solo. Either way, you’ll get an awesome overview of the area due to rest stops with markers along the way. Just remember to pick up a pamphlet for reference before you head out!

Witness the Magic

Hoodoos in Writing On Stone Provincial Park

I found Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park to be the perfect place to just sit and reflect. With thousands of years of sacred history and spiritual significance under its belt, the energy at Writing-On-Stone is immeasurable, and will often have the hairs on your arms sticking straight up.

In addition to taking photos and hiking, I made extra time to just sit on benches, look off into the distance, and write in my journal. If you’re in need of a bit of a mental break or just want to enjoy a change of pace, I highly recommend doing the same.

That’s it for my Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park travel guide!

I hope this gave you a ton of inspiration for your visit, and feel free to drop any questions below in the comments!

Have fun in Writing-On-Stone!

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Fran Matthews

Are the trails wheelchair accessible?

Taylor On A Trip

Hi Fran! Unfortunately because of the terrain, many of the trails are not wheelchair accessible. I just did some research, and according to the Wrtiting-On-Stone website, the visitors center is accessible. More information can be found here https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone-pp/information-facilities/

Karmen

Thanks SO much for sharing Taylor! Was it this March that you visited (2021), we are seriously considering trying the FCFS camping and staying over easter weekend but are a little worried to make the 5 hour trip and not find a spot! By the sounds of it tho there should be plenty of space!

Hi Karmen! I actually visited a couple of years ago. When I was there, there were some families camping but it was mostly open. I did find this resource that helps explain the current camping situation, hope it helps! : http://www.mrwcc.ca/index.php/resources/re/

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Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park: Why This Sacred Canadian Petroglyph Site Has Been UNESCO Listed

The UNESCO-listed Writing-on-Stone Park is a great place to learn about the ancient history and heritage of Canada's Great Plains.

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Writing-on-stone provincial park is one of canada's newest unesco-listed sites, history of writing-on-stone provincial park, what to know about visiting the writing-on-stone provincial park.

While the American Southwest (and particularly the Four Corners region) is famous for its many ancient ruins and petroglyphs (e.g., the 24,000 petroglyphs at the Petroglyph National Monument ), Canada has its own ancient sites as well. One of the places to discover Canada's pre-European heritage is at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in Alberta.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is located in far southern Alberta near the border with the United States and the state of Montana. Not only does the park preserve important petroglyphs, but it also protects one of the largest pieces of prairie in the Alberta park system. It serves to both protect the First National's rock carvings and paintings and the environment acting as a nature preserve.

The value of the Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park has been recently recognized and afforded the highest level of protection - being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Writing-on-Stone Park was filed to UNESCO under the Blackfoot name "Áísínai'pi."

Writing-on-Stone has the largest concentration of rock art found in the Great Plains. The area boasts over 50 petroglyph sites collectively containing thousands of ancient works of art.

Visitors to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park should keep in mind that the park is considered sacred to the Blackfoot and other First Nations of the area.

After visiting the Writing-on-Stone's petroglyphs, take the time to explore the United States truly ancient petroglyphs in Nevada (thought to be between 14,800 and 10,500 years old).

Related: 8 Must-Do Indigenous-Led Experiences In Edmonton, Alberta

The park is dominated by ancient sandstone outcrops that were laid down by an ancient inland sea around 84 million years ago (during the Late Cretaceous when dinosaurs roamed North America). The sandstone was carved by the meltwater as the glaciers retreated at the end of the last Ice Age, producing the hoodoos and cliffs seen today.

As the Ice Age ended, people expanded into what is now Alberta, and there is evidence of the area being inhabited around 7,000 BC.

Most of the rock art found at these sites is believed to date from as far back as 1,800 BC. But there are petroglyphs up to the post-contact period when the First Nations came into contact with the Europeans. Most of the images date before the arrival of the Europeans, and most are ancient - more than 3,000 years old. They offer a valuable glimpse into the deep prehistory of the Great Plains of Canada.

