Writing On Stone Provincial Park
Writing On Stone Provincial Park
4.7
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
170 reviews
Excellent
131
Very good
29
Average
3
Poor
4
Terrible
3
happywanderersCDN
Calgary, Canada18 contributions
Jun 2021
Besides all the uploaded hoodoo photos by tourists, exposure to the archeological interpretation of inscribed rock facings gives an interesting human reference as to what transpired over thousands of years in this canyon.
We had the pleasure to accompany an excellent tour guide - Laura - with a small adult group, viewing a restricted area of petroglyphs (on June 9, 2021) at a cost of $19/person for a 1 1/2 hour tour. Cloudy conditions made it comfortable to view the rock art. (Comments abounded on how hot it would be on a sunny summer day.)
A worthwhile viewing of the UNESCO site!!
We had the pleasure to accompany an excellent tour guide - Laura - with a small adult group, viewing a restricted area of petroglyphs (on June 9, 2021) at a cost of $19/person for a 1 1/2 hour tour. Cloudy conditions made it comfortable to view the rock art. (Comments abounded on how hot it would be on a sunny summer day.)
A worthwhile viewing of the UNESCO site!!
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J H
Calgary, Canada408 contributions
Jun 2021
The main trail is closed for reclamation at the moment, I should be opened soon (summer 2021) but check the website for exact opening date.
Highly recommend booking a tour (in advanced) to see the restricted area where there are more petroglyphs and hear the history of the land, people and art. Our tour guide was great and we would love to book more tours with him.
Currently the tours are shorter time/distance due to covid and there is only 1 tour type at the moment, but in July they are adding different tours.
Even though the main trail is closed on the other side of the road there is still plenty to explore. Thankfully it wasn't too hot when we went but bring lots of water if going when hot as those rocked get hot.
Washroom, museum and gift shop at the visitor centre.
The tour itself was 1.5 hour and we explored for a total of 5-6 hours, a few hours at time as we were camping here. Plus we still didn't get to explore every nook.
Highly recommend booking a tour (in advanced) to see the restricted area where there are more petroglyphs and hear the history of the land, people and art. Our tour guide was great and we would love to book more tours with him.
Currently the tours are shorter time/distance due to covid and there is only 1 tour type at the moment, but in July they are adding different tours.
Even though the main trail is closed on the other side of the road there is still plenty to explore. Thankfully it wasn't too hot when we went but bring lots of water if going when hot as those rocked get hot.
Washroom, museum and gift shop at the visitor centre.
The tour itself was 1.5 hour and we explored for a total of 5-6 hours, a few hours at time as we were camping here. Plus we still didn't get to explore every nook.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,924 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
A World Heritage Site since only 2019, the area is sacred to the Blackfoot tribe. It is the largest concentration of such petroglyphs by indigenous people anywhere in North America. The Visitors Center is well laid out and has informative displays. The chap running the place was pleasant and informative. I walked most of the Hoodoo Trail thereafter, the brochure for same thoughtful. It took 15 years to move from nomination for to inclusion on the World Heritage Site list. The wait was worth it.
Written June 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurecurls
Rietberg, Germany320 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We went there to see Hoodoos. But I must say we didn’t see great ones around the Visitor Centre. Maybe we weren’t at the right spot.
Anyway, there are some rock carvings which were interesting to see. I walked with nee daughter from the back to the campground. It’s a lovely walk with interesting rock formations. We even saw some more rock carvings but people really have to focus to get to see them. Nice landscapes.
On a hot day, as it was when we were there. Please make sure to bring something to drink or start an early or late walk if possible. Otherwise it can get really hot, hardly any shade on the path.
Loads of closures along the way due to maintenance and other safety. This was a bit sad.
I’m not sure if the Hoodoos close to Drumheller are better.
Anyway, there are some rock carvings which were interesting to see. I walked with nee daughter from the back to the campground. It’s a lovely walk with interesting rock formations. We even saw some more rock carvings but people really have to focus to get to see them. Nice landscapes.
On a hot day, as it was when we were there. Please make sure to bring something to drink or start an early or late walk if possible. Otherwise it can get really hot, hardly any shade on the path.
