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The historically and culturally significant areas near the Milk River also provide a bit of year-round recreation. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park sits among the coulees and hoodoos of southern Alberta on the north side of the Milk River.
Credit: Alberta Parks
The location and scenery make it a peaceful and quiet place to escape to in the winters. The guided tours and hikes won’t run during the winter, but the trails remain open for self-guided exploration.
The park, known and named for its large collection of ancient rock paintings and carvings, is recognized as a National Historic Site, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also considered a sacred location by the Blackfoot culture, with the pictographs and petroglyphs credited to the Blackfoot people, as well as other Indigenous cultures.
Winter Hikes among the Hoodoos
There are three main trails in the park, all of which are open for winter. Follow the Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Trail for 2.5km to uncover history and art. This trail will show off how the park got its name with pictographs on sandstone walls, along with views of the Milk River Valley. The park also offers backcountry hiking to the south of the river.
Stop by the Visitor Centre to grab a backcountry map before heading out on the ungroomed trails. The backcountry hiking will involve crossing the river, so proper ice safety is important to consider.
Birding & Wildlife Viewing
This southern Alberta park is home to an abundance of wildlife and birds. The area is also known for rare bird sightings. Some of Alberta’s permanent winter birds to watch for include owl species, nuthatches, the house sparrow, and more.
Many small mammals may be scurrying around the trails and campsites, too, like shrews, hares, beavers, squirrels, or gophers. Among the larger wildlife at Writing-on-Stone are pronghorns, deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, or the plains grizzly bears.
Stargazing in Southern Alberta
There are no major urban centres near Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, nor major highways. This lack of light pollutions creates amazing stargazing scenery each clear night spent beside the Milk River. Some stars may be visible from the campsites, while an expansive sky is easily viewed from the shores of the river.
Book a Winter Campsite
The Writing-on-Stone winter campground has over 60 sites available with firepits, picnic tables, and firewood available for sale. The campsites are on the edges of the scenic Milk River and under a line of trees.
Planning your Trip – Winter at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
What: Provincial Park to preserve a sacred as well as historically significant site of preserved Blackfoot and Indigenous culture. The park is in the southern Alberta badlands on the north banks of the Milk River. The area’s landscape is similar to Drumheller’s badlands. The park’s two main trails offer chances to view the ancient pictures and carvings left behind on the sandstone walls and hoodoos.
Location and how to get there: 1 hour and 50 minutes southeast of Fort McLeod
Use Secondary Highway 501 to access Range Rd. 132 South and Writing on Stone Road
How much: Free to visit; winter camping $23 to $31 per night
For more information
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