People tend to draw what they can see. As the Europeans arrived, the content of the rock art changed with scenes like hunters on horseback ( mustangs were introduced - or reintroduced - to North America by the Spanish ). Across the border down in southern Montana, visitors can explore the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and learn about how the two vastly different cultures clashed.

Related: Where To See The Ancient Petroglyphs In Arizona's Coconino National Forest

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park has a number of facilities, including a visitor center, hiking trails, campgrounds, and more. Visit in the summer, and plan to spend at least a night camping at the park admiring the ancient rock art and the prairie landscapes.

The visitor center is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm on weekends during the peak season. In the off-season, the visitor center is open by appointment but closed on weekends.

There are also kayaking opportunities in the Milk River. While at the park, keep an eye out for prairie falcons, great horned owls, grey partridges, pheasants, pronghorn, and mule deer. The park is a great place to explore the prairies of southern Alberta.

The park is made up of three components. Áísínai’pi is the main part, then 10 km (6 miles) away are Haffner Coulee and Poverty Rock, which have thousands more rock art images.

Be respectful of the site as it is sacred to the Blackfoot people, and the engravings and paintings record spirit messages. Visitors can marvel at over 200 rock art panels adorning the cliff faces at the park.

The park offers a number of guided walks in the park so that visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the ancient site. It is recommended to register for the tours online in advance. These tours generally cost around $24 CAD per adult and are offered during the peak tourist season.

Guided Tours:

  • Beings of the Land: Duration 1.5 Hours / Difficulty - Moderate
  • Living Landscape: Duration 1.5 Hours / Difficulty - Easy
  • Markings of Áísínai’pi: Duration 2 Hour / Difficulty - Moderate

Another attraction at the Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a reconstructed North-West Mounted Police outpost. It was rebuilt on the original site of an old outpost for the Mounties.

The Wild Albertan

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Exploring Alberta’s Provincial Parks: Writing-On-Stone

writing on the stone

About Writing-On-Stone

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is a medium provincial park in Southern Alberta about 44km east of Milk River (the town) and it straddles the Milk River itself. Due to its cultural significance, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park serves as a sacred place for the Blackfoot and other aboriginal tribes. The park contains the greatest concentration of rock art on the North America Great Plains – An area spanning more than 2.8 million kilometers up the center of North America – from Texas and New Mexico up through Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Geographically, the park has cool sandstone that has been eroded into hoodoos and cliffsides.

There is also a North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) outpost that has been reconstructed on its original site (the original burned down at some point after 1918).

See All Alberta Provincial Parks

writing on the stone

History of Writing-On-Stone

The Milk River Valley has been inhabited by First Nations tribes for more than 9000 years. Tribes such as the Blackfoot created the unique rock carvings and paintings found throughout the park. The towering cliffs and hoodoos held spiritual significance to the first nations in the park who believed that they were home to powerful spirits. Smaller game found shelter among the coulees in the valley and the abundance of game and berries made the area an excellent location for them to stop on their migrations to replenish food supplies.

After the European settlers arrived in Alberta, an illegal whiskey trade was not far behind. United States merchants would smuggle in toxic whiskey blends sold to the first nations tribes which would kill them – either directly through poisoning – or indirectly through fighting among each other, or wandering into the cold Alberta wilderness and freezing to death. After the Cypress Hills Massacre, the Canadian Government formed the North-West Mounted Police and established forts among the US border to stop the illegal whiskey trade.

writing on the stone

In 1887, a NWMP camp was established in Writing-On-Stone to try and stop the smuggling in the area. Another goal was to stop the First Nations horse-raiding parties which was a big contributing factor of the Cypress Hills Massacre. The existence of this fort was relatively uneventful with grassfires, and stray cattle being the biggest things that the officers handled here.

In the years leading up to World War I, there was a large influx of settlers in the area who brought with them solutions to the NWMP’s boredom. In 1918, the fort closed and would later become victim of arson.