Loads of closures along the way due to maintenance and other safety. This was a bit sad.
I’m not sure if the Hoodoos close to Drumheller are better.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vagabond_dreams
Alberta, Canada368 contributions
Aug 2021
We spent one night in a comfort cabin at the Writing on Stone campground near the end of August. They are brand new (in the past year, I believe) and very comfortable. Included in the cabin is a double/single bunk bed, a mini fridge (with a separate door for a little freezer), a small table with two little benches, and another higher table/cupboard. The cabins have electric lights and outlets, heating, a big barbecue, a fire pit, and a very large picnic table under a slatted canopy. The night that we went was particularly warm (I think it went to a low of 12C) and we were so warm in our sleeping bags that we had to open the windows. The only thing I would note is that the "dining" table inside the cabin only had seating for two people, though the cabin has a 3 person capacity.
Staying in a cabin was a great option for a quick visit to the park. We arrived midday on a Saturday and walked the two trails, then on Sunday we wandered around the hoodoos a bit more before doing one of the tours, which was excellent. We had one of those passionate guides that you are lucky enough get once in a while on a tour - it makes such a difference re quality of the experience. Highly recommended.
Staying in a cabin was a great option for a quick visit to the park. We arrived midday on a Saturday and walked the two trails, then on Sunday we wandered around the hoodoos a bit more before doing one of the tours, which was excellent. We had one of those passionate guides that you are lucky enough get once in a while on a tour - it makes such a difference re quality of the experience. Highly recommended.
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
Written March 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PaulaDDuck
Toronto, Canada189 contributions
Sept 2021
We enjoyed a lovely hike on the various trails in this park. The area is simply gorgeous and otherworldly. It was very hot (30C) when we were there, so a UV long sleeve shirt, sun glasses and a hat were musts. We also wore hiking boots, although for most of the area you could manage with a good pair of running/walking shoes. It was very interesting learning about the Blackfoot and looking at the petroglyphs, particularly the battle scene. It would be really nice if people would actually pay attention to all of the requests to stay on the trail instead of going off in every direction - definitely, disappointing to see in such an important and fragile environment.
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and your note about the need to protect the fragile environment.
Written March 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carolyn B
Toronto, Canada100 contributions
May 2021
One of the more interesting parks I've ever visited. While the tour of the rock carvings wasn't running just wandering around the park and the edge of the camp ground was great. I hear it gets very hot in the summer months so I am glad I went in May. My friends kid had fun just playing on the sand at the beach.
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robin
Canada112 contributions
Aug 2020
We just spent three nights at Writing on Stone Provincial Park (August 2020). We had booked 5 nights, but left early. We have camped at this park several times over the past 30 years and have always enjoyed our visits. This year, the experience was ruined by the wasps that had inundated the park. On one afternoon, in a two-hour period, we killed over 80 wasps on our campsite. As soon as we brought out food or water, the wasps descended. They were quite aggressive, and I was stung three times. Meal times were a battle and not at all relaxing/enjoyable. We took to having dinner after 8:00pm, when the wasps would finally disappear. The wasps would reappear shortly after dawn. People on surrounding sites were having the same difficulty with the wasps, and many children were being stung. By the time we left, the campground, which had been fully booked, had many empty sites. So, if you go, be prepared with a fly swatter and wasp traps. We had a screened camp kitchen, but the wasps managed to come in under the sides. The folks in RVs had the advantage in that they could retreat to safety at meal times. Normally a great place to camp, but not this year!
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very sorry your stay this time was not what you've experienced over the previous 30 years. The wasps have presented a very difficult situation this year; and unfortunately have proved very hard to mitigate. Again, we are very sorry for your experience this season. We hope that you will still consider coming back in future years!
Written September 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Petar O
Calgary, Canada27 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Writing-on -Sone Provincial Park is an amazing place and it's a UNESCO World Heritage site also.
A strange looking place where you will find a long, long history of local Native People where they recorded their experiences and visions on the sandstone cliffs
through engraved images.
And here also, trough long time the Mother Nature did very good job building strange shapes of sandstone rock.
Believe me, you will recognize shapes, see things this and place itself is a playground for your imagination.
Stands for -> "Must to See."
