As an Ontario rental management company representing approximately 200 private cottage rentals throughout the province, including many Kawarthas cottage rentals, we offer our guests personalized guidebooks to local attractions, and Petroglyphs Provincial Park is one of the attractions that we highly recommend.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park is less than an hour drive from Peterborough and is a must-see for anyone in the area. The Park is home to a collection of over 600 ancient Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) and is the largest known concentration of them in Canada!
Visitors to the park can explore the petroglyphs on a self-guided trail which takes about an hour to do. Along the trail you will see a variety of carvings; including animals, humans, and geometric drawings. Interpretive signs and displays will describe the history and significance of the petroglyphs.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park Activities | Hiking Trails | Birdwatching | Discovery Program | Petroglyphs
In addition to the main attraction, petroglyphs, there are also a variety of recreational activities like hiking and birdwatching that can be enjoyed by visitors.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park Hiking Trails
There are several hiking trails from 5 to 7 km long that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The trails are perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Marsh Trail is 7 km long, moderate in difficulty, and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. It winds through dense pine forest and marsh before climbing, steeply in areas, to the uplands.
The Nanabush Trail is easy, crossing a variety of terrain ranging from rocky outcrops to wetlands. It’s 5.5 km long, and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
The West Day Use Trail is another moderate trail of about 5 km, or 1.5 hours, long, winding through forested areas and crosses an ancient streambed.
Bird Watching in the Park
The Park is a great place for bird watching enthusiasts! It’s home to over 150 species of birds. Some of the species include bald eagles, great blue herons and ospreys. The park also has a bird blind where you can observe birds in their natural habitat without disrupting them.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park Discovery Program
Evening programs are offered at the park during July and August. Each program begins with showing the award winning film “The Teaching Rocks”, followed by a tour leading to the sacred Petroglyphs Site. Park guides tell stories relating to Indigenous culture and provide guests with various understandings as to why these carvings were made.
Petroglyphs – The Main Attraction!
But the Indigenous history and culture is Petroglyphs Provincial Park’s highlight! The park is located on traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Mississauga Nations and the petroglyphs are considered sacred as well as a significant cultural heritage site. You will have the opportunity to learn about the Indigenous peoples who lived in the area and the traditions and beliefs that are reflected in their petroglyphs.
Visitors to Petroglyphs Provincial Park can also participate in cultural activities and events! The Park offers workshops and programs that focus on Indigenous arts and crafts such as beading and drum making. These workshops are a great way to connect with local Indigenous artists and craftspeople. Events often include traditional dance performances, storytelling and other activities that showcase Indigenous culture and heritage.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park is a unique and fascinating spot that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or cultural activities; there’s something for you at this unique park. Make sure to add Petroglyphs Provincial Park to your bucket list of Ontario destinations.
Many private cottage rentals are located throughout Ontario, and if you wish to visit the Kawartha areas, they provide the best opportunity to provide an authentic Kawartha experience. Reach out to CottageLINK Rental Management to book your Kawarthas cottage rental today, and start planning your trip to Petroglyphs Provincial Park!
