Petroglyphs Provincial Park

Petroglyphs Provincial Park is a nature reserve and national historic site featuring more than 900 ancient rock carvings etched into a flat marble surface. The engravings depict turtles, snakes, human figures, and symbols arranged across a rectangular area, now protected by a specialized glass structure that shields them from weather and environmental damage.

The rock carvings were created between 900 and 1400 AD by Algonquian people who used hammerstones made of gneiss, tools later discovered in nearby crevices. These engravings represent some of the most significant examples of early indigenous artistic expression in the region.

The Anishinaabe call this place Kinomagewapkong, meaning 'the rocks that teach', and it remains a sacred pilgrimage site where people come to connect with ancestral traditions and spiritual teachings.

The park welcomes visitors from May through October with easy access to the petroglyphs through the protective glass structure. A visitor center with educational displays helps guests understand the significance and stories behind the ancient carvings.

Underground water streams beneath the rock formation create sounds that First Nations communities interpret as spirit voices speaking through deep crevices. This natural phenomenon links the physical carvings to spiritual experiences that visitors may encounter during their visit.

Location: Peterborough County

Inception: 1981

Operator: Ontario Parks

Website: https://ontarioparks.com/park/petroglyphs

GPS coordinates: 44.61520,-78.04080

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24