Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Alberta Parks

Parks Research and Management

Information: 403-647-2364

The management plan for Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi was originally intended to cover 10 years. The term was extended until April 2014, based on an assessment of the 1997 Plan. The direction contained in the existing Management Plan will provide for adequate management until a new plan is in place.

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi Provincial Park is divided into three management zones.

Visitors throughout history have reacted to this spectacular landscape and its ancient past with wonder and awe. The goal of park management is to balance visitation with protection. Access to sensitive areas of the park is restricted. Key features are monitored for impact and disturbance.  Ongoing research helps identify ways to better protect the cultural heritage and maintain biological diversity.


Park Management

Classification Provincial Park
Legislation Provincial Parks Act
Park Size 6,644.79 Acres / 2,689.05 Ha
Legal Boundary O.C. 408/2011
Administration / Information 403-647-2364
Regional Office South Regional Office
District Cypress
Special Designations National Historic Site
World Heritage Site
Natural Region Grassland - Dry Mixedgrass
Grassland - Mixedgrass
Natural Region Description

This park preserves spectacular badlands, riparian habitats and grasslands along the Milk River. Writing-on-Stone's landscapes have spiritual significance for the Blackfoot people. The petroglyphs and pictographs on the park's sandstone cliffs are protected as a legacy to this spiritual connection. The park's archaeological preserve, established in 1977, ensures protection of one of the North American Plains' largest concentrations of rock art.

Land Use Framework Region South Saskatchewan
Updated: Oct 11, 2019