Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a remarkable protected area in southeastern Alberta known for its extensive Indigenous rock art, unique hoodoo formations, and rich cultural heritage along the Milk River.

17,389
Acres Protected
15
Miles of Trails
10,000
Annual Visitors
1957
Year Established

About Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
 

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park spans approximately 17,500 acres along the Milk River in southeastern Alberta, showcasing one of the largest concentrations of Indigenous rock art in North America. The park's landscape is distinguished by dramatic sandstone hoodoos and coulees carved over millennia by erosion, providing an extraordinary geological setting. The park holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Blackfoot people, whose ancestral presence is documented through thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs found on its cliffs and rocks. Ecologically, the park sits within the mixed grass prairie ecozone, supporting diverse wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species such as the prairie falcon and burrowing owl. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails that wind past the rock art sites, through the hoodoo formations, and along the Milk River. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, guided cultural tours, and photography that capture the stark beauty and historical significance of the area. The park also offers camping and picnic facilities, making it a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural tourists alike. Writing-on-Stone is both an archaeological treasure and a natural wonder, providing an immersive experience into Indigenous heritage and the rugged prairie environment. Its status as a Provincial Park helps protect this unique cultural landscape while allowing visitors to connect with the land's deep history and scenic beauty.

Highlights

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Extensive Indigenous rock art sites with thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs

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Striking sandstone hoodoo formations shaped by wind and water erosion

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Milk River valley providing scenic river views and riparian wildlife habitat

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Guided cultural tours led by Blackfoot interpreters sharing Indigenous history

Notable Natural Features

Petroglyphs and Pictographs

Thousands of Indigenous rock carvings and paintings on sandstone cliffs dating back over 1,000 years.

Hoodoo Rock Formations

Eroded sandstone pillars rising dramatically from the prairie floor, formed by natural weathering.

Milk River

A river cutting through the park's coulees, supporting rich wildlife habitat and scenic vistas.