Enjoy
A strange looking place where you will find a long, long history of local Native People where they recorded their experiences and visions on the sandstone cliffs
through engraved images.
And here also, trough long time the Mother Nature did very good job building strange shapes of sandstone rock.
Believe me, you will recognize shapes, see things this and place itself is a playground for your imagination.
Stands for -> "Must to See."
Enjoy
Written November 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisaindiana
3 contributions
Aug 2023
I had a terrible experience trying to find this park.
I had 3 GPS devices with me: a Garmin, my iPhone, and the GPS with my Mercedes van. Each device took me to the middle of a farmer’s field.
All thee devices gave me different directions to Writing on Stone park.
I entered Canada from the Sweetgrass US border. All three GPS told me to take my first Right. Then each device took me to the middle of a different field.
There were no signs to the park.
There was no one to stop and ask.
My cell service didn’t work in these remote fields.
I gave up after almost bottoming out in a farmers field.
The park needs to fix the GPS location, add signs, and send out directions with their camping reservation.
I had 3 GPS devices with me: a Garmin, my iPhone, and the GPS with my Mercedes van. Each device took me to the middle of a farmer’s field.
All thee devices gave me different directions to Writing on Stone park.
I entered Canada from the Sweetgrass US border. All three GPS told me to take my first Right. Then each device took me to the middle of a different field.
There were no signs to the park.
There was no one to stop and ask.
My cell service didn’t work in these remote fields.
I gave up after almost bottoming out in a farmers field.
The park needs to fix the GPS location, add signs, and send out directions with their camping reservation.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, We are planning our trip to the park for the Canada day long weekend. I see there is a low-level advisory, and canoeing and kayaking are not advised, but are we able to swim at the beach area or paddleboard?
Written June 27, 2024
Beste, is het mogelijk om dit park zelf te bezoeken of moet je je aanmelden voor een tour?
Written January 1, 2020
You can visit the park and do a self-guided tour to see some of the rock art. But the way way to see and learn about the drawings is on a guided tour.
Written January 1, 2020
We are camping here on Aug 19. Do you think the river levels are still high enough to go out in a 4 person dinghy?
Written August 11, 2019
I would call the campground as this is a question that could change day to day and I don't want to be responsible for someone's safety
Written August 11, 2019
Which of the three tours is the best?
Written August 11, 2019
The 10am Rock Art Tour and the 6pm tour are basically the same tour. They take you into the archaeological preserve and you spend the better part of two hours there, learning about the history and sacredness of this place. The WOS101 program at 2pm still gives you the opportunity to see the Rock Art in the preserve, but you also get a great overview of the other histories at the park, stopping at one of the lookout points (great for photography) and ends with a presentation in our Visitor Centre with some traditional food tasting and hands-on opportunities with some traditional tools and hides.
Written August 11, 2019
Only for guided tours. There is no admission fee for the park itself nor to access the Visitor Centre.
Written July 14, 2019
Probably a dumb question. Do the camp showers take Loonies AND Twonies or one or the other? Coming down next week and wondering what change we will need to bring for the showers. 😊
Written June 5, 2019
Sorry; I thought I had answered this question: yes loonies and twonies! Please bring cash/change as we don't have an ATM or cash-back feature on site.
Written June 11, 2019
Are visitors able to see any of the petroglyphs on the trials on their own or do you have to take the guided tour to see much? Thanks!
Written March 2, 2019
There are a few that you can see by following the map and trail on your own. But the best are viewed by going with a guide. And you are less likely to miss the out of the way ones.
Written March 3, 2019
If we want to stay at Writing on Stone park and float the Milk River, where is a good place to rent kayaks or canoes? I suspect Lethbridge or Medicine Hat is the closest.
Written January 7, 2019
Hi there - Milk River Raft Tours in Milk River(~40 km from WOS)
Written January 9, 2019
Can we visit the park with our car on a day trip in late June and not planning to overnight there also would like the art tour if available.
Written May 10, 2018
As Jurian V suggests, Writing-on-Stone is great for day trips! Tours are offered daily in the peak season, and you are able to pre book tours to guarantee a spot on the Guided Rick Art tours. There is plenty to keep you busy for the better part of a day!
Written May 11, 2018
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