You can find one of the most concentrated collections of rock art on Vancouver Island at Petroglyph Provincial Park. Visitors glimpse traditional carvings created more than 1,000 years ago at this small two-hectare Nanaimo park located in the Snuneymuxw First Nation territory.
Quick Park Facts
- Features: This day-use park has petroglyphs that are easy to access
- Length of Trail: Less than a 5-minute walk
- Suitability: Everyone
- Hazards: Located on busy Hwy 1. This area is well-known for petty crime.
- Bike Trails: No
- Camping: None
- Washrooms: None
- Dog Friendly: No signs indicate you can’t bring your dog, but please stay on the marked trails to protect the petroglyphs. As always, please pick up after your dog.
Features of Petroglyph Park
A clearly marked trail leads you through the park to view the petroglyphs. You'll find information boards near the beginning of the trail that give details about the area's history and petroglyphs. Petroglyph replicas are also available to view if you have trouble finding the real ones.
Tip: Make your own petroglyph souvenir! Bring a large sheet of paper and a pencil, and choose one of the replicas to make a petroglyph rubbing. Please don't do this with the real petroglyphs.
The real petroglyphs are scattered around the park and are often hard to see. The highest concentration is near the end of the short paved trail, but again, you really have to search for them. Many are moss-covered or hidden by greenery. However, the search is half the fun! Please remember to stay on the marked trail when searching.
Cultural Significance of Petroglyphs
Aboriginals of the area made petroglyphs by pecking and abrading rock surfaces with stone tools. The locations chosen for these rock carvings were intentional and are usually marked by significant natural features such as rock formations, caves, waterfalls, or nearby water.
The carvings were made for various reasons, including commemorating special events such as coming-of-age ceremonies or asserting territorial ownership. They are essentially records of people without a written language and a rare link to the past of First Nations cultures in British Columbia.
In BC alone, more than 500 examples of either petroglyphs or pictographs (ancient rock paintings) have been discovered. This is more than any other province in Canada.
Getting to Petroglyph Provincial Park
- Petroglyph Provincial Park is found off Hwy 1 in South Nanaimo, near Chase River.
- Access the park via a pull-off from Hwy 1. Please watch for signs along the highway.
- A large parking area is found at the trailhead.
Things to Note
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a few of the hazards of Petroglyph Park. This area of Nanaimo is known for its petty crime. Please don't leave anything of value inside your vehicle when exploring the park.
As mentioned, the park is just off Hwy 1, and vehicle noise is heard throughout. So, it's not the most tranquil of parks. The heavy nearby traffic is another reason to keep your dogs leashed.
Why you should go
Standing in front of the petroglyphs, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of respect. These carvings weren’t created for tourists or trail maps. They were etched into the rock by the Snuneymuxw First Nation as a form of communication, ceremony, and cultural expression. Visiting today feels less like sightseeing and more like being quietly welcomed into a living history.
It’s also one of those rare spots that works for almost everyone. You don’t need hiking boots or a full day carved out of your itinerary. The short trail makes it easy for families, history lovers, and curious explorers to experience something meaningful without effort.
If you’re looking for things to do in Nanaimo that go beyond viewpoints and beaches, Petroglyph Provincial Park offers something deeper.
Other Locations
You can find petroglyphs at several other Vancouver Island locations.
- Sproat Lake Provincial Park in Port Alberni (follow the signs)
- East Sooke Regional Park
- Quadra Island (a great spot is found around Cape Mudge Lighthouse)
- Gabriola Island (Sandwell Provincial Park has several)
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Might you know of an archeologist on Vancouver Island (perferably the Nanaimo area) who is experienced at identifying petroglyphs? If so, might you have contact information?
Thank you.
Hi Maureen, thank you for the inquiry. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone with experience with such things. I’m so sorry!