Grasslands National Park
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Grasslands National Park

Grasslands National Park

Remote Saskatchewan prairie park of bison, badlands, prairie dog towns, and immense night skies.

Grasslands National Park protects a piece of southern Saskatchewan that was never turned into wheat field: mixed-grass prairie, coulees, prairie dog colonies, exposed badlands, and a sky so dark that the park is known for stargazing as much as hiking. It is remote, dry, and quiet in a way that feels rare in Canada.

The park is split into two blocks. The West Block, reached from Val Marie, is the more straightforward first visit, with the Ecotour Scenic Drive, bison range, short hikes, and 70 Mile Butte. The East Block, reached from the Wood Mountain side, is rougher and more badlands-focused, with the Valley of 1000 Devils as its headline walk.

This is not a park of waterfalls, lakes, or dramatic mountain silhouettes. Its strength is space: grass moving in the wind, hawks over coulees, bison at a respectful distance, and the odd comedy of black-tailed prairie dogs standing upright beside their burrows. If you are crossing southern Saskatchewan and have a day to spare, Grasslands is one of the province's best detours.

Val Marie is the main service village for the West Block and the location of the visitor centre, but the travel value belongs to the park itself. Bring fuel, water, sun protection, and a real map; cell coverage is patchy and distances feel longer than they look.

Guide

Getting There

For the West Block, drive south from Swift Current to Val Marie, then follow the signed roads into the park. Parks Canada notes that the Ecotour route alone is about an 80 km round trip from Val Marie, so fill up before you leave town.

For the East Block, approach from the Wood Mountain side on Highway 18 and follow the signed park access road. The two blocks are far enough apart that it is better to plan them as separate outings unless you have more than one day.

Guide

Things to Do

Grasslands is best explored by combining a scenic drive with short walks. The West Block gives the easiest introduction, especially the Ecotour route, 70 Mile Butte, and the prairie dog colony at Top Dogtown. The East Block is better for badlands hiking, with the Valley of 1000 Devils and the shorter Creek to Peak walk giving a strong sense of Rock Creek's eroded country.

Guide

When to Go

Late spring through early autumn is the best window. June brings green prairie and wildflowers; July and August are hot, bright, and exposed; September is quieter and often excellent for hiking. In any warm month, start walks early, carry more water than you think you need, and keep well back from bison.

Winter is possible but much more self-reliant. Roads, services, and weather can all become limiting factors, and the park's appeal is harder to enjoy without long daylight and open trails.