Petroglyphs Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most culturally and spiritually significant natural attractions, located northeast of Peterborough near Woodview in the Kawartha Highlands region. The park is home to the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada, featuring more than 1,000 ancient petroglyphs carved into a large white marble rock surface by Anishinaabe peoples centuries ago. These sacred carvings depict human figures, animals, turtles, birds, spiritual symbols, and traditional teachings, making the site an internationally important example of Indigenous cultural heritage and rock art. The petroglyph site is known to Indigenous communities as “Kinomagewapkong,” meaning “the Teaching Rocks.”
To help preserve the fragile carvings, the petroglyphs are protected inside a climate-controlled glass enclosure that allows visitors to experience the site respectfully while learning about its cultural significance. The park also features an educational Visitor Centre with exhibits focused on Indigenous history, spirituality, archaeology, and the natural environment of the Canadian Shield. Visitors can gain insight into the traditions and stories connected to the petroglyphs through interpretive displays and educational programming developed in consultation with Indigenous communities.
Beyond the famous rock carvings, Petroglyphs Provincial Park offers hiking trails, forests, wetlands, and scenic landscapes ideal for nature exploration and outdoor recreation. The Nanabush Trail provides an interpretive hiking experience that highlights Indigenous legends, local ecology, and the geological history of the area. Recognized as both a sacred site and a major cultural tourism destination, Petroglyphs Provincial Park continues to attract visitors from across Canada seeking to learn about Indigenous heritage, archaeology, and Ontario’s natural beauty. Whether exploring the ancient carvings or hiking through the peaceful wilderness, visitors experience one of the province’s most meaningful historical and cultural landmarks.