The Ecotour Scenic Drive is the easiest way to understand the West Block. The self-guided route runs through the Frenchman River Valley, with interpretive stops, views over coulees and buttes, prairie dog colonies, and a real chance of seeing bison from the road.
Do not treat it like a quick loop from town. Parks Canada recommends allowing one to three hours for the drive itself, and the full outing from Val Marie is much longer once you add stops, short walks, and wildlife watching.