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Grasslands National Park protects a broad sweep of mixed-grass prairie in southern Saskatchewan, close to the Montana border. Divided into a West Block and an East Block, it preserves rolling hills, coulees and badlands that look much as they did before widespread farming. It is home to species found in few other places in Canada and is a designated dark sky preserve.
The Val Marie Visitor Centre is the starting point for the West Block, where a scenic drive follows the Frenchman River Valley. Black-tailed prairie dog towns are easy to spot, their residents standing guard beside burrows. Plains bison were reintroduced to the park and roam much of the West Block, including along the Backcountry Loop, and the climb up 70 Mile Butte offers a wide view across the grasslands. In the East Block, the Badlands Parkway leads to viewpoints over eroded hills, and the Rock Creek badlands hold fossils and dramatic layered slopes. McGowan's Visitor Centre and Rock Creek Campground provide services.
This is a place for patient travelers who appreciate open space, wildlife and quiet. Weather can be extreme, with hot summers and strong winds, and some roads become impassable after rain. Stargazing under dark skies is a highlight, as light pollution is almost nonexistent.
WiserMap travel guideGrasslands Saskatchewan Bison Badlands and Dark SkiesPlan Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan: prairie dog towns, free-roaming bison, badlands drives, dark skies, camping, seasons and a two day itinerary.Read the guide
The West Block visitor center is in the village of Val Marie, at the entrance to the park. Staff give trail and road advice, maps and weather updates, and there are exhibits on the prairie ecosystem. Stop here first, since there are almost no services inside the park, and fill up on fuel and water.
The East Block has a small visitor center and the Rock Creek campground, with campsites, oTENTik tents and trailheads into the badlands. Staff offer guided programs in summer. Services are very limited, so bring food, fuel and water from towns outside the park.
70 Mile Butte is one of the highest points in the West Block, rising above the Frenchman River valley. A trail of a few kilometers climbs to the top for sweeping views over the grassland. There is no shade, so hike early or late in summer, carry plenty of water and watch for rattlesnakes.
The Two Trees Trail is an easy loop in the West Block that crosses grassland and coulees near the Frenchman River. It is a good introduction to the park, with chances to see birds, pronghorn and wildflowers. The trail is open and unshaded, so bring a hat and water even for a short walk.
The Valley of 1000 Devils Trail in the East Block leads through eroded badlands of gray and tan clay, with hoodoos, fossils and views of the Rock Creek valley. The clay becomes very slippery when wet, so avoid it after rain. Pick up a trail description at the East Block visitor center first.
Grasslands is the only place in Canada where black-tailed prairie dogs live in the wild. Colonies along the Ecotour road in the West Block are easy to see from the car, with prairie dogs barking from their mounds. Stay on the road and watch for burrowing owls, hawks and rattlesnakes nearby.
Plains bison were returned to the West Block in 2005 and now roam freely across a large part of the park. They are often seen from the Ecotour road or on longer hikes. Keep at least 100 m away, never walk between animals, and be especially careful in the summer rut and calving season.
The Frenchman River winds through a broad valley across the West Block, with cottonwoods along its banks and grassy slopes rising to buttes on both sides. It is the setting for many of the park's trails and viewpoints. Early morning and evening light are best for photos and for seeing wildlife.
The Rock Creek badlands in the East Block are layered clay hills and coulees where dinosaur fossils have been found. Trails and viewpoints near the Rock Creek campground show the eroded landscape. Do not collect fossils, wear sturdy shoes, and avoid walking on the clay after rain.
The Ecotour Scenic Drive is a gravel road loop through the West Block with interpretive stops, prairie dog colonies, bison viewpoints and views over the Frenchman River valley. It takes a few hours with stops. Get the guide at the Val Marie visitor center, and avoid the road after heavy rain.
The Badlands Parkway is a paved road in the East Block that ends at a series of viewpoints over the Rock Creek badlands. Interpretive panels explain the geology and fossils. It is the easiest way to see the East Block scenery, and sunrise and sunset light make the colors stand out.
Grasslands is a dark-sky preserve and one of the darkest places in Canada, with very little light pollution. On clear nights the Milky Way is bright overhead, and the park sometimes holds stargazing events. Camp overnight, bring a red flashlight and warm layers, and check the moon phase.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Hirgax, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cephas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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