The Siwash rock is a legendary rock among the Indigenous people. The 10 million years old rock is also known as the Nine Pin Rock for looking like a bowling pin. The Siwash rock came from a volcanic dike, forming in the sandstone that formed the park’s location. The hot magma was forced to go through the cracks of Earth’s surface, creating this beautiful strong stack. This rock was named after a guy named Skalsh. Thousands of years ago, a young chief named Skalsh wanted to start a family. He was a strong, fearless, upright man who would do anything for his wife. The night before his baby was born, he and his wife swam in the water of Burrard Narrow to purify themselves. He must be cleaned before his baby enters the world, that was the law. The days goes by as the baby turns one. For the sake of his family, he would swim in the water to purify himself everyday. The gods told him to get out of the water and Skalsh realized that he was being challenged by the gods. Skalsh did not give up swimming and the gods later on understood his determination. To commemorate his bravery, the gods turned him into a stone when he swam back to the shore, facing his family. The rock symbolizes clean fatherhood. During the first world war, the rock was known as the “Fort Siwash”. An artillery battery was mounted around the rock. The volunteers were surrounding the area to protect the Burrard Inlet from foreign intruders. Today, it is known as the ideal spot for citizens to admire. written by M.C posted by Z.T