Petroglyph Park

Petroglyph Park

Petroglyph Park is historic park located in the community of Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island, British columbia, Canada. The 2 hectare park is the site of prehistoric carvings and provides many opportunities for good marine views. 

Located south of Nanaimo, Petroglyph Park is situated where the Nanaimo River merges into the Northumberland Channel. The site was once a place of worship for the Snuneymuxw First Nation people. In 1948 the park was officially named a provincial park so to protect the prehistoric drawings from future deterioration by man and weather. Today the drawings are estimated to be over 1000 years old.

On the highway located south of the community is a small pull-out parking lot. In the parking lot is a short hiking trail leading to an interpretive area with information boards, concrete replica casts and interpretive signs.

A sandstone gallery of the original carvings and drawings are located further down the trail near the lookout point overlooking Nanaimo Harbour. Here there are views of sailboats, fishing vessels and recreational boats coming and going from the harbour.

Nearby is a day use area ideal for picnicking and sightseeing. And in the trees are some pit toilets.