The Teaching Rocks

Petroglyphs Provincial Park

Petroglyphs Provincial Park is site of the largest concentration of aboriginal rock art in Canada. Nine hundred symbolic carvings of humans, objects and animals were carved between 600 and 1100 years ago into a single slab of marble. Cherished and utilized like an ancient photo gallery, elders would remove protective moss and use the rocks to introduce new generations to the story of the Ojibway people. The “Teaching Rocks” are a very physical reminder that Canada’s cultural history stretches back further, and is far richer, than is often given credit for.

Length of Trip : 2-3 hours

Cost : There is a nominal parks fee to enter the facility

Best time to go : 10:00am – 5:00pm (All gates close at 5:00pm) The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in the Spring and Fall with the exception of Holiday Mondays.

Wheelchair friendly : Yes

Family friendly : Yes

Where to eat : Refreshments are available in the Park Store, along with books about aboriginal rock art and souvenirs.

Official Site : http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/petroglyphs

Where to Stay : Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront

Getting There : From Northern Ontario: Navigate to Huntsville then take Highway #35 South towards Lindsay Follow until reaching Highway #118 East towards Bancroft Turn right on County Road #48 (Dyno Road), at Highway # 28 continue south towards Woodview In Woodview take Regional Road #56 (Northeys Bay Road) to the parks entrance From Eastern Ontario: Take Highway 401 West towards Toronto. At Belleville take Highway #62 towards Marmora In Foxboro take County Road #14 (Foxboro Stirling Road) towards Marmora In Marmora take Highway #7 West towards Havelock. In Havelock turn right onto County Road 44/46 The road splits north of Havelock so continue on County Road # 44 and it eventually turns into Regional Road #56 (Northeys Bay Road) just before the parks entrance From Southern Ontario: Take Highway 401 East At Clarington take Highway #35/115 North towards Peterborough Continue on Highway #115 and in Peterborough turn right onto Highway #7 East towards Ottawa Turn left onto Highway #28 towards Bancroft. Turn right on Regional Road #56 (Northeys Bay Road) to the parks entrance

Note from Robin : Interpreters are available to help visitors understand the petroglyphs. Note that photographing and videotaping the petroglyphs is not permitted for spiritual reasons. Dogs are not allowed in the Learning Place or in the protective building over the carvings. Check out some of the great day hikes in the park.

Great Canadian Trails