Canadian Petroglyphs
“Forget everything you think you know about rock art, because the Peterborough Petroglyphs in Ontario, Canada, are about to obliterate your expectations. This isn’t just a collection of ancient carvings; it’s one of the largest and most intriguing expressions of Indigenous creativity you’ll find in North America. Dating back a staggering 1,000 to 1,200 years, these carvings are a powerful window into the spiritual realm of the Indigenous peoples who thrived in this region.
Sprawled across an impressive limestone bedrock, the petroglyphs showcase a mind-boggling array of images—human silhouettes, animals that evoke awe, and abstract symbols that will leave you scratching your head in curiosity. Many of these visuals are instantly recognizable, yet their true meanings are tantalizingly elusive, wrapped in layers of history. The Anishinaabe people, deeply rooted in this land, assert that these carvings aren’t merely art; they are vital spiritual messages begging to be unraveled.
Visiting the Peterborough Petroglyphs isn’t just a stroll through time; it’s a raw confrontation with the robust cultural legacy of Indigenous peoples. If you have a thirst for history and spirituality that challenges the conventional, this ancient site demands your attention. Don’t just add it to your list of places to see—make it your next destination, and prepare to be transformed.” By “ Ancient Civilizations”.
Terry and I walked to the petroglyphs in Hawaii one year and they really are fascinating. But to have them right in Canada….wow!
I really want to see them!
Photo from “The Learning Place”. Credit: Randy Eady.
Editor's Note from Canary Row Press: For those amongst our readers who reside in British Columbia or plan to visit the West Coast, Vancouver Island has several locations that illustrate Indigenous rock carvings.
The main site is located on the Island's own Petroglyph Provincial Park - a two-hectare area within the City of Nanaimo on Snuneymuxw First Nation Territory where visitors can get a glimpse of traditional rock carvings created more than a thousand years ago. The petroglyphs there have been mostly left untouched in their natural surroundings and are scattered throughout the park. Since many of the rock faces are covered in moss, the carvings can be somewhat hard to spot at times, so the search - and discovery - is half the fun.
Other sites include 'Petroglyph Island' with nearly 100 petroglyphs spread across Gabriola Island (accessible by ferry from Nanaimo), Sproat Lake Provincial Park in Port Alberni, East Sooke Regional Park and Quadra Island (a great spot is around Cape Mudge Lighthouse).