Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai'pi Provincial Park Information

Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai'pi Provincial Park is a stunningly unique area of Canada found in south-eastern Alberta. Located just over an hour east of Lethbridge close to the community of Milk River, nearby to the Montana U.S.A. border to Canada. You'll enjoy multiple coulees, wildlife, a campground, hoodoos, petroglyphs, pictographs and so much more in the Milk River Valley.

Where to stay when exploring Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Plan to stay by booking a campsite at the Writing-on-Stone campground. This campground is family friendly with 60 campsites available, as well as 3 comfort cabins if glamping is more your style. The campsites are fairly private and shaded by the nice cottonwood trees in the vicinity. The campground features a wonderful playground for children, a sandy wheelchair-accessible beach along the Milk River as well as many hiking opportunities. This campground is open year-round, while the comfort cabins are available May through September. There is also a cute little camp store to grab any needed grocery items, camping gear or even just a nice ice cream on a hot summer day. This is a popular campground, so be sure to book ahead on the Alberta Parks website. Or stay in the communities of Milk River or Lethbridge and make day trips of it.

Fish, float or canoe the Milk River!

 The Provincial record sauger was pulled from the Milk River! A unique river that starts in Montana then comes up through southern Alberta and loops back down into the Missouri River in the U.S.A. Interestingly, 13 different species of fish have been recorded here, from minnows to northern pike.

For an epic and relaxing float tube ride, get onto the river at the Weir Bridge, and it will twist and turn you through absolutely sensational scenery back to the Writing-on-Stone campground! That would take a few hours to complete, but it is conveniently only a 10-minute drive to the Weir Bridge day-use area. The water is warmer compared to some of the other rivers found in Alberta, so you might even want to go for a swim!

Guided Tours and Visitor Information Centre

Explore this historic area of Alberta with many guided tours available, or go off adventuring on your own! The visitor centre here is a wealth of information about the early ranchers in the area, as well as the history surrounding this sacred land regarding indigenous cultures, specifically the Blackfoot peoples. Sign up online or at the visitor centre for the guided hikes that are typically offered from May through October. Some are only offered a handful of times throughout the whole summer, for example, the Haffner Coulee Hike. So don't miss your chance to learn some fascinating facts from knowledgeable and friendly Alberta Parks staff! Alternatively, you can pick up brochures and do self-guided tours on some of the trails through towering sandstone hoodoos and amazing petroglyphs. A very interesting and educational place to learn about the past, with a heavy focus on the indigenous cultures and traditions of the land. The Hoodoo trail and visitor centre trail are both open year-round, while the visitor centre itself is by appointment only during the off-season. Plan your trip and it's best to book your guided tours in advance before your arrival to the park. Alternatively, you can also sign up, if there are still slots available, right at the visitor centre. But don't expect there to be, just consider yourself lucky if you get some last-minute spots on a tour.

Wildlife at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Wildlife is abundant in this section of the province, while some are even quite exclusive to these parts of southern Alberta. Enjoy watching the deer and rabbits as they are locals to the campground and frequently pass through campsites. Keep your eyes on the sky and trees for some amazing birdwatching opportunities. Additionally, you may spot bull snakes, garter snakes and even mountain short-horned lizards! Some other residents of this area in the Milk River valley include foxes, gray wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, elk, pronghorn and many more.  But they won't be so likely to take a tour of the campground.

Rattlesnakes in Southern Alberta

Most importantly, keep your ears alert for that distinct rattling sound, because you can absolutely find rattlesnakes in and around Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park. Walk heavily to allow the thumping to give a warning to the snake. I promise they are scared of you and just want to get away. They'll rattle loudly and hiss to warn you if you're getting close. Keep your eyes sharp because rattlesnakes have amazing camouflage abilities in this terrain. You must stay on the marked trails. If traversing the backcountry, pay very close attention to where you are walking and perhaps wear high-cut boots and pants while exploring here. If taking any stairs, be sure to see that they aren't hiding in the crease before you step. Leave the flip-flops at the campsite for these adventures.

Backcountry and Restricted Areas

The backcountry of Writing-on-Stone is a very large portion of the park, at around 2300 acres, it sits on the opposite side of the river from the campground. There is no easy way across, you must cross the Milk River on foot to explore this undeveloped area. It would take a while to explore this huge natural section of the park with all its hidden gems. There are no designated trails in the backcountry of Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai'pi Provincial Park. It is important to note that Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is broken up into a few different sections. Some areas are off-limits and restricted to authorized personnel only, but some restricted parts can be seen by booking guided tours into these protected areas. The Haffner Coulee section is not connected to the main part of the park and requires a short bus ride to the staging area.

A Must-See Alberta Destination

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a must-see area in the badlands of Alberta, Canada. Give yourself plenty of time here if you plan to take it all in. Plan ahead and book online to get the most out of your trip to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park. It's worth a short visit just for its unique badland features and qualities. Get outside and explore more!

Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai'pi Provincial Park Information

 Lethbridge Alberta Canada Parks