In 1957, the Government of Alberta established the provincial park to protect the archaeological significance of the area. It became an archeological preserve in 1977. In 1981, a portion of the park became a Provincial Historic Resource to protect the rock art from increasing vandalism and graffiti. In 2005, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park became a National Historic Site and in 2019, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

writing on the stone

Activities at Writing-On-Stone

Visitors to Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and exploring the unique cultural heritage of the area.

One of the main attractions at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is the guided tours of the petroglyphs and pictographs. These tours provide visitors with a rare opportunity to see ancient rock art that dates back over 2,000 years. The park’s interpretive staff are knowledgeable about the history and meaning of the artwork and can provide insights into the culture and traditions of the Indigenous people who created it.

Another popular activity at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is hiking. The park has a variety of trails that wind through the park’s unique geological formations, including the Hoodoo Interpretive Trail and the Battle Scene Trail. The Hoodoo Trail is a 2.5km (one-way) hike that takes visitors through a stunning landscape of sandstone hoodoos and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Camping is another popular activity at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park. The park offers both primitive and serviced campsites, as well as group camping areas. The campsites are situated in beautiful natural settings, and visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and washroom facilities. The park is also home to a range of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and pronghorn antelope, which visitors can often see while camping. Canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are popular activities on the Milk River in the park.

In addition to the park’s natural and cultural attractions, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park also offers a range of interpretive programs and events throughout the year. These include guided walks, talks, and workshops, as well as cultural celebrations and events that highlight the traditions and practices of the Indigenous people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.

writing on the stone

Rattlesnakes at Writing-On-Stone

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is a provincial park located in a part of Alberta that has rattlesnakes. The snakes like the valley due to its hot temperatures and will often be seen sunning themselves on the rock faces throughout the park. Visitors should take some preventative measures, but the rattlesnakes are not fatal to humans if they are treated properly.

Rattlesnakes are timid and will go to great lengths to avoid contact with humans. They generally only bite if they feel threatened by humans so as long as you leave the snakes along, they will leave you alone as well.

If you do end up getting bitten:

  • Stay calm – Rattlesnake bites are treatable (staying calm will also slow blood flow which will keep the venom in one area)
  • Avoid cardio activities – The goal is to prevent your blood from spreading the venom throughout the body. If possible, immobilize the bitten area and keep it below the heart level.
  • Go immediately to the nearest hospital (Town of Milk River). They have the medical resources and expertise to treat snake bites.
  • Don’t: Attempt to suck the venom out, apply a tourniquet, or attack the snake further – no sense injuring yourself further.

How do I Prevent Snake Bites?

The easiest treatment to snake bites it to avoid getting bit in the first place. There are some preventative measures that you can implement to avoid getting bit by snakes while explore the park.

  • Stay on trails – Snakes learn to avoid areas of high traffic and due to their shy nature, they will tend toward piles of rocks and bushes for protection.
  • Avoid Long Grass – This is another area where snakes will hide from predators and their colouring makes them hard to see – and easy to step on.
  • Don’t Put Hands Where You Can’t See – This includes in bushes, cracks, holes, and crevices in the rock faces. Snakes will used these areas as shelter. Also, avoid climbing the rocks as snakes like to sun themselves on top and you won’t necessarily see them.
  • Don’t Bother Snakes When You Do See Them – Snakes just want to be left alone. They bite as a defense mechanism and are not aggressive toward humans unless provoked.

writing on the stone

Camping at Writing-On-Stone

There is one campground and two group use areas in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park. There is also three cabins that is rented out in the summertime.

Day Use at Writing-On-Stone

The day use area at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is located next to hoodoos. It has a cook shelter, firepits, firewood (sold), pay phones, outhouses, playgrounds, and water taps.

