Petroglyph Provincial Park
A small provincial park on the southern outskirts of Nanaimo, where animal and spirit figures carved into sandstone thousands of years ago by Indigenous people survive.
Petroglyph Provincial Park lies about 3 kilometres south of Nanaimo's city centre, beside Highway 1. Petroglyphs left by the ancestors of the Snuneymuxw First Nation are carved into the sandstone among the trees. The designs include sea wolves, birds, fish and mythological creatures, and are estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. From the car park, a short trail of about 5 minutes leads to the main group of petroglyphs. At the entrance there are replica petroglyphs that you can rub with paper and crayon. Entry is free, and a visit takes about 30 minutes, so it is a good stop on the way. Please do not step on or touch the original petroglyphs.
Opening hours
Open during the day
Nearby sights
- Nanaimo Museum
- Nanaimo Bastion
- Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway
- Dinghy Dock Pub (Protection Island)
- Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park
- Gabriola Island & Malaspina Galleries
- WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo
- Neck Point Park