Petroglyph Provincial Park

Petroglyph Provincial Park, established in 1948 at the south end of Nanaimo, British Columbia, protects the largest known concentration of indigenous petroglyphs in Canada. The sandstone carvings, dating to at least the 10th century, depict mythological sea creatures, wolves, turtles, snakes, birds, and human figures. The site is spiritually significant to the Coast Salish and Snuneymuxw First Nations, who carefully chose carving locations at places of power where natural forces were believed to be especially strong. Concrete replica castings allow visitors to make rubbings without disturbing the originals.