Distances to Alberta Cities

Distance to Calgary: 340km

Distance to Edmonton: 631km

Distance to Red Deer: 481km

Distance to Lethbridge: 128km

Distance to Grande Prairie: 1046km

Coordinates: 49°05’10.6″N 111°37’09.9″W

Alberta Parks Website

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writing on the stone

Rivers, Rocks, and Rattlesnakes?! Why Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a Natural Playground

April 20, 2018

By Charity Quick | April 20, 2018

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

Our Montana friends, just south of the border, call it Big Sky Country for a reason. In the summer, the land stretches quietly out in front of you, with gently swaying fields of grasses and brilliant blue sky as far as you can see. The day we drove to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, the sun was scorching, and the air had the hot, dry smell of mid-summer on the prairies. Confident we were headed in the right direction, assuming the signs don’t lie, we craned our necks and searched the horizon for some assurance that we were almost there. Without warning (besides the signs), we drove off the plains and into the valley. Tremendous hoodoos grew taller as the road wound down, and soon we were amongst the rocks and trees.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a remarkable, natural location in Southern Alberta. Along the border between Alberta and Montana, it’s a hidden jewel on the grasslands, lesser-known, although it’s under 4 hours drive from Calgary. There are many extraordinary places to camp in Alberta, and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is undoubtedly on that list.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

Looking towards the Sweetgrass Hills, Montana. Photo Credit: Charity Quick

For years, this coulee, filled with hoodoos and with a river running through it, has been a significant location for the First Nations people. Imbued with spiritual consequence, the rocks here are now historically important as they contain one of the largest and most notable examples of petroglyphs in North America. The Battle Scene Petroglyph, as it’s known, is a short hike away from the campsite and tells the story of a late 19th century battle between two First Nations tribes. The area was a crucial location because of its water, shelter, and the spiritual role the hoodoos played. Later, the NWMP placed an outpost nearby, keeping an eye out for potential whiskey smugglers and other historical rowdies as they crossed the border.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

Observing the world and all that is in it. Photo Credit: Charity Quick

Today, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a striking, natural playground. The towering rock formations we know as the hoodoos, worn by water and time, are nothing short of incredible and possibly the best example of hoodoos in Alberta. (Sorry, Drumheller!) The Milk River loops around the campground at the park, and because it’s relatively slow and shallow, it makes a natural lazy river. You could spend all afternoon floating down the river, around the campground, getting out at the little sandy beach, and making the short walk across the campground to start your float all over again. And with the hot, sunny weather in the area, that’s precisely what you’ll want to do.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

The author enjoying the “lazy river.” It’s a good life. Photo Credit: Matt Quick

As we were setting up our campsite, the park host stopped by to welcome us. He invited us to head through “the pass” beside our campsite and go for a hike up the hoodoos (anywhere between the campsite and the visitor centre).  We asked about any rules, and he said to wear sunscreen, bring water, be careful, and have fun, but he also cautioned us to not purposefully damage the rocks and to mind the sections that we shouldn’t touch (like the battle scene petroglyph, which is fenced).

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

Photo Credit: Charity Quick

The mother in me made sure to note the location of the nearest emergency centre (it’s in Milk River), and the kid in me told them to jump from rock to rock so that I could get some fun pictures.

So they jumped. And they loved it.

writing on the stone

There were times if I’m honest that I covered my eyes as they scrambled up a rock and practically slid down the other side. There was nothing they liked better than disappearing around the corner of a hoodoo and climbing up as high as they could unless it was floating with the current down the river. I wouldn’t let them swim without me, and I harped on the dangers of rattlesnakes and scorpions. (We didn’t see or even hear a rattler, but it definitely added an unexpected frisson of excitement for the kids.)

