Canada’s vast landscapes are not just a testament to natural beauty but also a canvas for ancient stories, carved into rock by indigenous peoples hundreds of years ago. These petroglyphs offer a rare glimpse into the past, making hiking to see them an adventure not just through nature, but time itself.

When planning your hike to these amazing sites, remember the importance of respect and preservation. Always follow park guidelines, stick to marked trails, and avoid touching or damaging the petroglyphs.

Sproat Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia

On Vancouver Island, Sproat Lake Provincial Park is famed for its ancient petroglyphs, thought to be among the oldest in British Columbia. These mysterious carvings, including the well-known K’ak’awin site, depict all manner of mythical creatures. Best of all, they are accessible via hiking trails along the lake’s shore. Interpretive signage offers context for these carvings, believed to have been created by the Nuu-chah-nulth people for spiritual and territorial reasons.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta

Nestled near the U.S. border, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in Alberta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts the largest collection of petroglyphs and pictographs on the North American Great Plains. Hiking here means walking amidst sandstone cliffs that were formed 85 million years ago, where Blackfoot people etched stories of their culture, beliefs, and battles. The park offers guided tours for those interested in delving more into the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Park, Saskatchewan

St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Park in Saskatchewan features more than 300 ancient rock carvings, though who made them remains a mystery. Some of these petroglyphs are believed to have been carved more than 1,500 years ago, with more recent ones dating to 300 years ago. They are carved into the sandstone bedrock and depict a variety of figures, including animals, humans, and geometric patterns. The site is an important cultural and archaeological resource.

Petroglyphs Provincial Park, Ontario

Home to the largest concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada, Petroglyphs Provincial Park in Ontario protects nearly 1,000 petroglyphs dating back as far as 1,000 years. The carvings in the marble depict turtles, snakes, birds, humans, and more, offering a window into the spiritual life of the Algonkian people who made them. The park’s Learning Place Visitor Centre offers a respectful, informative introduction before you explore the trails that meander through the Canadian Shield’s picturesque landscape.

Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia

Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia is unique for its dual designation as a National Park and a National Historic Site. Over 500 carvings have been recorded here, depicting everything from European ships to the traditional activities of the Mi’kmaq people. The beautiful images are carved into the polished slate stone along the lakeshore. The park offers guided tours to view these petroglyphs, which are otherwise restricted to protect them from erosion and vandalism.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone looking to explore the depth of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, these trails offer an unforgettable experience that bridges the past with the present, etched into the very stone of Canada’s wilderness.