Ancient Petroglyphs, Towering Hoodoos, and a River to Cool Off In—Writing-on-Stone Has It All

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Nerissa McNaughton

In the beautiful valley of Milk River in southern Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is a portal into the past and a sacred place rich with cultural and historical significance. Known for its sandstone hoodoos and deeply spiritual Indigenous ties, this UNESCO World Heritage site invites visitors to explore its unique landscapes while honouring the stories etched into its stones.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s your complete guide to appreciating Writing-On-Stone responsibly, along with some fascinating facts, travel tips, and camping information to enrich your experience.

The Indigenous Significance of Writing-On-Stone

For the Blackfoot people, Writing-On-Stone (or Áísínai’pi, meaning “it is written”) is a profoundly sacred place. This land tells the stories of their ancestors through petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) that date back thousands of years. Each carving and painting reflects sacred rites, records hunting achievements, or communicates spiritual teachings.

The Blackfoot believe that this land holds a connection between the physical and spiritual realms. It remains central to their cultural identity and practices, making it more than a geographic location; it’s a bridge to their heritage and ancestry.

The park’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site was a pivotal moment, recognizing its cultural significance not only to Indigenous peoples but also to the world.

Visiting Respectfully

When you visit Writing-On-Stone, it’s important to do so with respect and mindfulness. Here’s how you can show your appreciation while preserving the site for future generations:

Honor the Sacred Nature
Treat the park as a sacred space. Avoid touching or climbing on the rock formations with petroglyphs and pictographs to prevent damaging these irreplaceable works.
Follow Designated Trails
Stick to the marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems and cultural artifacts. Guided tours are an ideal way to learn more while ensuring the site is preserved.
Learn Before You Go
Take time to understand the cultural and historical importance of the park. Consider joining an interpretive program to hear stories directly from Indigenous guides.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aeirun – Always take the scenic route! (@aeirunventurous)

Little-Known Facts and Trivia

A Repository of Stories: Writing-On-Stone boasts one of the largest collections of rock art in North America, with over 50 petroglyph panels and thousands of designs.
Natural Sculptors at Work: The stunning hoodoos were shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years. These unique formations are also home to diverse plant and animal species.
Echoes of the Plains Wars: The area holds significant historical significance as a site of conflict between Indigenous peoples and the North-West Mounted Police during the late 19th century. The police established a post in the valley in 1887, parts of which can still be explored today.

Camping at Writing-On-Stone

Extend your stay at Writing-On-Stone by immersing yourself in its beauty through camping. The park offers over campsites ranging from unserviced to powered sites for tents and RVs. Restrooms, showers, and a playground are also available. Camping spots fill quickly, especially during summer months. Reserve your site early through the official Alberta Parks website.

Writing-On-Stone is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning you’ll witness awe-inspiring views of the stars. Plan a night of stargazing to round out your stay.

Plan Your Visit Today

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is more than just a day trip – it’s an opportunity to connect with history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re drawn to its breathtaking scenery, eager to learn about its Indigenous heritage, or simply searching for a peaceful escape, this park offers it all. To learn more about planning your visit, click here for the official Alberta Parks page.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.