Hiking to the Battle Scene Petroglyph, we read from a self-guided tour pamphlet and experienced the curious, profound silence of the rocks and plains: the silence that isn’t silent. The sun-baked, dry grasses rustled along the path and the cicadas and crickets whirred and whined in the heat. We met only a couple other adventurers on our hike, and the prairie grouse startled us, as we startled them.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

View from the path while we hiked to the Battle Scene Petroglyph. Photo Credit: Charity Quick

The nights brought a refreshing respite from the heat as we snuggled into our tent. Thankfully, in spite of the thunderstorm that raged one night, as only storms on the prairies can, we remained cosy and dry.

From history to natural wonders to just plain fun, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park makes an excellent destination for a satisfying camping trip. Even I couldn’t resist scrambling up the formations and enjoying the view. The campsite has a lovely building with flush toilets and hot showers, for those who don’t care to rough it too much. And there are even a few “ comfort camping ” permanent tents, equipped with beds and everything you need to say you went camping, even when you don’t actually want to or don’t have your own equipment.

Either way, be sure to check out this unique, unspoiled wonder in Southern Alberta this summer and enjoy some family fun, naturally!

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Family Fun Canada)

Even adults like to get in on the fun. Photo Credit: Charity Quick

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park:

Where: NW 36 TW1 range 13, Milk River, AB Website:  www.albertaparks.ca

Categories: Alberta , Canada , News & Reviews Tags: Camping , Family Travel , Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park

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IMAGES

  1. Áísínai’pi (Writing-on-Stone)

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  2. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park takes visitors back in time

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  3. What to Expect at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park in Alberta

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  4. Writing-on-Stone

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  5. Wallpaper : temple, rock, wall, Greece, writing, Greek Writing, ART

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  6. Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi, Alberta

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VIDEO

  1. Explore Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park's Sacred Roots

  2. Áísínai'pi Writing on Stone

  3. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park Alberta

  4. Writing On Stone Provincial Park Alberta

  5. Ancient Petroglyphs at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

  6. Writing On Stone

COMMENTS

  1. Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park (2023 Travel Guide)

    Located near the town of Milk River, Alberta, near the Montana border, Writing-On-Stone is both a nature preserve and sacred area featuring many historical rock carvings and paintings. In Writing-On-Stone, the hoodoos stretch on for miles, the hikes are awe-inducing, the sound of the Milk River flowing is ever-present, and the magic is abundant.

  2. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

    Writing, carving or otherwise leaving marks on the rocks at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is considered vandalism and is illegal. Please help us to protect this important resource for future generations by educating members of your visiting group and reporting acts of vandalism to staff. Water Advisory - Water Shut off at Campground.

  3. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park: Why This Sacred Canadian ... -

    Writing-on-Stone has the largest concentration of rock art found in the Great Plains. The area boasts over 50 petroglyph sites collectively containing thousands of ancient works of art. Visitors to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park should keep in mind that the park is considered sacred to the Blackfoot and other First Nations of the area.

  4. Exploring Alberta’s Provincial Parks: Writing-On-Stone

    Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is a medium provincial park in Southern Alberta about 44km east of Milk River (the town) and it straddles the Milk River itself. Due to its cultural significance, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park serves as a sacred place for the Blackfoot and other aboriginal tribes.

  5. A Camping We Will Go: Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park

    Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is proud to be Canada’s 20th UNESCO World Heritage site . It joins the likes of Dinosaur Provincial Park, to which we felt there were many similarities. Much like Dinosaur, it has a fantastic Visitor Centre that sits a top the hill overlooking the campground.

  6. Rivers, Rocks, and Rattlesnakes?! Writing-on-Stone Provincial

    Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a remarkable, natural location in Southern Alberta. Along the border between Alberta and Montana, it’s a hidden jewel on the grasslands, lesser-known, although it’s under 4 hours drive from Calgary.

  7. Camping

    Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park. Information & Facilities. . Writing-on-Stone PP. Public Safety. ☰ MENU. Information: 403-647-2364. Directions. Water Advisory - Water Shut off at Campground. From the Town of Milk River, drive 32 km east on Secondary Highway 501, and south 10 km on Secondary road 500; (entire route paved).