Grasslands National Park protects one of the largest, best-preserved tracts of native mixed-grass prairie in Canada, along the Frenchman River Valley and the badlands of the East Block in southwestern Saskatchewan. The park is famous for open horizons, night skies, and a suite of prairie wildlife including plains bison, pronghorn, black-tailed prairie dogs, swift fox, and—through reintroduction—the black-footed ferret.
| Location | Southwestern Saskatchewan on the U.S. border — West Block near Val Marie (Frenchman River Valley) and East Block near Rock Creek/Wood Mountain |
|---|---|
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Established | 1981 (park creation; expansions followed) |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 900 km² (two non-contiguous blocks) |
| Notable features | Frenchman River Valley; Valley of 1000 Devils badlands; Badlands Parkway (East Block) & Ecotour Scenic Drive (West Block); mixed-grass prairie, prairie dog colonies, dark skies |
| Nearby communities | Val Marie (West Block gateway); Killdeer/Rock Creek area & Wood Mountain (East Block); regional hubs: Swift Current, Moose Jaw |
Overview
Grasslands preserves rolling native prairie, eroded badlands, and coulee country carved by ice and water. With little tree cover and vast skies, it’s a landscape of wind, wildflowers, and wildlife. The park comprises two units: the West Block (Frenchman River Valley and large prairie dog towns) and the East Block (spectacular badlands and the Badlands Parkway).
Lands and relationships
The region is part of the traditional territories and travel corridors of Indigenous peoples including Cree, Assiniboine/Nakoda, Blackfoot, and Métis communities. Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners on bison restoration, species-at-risk recovery, fire and grassland stewardship, and cultural interpretation.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Mixed-grass prairie: Rough fescue, needle-and-thread, blue grama, and sagebrush with summer wildflowers and pollinators.
- Badlands & coulees (East Block): Bentonite clays, hoodoos, and striped buttes along the Frenchman River breaks; sunrise/sunset are dramatic.
- River valley & wetlands (West Block): Cottonwood groves, oxbows, and seasonal wetlands support waterfowl and songbirds.
- Wildlife (highlights): Plains bison, pronghorn, mule deer, coyote, swift fox, burrowing owl, greater sage-grouse (sensitive), prairie rattlesnake, and Canada’s only wild colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs. Black-footed ferrets have been reintroduced and are monitored.
Things to do
- Scenic drives: Ecotour Scenic Drive (West Block) with pullouts over the Frenchman River Valley; Badlands Parkway (East Block) with panoramic lookouts and short walks.
- Hiking: Signature routes include 70 Mile Butte, Eagle Butte, Riverwalks, and short badlands loops; off-trail travel is permitted where signed—watch for cactus and burrows.
- Camping: Frontcountry at Frenchman Valley Campground (West Block) and Rock Creek Campground (East Block), both with oTENTik/roofed options in season. Registered wilderness camping is allowed under backcountry rules.
- Wildlife & night skies: Dusk/dawn wildlife viewing at prairie dog colonies and valley edges; exceptional stargazing and Milky Way photography on clear nights.
- Guided programs: Seasonal interpretive walks and dark-sky events; occasional monitoring nights for prairie wildlife.
Access and visitor services
- West Block (Val Marie): From Hwy 4 or 18 to the Val Marie Visitor Centre (trip planning, exhibits). Gravel roads lead to the Ecotour Scenic Drive and Frenchman Valley Campground.
- East Block (Rock Creek): Access from Hwy 18 via signed roads to the Rock Creek Visitor Centre and the Badlands Parkway.
- Services (fuel/food/repairs) are limited near the park; stock up in larger towns. Reservations are recommended for camping and oTENTik.
Safety and low-impact travel
- Exposure & weather: Very little shade; bring sun protection, hats, and ample water. Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and sudden temperature swings are common.
- Wildlife: Give bison, rattlesnakes, and all wildlife generous space. Do not approach prairie dog colonies; ferrets are strictly protected.
- Terrain hazards: Cactus spines, uneven ground, prairie dog holes, and slick bentonite after rain. Wear sturdy footwear.
- Roads & navigation: Many routes are gravel; rain can make surfaces impassable. Carry paper maps/GPS; cell service is patchy.
- Practice Leave No Trace: stay on durable surfaces, pack out waste, and avoid trampling cryptobiotic crusts and fragile soils.
See also
- Riding Mountain National Park • Prince Albert National Park • Waterton Lakes National Park
- National parks of Canada • Travel in Canada • Geography of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Grasslands National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/sk/grasslands
- Parks Canada — Visit (West & East Blocks, Ecotour/Badlands Parkway): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/sk/grasslands/visit
- Parks Canada — Reservations (camping/roofed/wilderness registration): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, fire bans): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp