Why You Should Visit Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Writing on Stone Provincial Park is a magical land of hoodoos, coulees, and rich history. Known to the Blackfoot as Áísínai’pi, “It is pictured, it is written“,  it is easy to see why this area is sacred. As the prairies give way to weird and wonderful rock spires, you can’t help but be awestruck. Hike the Hoodoo Trail to an intricate battle scene carved in the 1800’s, then scan the river valley for deer and pronghorn antelope. Later, float down the Milk River while being serenaded by birds. Whether you go for the scenery, paddling, or rock art, you will be captivated by this picturesque park in the prairies.

Here are some fun things to do at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.

Hike through the Hoodoos

While the Milk River brings life to the living, the hoodoos house spirits. It is easy to see why the hoodoos have special significance to First Nations. The knobby landscape is drastically different from the rest of the prairies. When European settlers saw the unique rock formations and learned of their significance, they called them hoodoos (hoodoo = folk magic) and the name stuck. These days, at any time of day, you can see people scrambling all over the hoodoos. They make a great natural playground! While it is possible to explore the hoodoos near the campground, and adjacent to the Visitor Centre Trail, stay on the trail on the Hoodoo Trail (4.4 km return) to prevent erosion.

Paddle or Raft the Milk River

The Milk River, which flows past the Writing on Stone campground, offers float and paddle trips for all skill levels:

• A nice, short paddle is from Weir Bridge to Writing on Stone Provincial Park (10 km). Get more ideas from Mark’s Guide for Alberta Paddlers.
• There is a great 2-3 day trip from Milk River to Writing on Stone Provincial Park (73 km). Sections of this trip have rock gardens and rapids, so it is not recommended for beginners. Leigh at Hike Bike Travel has a good writeup of the trip here. 

Scenery is superb as you paddle past hoodoos and high escarpments.

Canoe rentals, river tours, shuttle service and vehicle storage are available from Milk River Raft Tours. Phone Ken & Wendy Brown: (403) 647-3586

Karen’s Canoe Service provides parking and vehicle shuttle service. Phone: (403) 758-6683.

Discover Local Rock Art & First Nations’ History

First Nations have been leaving their mark and seeking advice from the spirits here for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence reveals ancient campsites, hunting and “burial” grounds (bodies weren’t buried in the ground, but placed in crevices in the escarpments) as well as an abundance of rock art, the park’s namesake. In fact, the Milk River Valley contains the highest concentration of pictographs and petroglyphs in North America’s Great Plains! You can see a few examples along the Hoodoo Trail (4.4 km return from the campground), but there is much more rock art in the preserve (accessed by tour only).

Rock Art Tours If you would like to learn more about rock art and First Nations’ History, sign up for an Alberta Parks Tour! For only $45, your whole family can take a guided 2-hour tour in the preserve, which is closed to the public. Transportation to/from the preserve (about 5 minutes one way) is included. We found the tour quite interesting, but as there was more talking than walking, I would recommend it for kids 9 & up. *Insider tip: Book a morning tour or evening tour, so you can play at the beach in the afternoon when it’s hot. 

Birding & Wildlife Viewing

Writing on Stone is a prairie oasis with incredible biodiversity. Bring your binoculars and download a birding app before you go to ID the many species of birds throughout the park. Deer, rabbits, pronghorn antelope, and many kinds of snakes also call the Milk River Valley Home. We saw a couple large garter snakes and were surprised to see one swim across the river! Something to think about when you are wading…

Camp, Stargaze, or Attend an Interpretive Program

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park has a beautiful campground near the Milk River with hoodoo views and towering cottonwoods. Hike in the hoodoos then cool off at the beach! Amenities include showers, a new adventure playground (completed in 2021), drinking water, Hoodoo Hut campground store, and Visitor Information Centre with lots of hands-on exhibits.

Campsites around the outer loop have more privacy, but the inner loop sites are great if you are camping with friends as they’re close together. If you will be travelling with several families/friends, book a group site! Group A has a picnic shelter; Group B does not, but it’s closer to the beach.

There are 45 power sites and 19 unserviced sites as well as 3 cabins in this beautiful, high demand campground. Book 90 days in advance to save your spot, or go in the off season! *Group campsites may be booked up to 180 days in advance. Details here.

Writing on Stone Provincial Park’s campground is open year round. Power is available year round in power sites, but water is shut off in September.

Stargazing is pretty good here because you’re far from towns and big cities. We enjoyed seeing the comet last summer.

When to Go

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Writing on Stone Provincial Park if you plan on spending lots of time around the hoodoos. For paddling, May until August are typically great (check flow levels before you go).

Note that Rock Art Tours are only available during the summer months.

Know Before You Go

• The campground, tours, and canoe/raft rentals book up quickly during peak season (May long weekend to Labour Day), so book in advance!
• The nearest town is Milk River (42 km away), but some essentials (ice, firewood, snacks) are available at the campground store. The campground store accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
• There is no cell phone service in the campground, but there is cell phone service and free wifi at the Visitor Information Centre.
• There are rattlesnakes in the park. If you see one (or any other kind of snake), give it space so it has an escape route. They are poisonous, but will leave you alone if you leave them alone. More information on rattlesnake safety is available here.
• On average, it is 10 degrees warmer in the hoodoos, so plan to visit them in the morning during summer months.
• Due to livestock upstream, the fecal coliform levels in the Milk River can be high in late summer. Check advisories and swim at your own risk.
• No lifeguard on duty at the beach. Keep children within arm’s reach!
• Rafting and paddling conditions vary throughout the season. Check water levels before you go and research your route carefully.

For More Information / Book Now

For more information, visit Alberta Parks | Writing on Stone Provincial Park.

Reserve your campsite at Alberta Parks | Reservations.

Book programs and tours at Alberta Parks | Writing on Stone | Public Tours and Programs.

Getting Here

Writing on Stone Provincial Park is located 340 km southeast of Calgary.

En route, visit the Nanton grain elevators, Claresholm Museum & Visitor Information Centre, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, The NWMP Fort Museum at Fort Macleod (get tickets to the NWMP Musical Ride!), or Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur Heritage Museum in Warner. All attractions are on or close to the highway.

Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site is a worthwhile and fascinating detour (34 km round trip) if you have a couple hours to spare.

Writing on Stone Provincial Park is an Alberta treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Put it on your bucket list; it’s worth the drive!

More Southern Alberta Destinations

• Castle Provincial Park
• Lundbreck Falls Provincial Park
• Summer Fun in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
• The Top 10 Things to Do in Lethbridge this Summer