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Petroglyph Provincial Park facts for kids

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Petroglyph Provincial Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Petroglyph Provincial Park petroglyphs 2.jpg
Petroglyphs
Petroglyph Provincial Park is located in British Columbia
Petroglyph Provincial Park
Petroglyph Provincial Park
Location in British Columbia
Petroglyph Provincial Park is located in Regional District of Nanaimo
Petroglyph Provincial Park
Petroglyph Provincial Park
Location in Regional District of Nanaimo
Location Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Area 2 ha (4.9 acres)
Designation Class A Provincial Park
Established August 24, 1948
Governing body BC Parks

Petroglyph Provincial Park is a special place in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. It is a provincial park that helps protect ancient rock carvings. These carvings are called petroglyphs.

The park was created a long time ago, on August 24, 1948. Its main goal was to keep these amazing carvings safe. You can find them near the Nanaimo River, where it meets the ocean.

Ancient Rock Carvings: Petroglyphs

This park is home to many petroglyphs. A petroglyph is an image carved into a rock. These carvings are very old, some dating back to at least the 10th century CE. That means they are over 1,000 years old!

What Do the Carvings Show?

The carvings show different things. You can see creatures from myths that live in the sea. There are also human figures and various animals. These images are very important. They tell stories about the spiritual beliefs and culture of the Coast Salish people. They also represent the history of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Where Are the Carvings Found?

The people who made these carvings chose special spots. They often carved where they felt nature's power was very strong. These places usually have natural features. For example, you might find carvings near a waterfall or a unique rock formation. These spots were believed to be powerful and sacred.

Visiting the Park

Petroglyph Provincial Park is a place to learn about history. It helps us understand the ancient cultures of British Columbia.

Park Facilities

This park is focused on protecting the petroglyphs. Because of this, there are no special facilities provided for visitors. It is a quiet place to observe and appreciate the ancient art.

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