Petroglyph Park is just south of Nanaimo on southern Vancouver Island, accessed by a pull-off from Highway 1. BC Parks says the park's main attraction is a high concentration of prehistoric rock carvings more than 1,000 years old.
A short walkway leads from the parking lot to the interpretive area.
Petroglyph Park is a compact cultural and educational stop. First Nations peoples created the traditional carvings on sandstone, and BC Parks explains that rock art locations were carefully chosen, often near water and natural features considered powerful or mysterious.
The interpretive area has information boards that explain the history and help visitors understand the carvings. Concrete replica castings are available in the main interpretation area for rubbings with cloth or paper and crayon, charcoal, or wax. The original sandstone gallery sits on a hill overlooking Nanaimo Harbour, a short distance along the walkway. The park was established in 1948 to protect the petroglyphs for future generations.
The wildlife viewing section repeats that the petroglyphs are the main attraction here for visitors.
Walk the short trail, read the interpretive boards, view the sandstone petroglyph gallery respectfully, make rubbings from replica castings only, observe Nanaimo Harbour from the hill, and cycle only on roadways.
Stay on designated trails to protect petroglyphs and vegetation. Lock vehicles and remove valuables. E-bikes are not allowed on park trails and are restricted to roads or motorized-use areas. Do not touch, mark, or damage the original carvings.
