Sproat Lake Petroglyphs Tours and Activities

Sproat Lake Petroglyphs showing a lake or waterhole and a pebble beach
Sproat Lake Petroglyphs
Sproat Lake Petroglyphs showing a lake or waterhole
Sproat Lake Petroglyphs showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Sproat Lake Petroglyphs which includes tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole


Examine these astonishing First Nations carvings, set in a park of rugged beauty where you can camp, hike, swim or simply relax and reflect on nature.

The Sproat Lake Petroglyphs, a series of captivation etchings, are a must-see attraction for any visitor to central Vancouver Island. See their beauty and complexity in person and you may well find this humbling experience a highlight of your vacation. View the petroglyphs early in the day then spend the afternoon hiking, swimming, participating in watersports and taking advantage of the many delights of Sproat Lake Provincial Park.

Part of the appeal of the petroglyphs lies in their mystery. Their exact age is not known. Similar petroglyphs have been found to have been created as recently as the early 20th century, while others date back several thousand years. The petroglyphs were created by First Nations people, who used traditional methods to mark the rock with beautiful nature-inspired images. Stand on the viewing platform and study the dancing images of ocean life, mammals and possibly some fantastical creatures too.

If you have the time, the park is worth more than just a daytrip. Set up your tent at one of the two campgrounds provided to facilitate longer stays. Spend your time here walking the trails, swimming, fishing or simply relaxing.

Sproat Lake Provincial Park is the also the place to come if you are looking for more thrilling activities. Explore the world beneath Sproat Lake, sighting a marvelous array of water-dwelling life, on a freshwater scuba diving trip. Or, take the chance to go waterskiing in one of the grandest environments imaginable, with stunning scenery rising up on all sides of you as you reach high speeds.

From Port Alberni, drive 15 minutes west to reach Sproat Lake Provincial Park. Leave your car in the parking lot from where it’s a short walk to the petroglyphs. As with most of the region’s parks, campers should book ahead, especially during the summer months.

Plan a trip to see Sproat Lake Petroglyphs

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Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
Waters Edge Shoreside Suites
THE Beach Club Resort

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sproat Lake Petroglyphs

Sproat Lake Landing Resort

Sproat Lake Landing Resort

3.5 out of 5
10695 Lakeshore Rd, Port Alberni, BC
Sproat Lake Landing Resort
Country studio pet friendly

Country studio pet friendly

Alberni-Clayoquot
Country studio pet friendly
Ocean Marina Hotel

Ocean Marina Hotel

3 out of 5
4850 Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni, BC
Ocean Marina Hotel
Hospitality Inn

Hospitality Inn

3.5 out of 5
3835 Redford Street, Port Alberni, BC
Hospitality Inn
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel

Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel

3 out of 5
4277 Stamp Ave, Port Alberni, BC
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
Riverside Motel

Riverside Motel

2 out of 5
5065 Roger St, Port Alberni, BC
Riverside Motel
Timberlodge RV & Campground

Timberlodge RV & Campground

2 out of 5
2404 Timberlane Road, Port Alberni, BC
Timberlodge RV & Campground
Sunset Motel

Sunset Motel

2 out of 5
3611 McIntyre Drive, Port Alberni, BC
Sunset Motel
Qualicum Bay Resort

Qualicum Bay Resort

2.5 out of 5
5970 W Island Hwy, Qualicum Beach, BC
Qualicum Bay Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sproat Lake Petroglyphs

At Sproat Lake Petroglyphs, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as biking, birdwatching, and boating. Explore the rich cultural heritage through Sproat Lake petroglyph tours and visit Petroglyph Park. The summer recreation opportunities at Sproat Lake Park make it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of British Columbia.

Shopping

The closest shopping option is PineRidge Farm Market, a public market offering local goods, located 24.1km away. If you're up for a drive, visit Cardboard House Bakery, 32.2km from Sproat Lake, known for its delicious baked treats and unique gifts.

Recreation

Explore Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park for a serene escape into nature, with opportunities for cave tours and peaceful hikes. For a fun-filled day, visit the Alberni Valley Multiplex Ice Skating Rink to enjoy skating and vibrant community activities. Unwind at Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club for a relaxing round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes.

Find the best attractions near Sproat Lake Petroglyphs

At Sproat Lake Petroglyphs in Port Alberni, British Columbia, visitors can immerse themselves in a blend of outdoor activities and cultural exploration. Enjoy the picturesque lake, lush forests, and serene harbor while discovering prehistoric rock art and petroglyphs that reflect the area's rich history. Whether you're seeking a beach experience or an adventure in nature, Sproat Lake offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the region's heritage and natural beauty.

  • Sproat Lake: Located 8.0km from Sproat Lake Petroglyphs, this picturesque lake offers a romantic atmosphere with beautiful scenery. Enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach, making it a perfect spot for a day of leisure and connection with nature.
  • Stamp River Provincial Park: Just 4.8km away, this national park is an adventure lover's paradise. The stunning landscapes and outdoor opportunities, including hiking and fishing, provide a thrilling experience amidst nature's beauty.
  • Cathedral Grove: Situated 12.9km from the petroglyphs, this enchanting forest is home to ancient Douglas firs and redwoods. Explore the trails and immerse yourself in the serenity of towering trees and the vibrant ecosystem.

Best time to go to Sproat Lake Petroglyphs

The best time to visit Sproat Lake Petroglyphs can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sproat Lake Petroglyphs falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Sproat Lake Petroglyphs falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.1°F (3.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
May54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.4°F (18.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December37.2°F (2.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sproat Lake Petroglyphs

To save money on your visit to Sproat Lake Petroglyphs, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January, April, and November when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, for the best rates, as Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to book. Take advantage of free local attractions like Cathedral Grove and Harbour Quay. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and consider eco-certified accommodations for sustainable options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can also lead to significant savings on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sproat Lake Petroglyphs are January, April and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sproat Lake Petroglyphs is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sproat Lake Petroglyphs is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your Sproat Lake Petroglyphs hotel reservation with flights and activities through an Expedia package.