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Grasslands National Park

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Prairie photography beyond the horizon

The unbroken sky of the northern short‑grass ecoregion offers a dramatic canvas for photographers. Early morning light spreads across the undulating tussocks, casting long shadows that reveal subtle colour shifts from amber to sage. A useful tip is to head to the West Block’s Badlands Trail at sunrise; the low angle illuminates the eroded hoodoos and reveals textures invisible under midday sun. Bring a polarising filter to tame the brightness of the endless horizon and capture the delicate dance of dust devils that occasionally stir. Late afternoon, when the sun sits low, the sky turns a bruised violet, perfect for panoramic shots that convey the vastness of the prairie without resorting to a wide‑angle lens.

Foraging and the flavour of the prairie

While the park’s primary draw is its wildlife, the surrounding grasslands support an underrated edible flora. In late summer, the prairie turnip (Pediomelum esculentum) and the bright yellow prairie clover produce tender shoots that local foragers prepare as simple sautés or teas. Guided walks with park naturalists often include a brief stop at these sites, offering a glimpse into the traditional diet of Indigenous peoples. Visitors should carry a small pocketknife and a reusable container, but always harvest responsibly—only take what you will use and avoid species that are flagged as protected. Pair your foraged snack with a cold craft cider from nearby Val Marie for a taste that mirrors the landscape’s restrained richness.

Comparative climate: prairie versus desert

Grasslands National Park experiences a continental climate that, despite its latitude, shares surprising parallels with semi‑arid deserts. Summer temperatures can climb above 30 °C, while winter nights frequently dip below –20 °C, creating a stark thermal range that influences both flora and fauna. The low precipitation, averaging around 300 mm annually, means that water‑conserving adaptations—such as deep root systems and nocturnal activity—are as essential here as in the Sahara’s fringes. For travelers accustomed to milder temperate zones, packing layered clothing, sun‑protective gear, and plenty of water is prudent. Understanding this climatic duality helps set realistic expectations for trail conditions and wildlife behaviour throughout the year.

Introduction

National park in Saskatchewan, Canada Grasslands National ParkParc national des PrairiesIUCN category II (national park)Bison grazing in Grasslands National ParkLocation in SaskatchewanShow map of SaskatchewanLocation in CanadaShow map of CanadaInteractive map of Grasslands National ParkLocationRM of Val Marie No. 17, Saskatchewan, CanadaNearest cityVal MarieCoordinates49°09′N 107°31′W / 49.15°N 107.51°W / 49.15; -107.51Area907 km2 (350 sq mi)Established1981Visitors19,656 (in 2022–23)Governing bodyParks CanadaWebsiteGrasslands National Park Grasslands National Park is a Canadian national park located near the village of Val Marie, Saskatchewan, and one of 44 national parks and park reserves in Canada's national park system (though one of only two in Saskatchewan itself). This national park is north of the U.S. state of Montana and lies adjacent to the international boundary. It consists of two separate parcels, the East Block and West Block. The park was established in 1981. Prior to this the province's only national park was Prince Albert National Park. Grasslands annually receives about 12,000 visitors. Grasslands National Park represents the Prairie Grasslands natural region, protecting one of the nation's few remaining areas of undisturbed dry mixed-grass/shortgrass prairie grassland. The park is located in the World Wildlife Fund-defined Northern short grasslands ecoregion, which spans much of southern Saskatchewan, southern Alberta, and the northern Great Plains states in the US. The unique landscape and harsh, semi-arid climate provide niches for several adapted plants and animals. The park and surrounding area house the country's only black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Fauna found in the park include bison, pronghorns, greater sage-grouses, ring-necked pheasants, burrowing owls, coyotes, ferruginous hawks, swift foxes, prairie rattlesnakes, black-footed ferrets, eastern yellow-bellied racers, and greater short-horned lizards. Flora includes blue grama grass, needlegrass, plains cottonwood and silver sagebrush. Of the top 10 bird species that are most unique to Saskatchewan, eight of these are regularly found within the park — notably Baird's sparrow, lark bunting, and greater sage-grouse, each of which are >25 times more likely to be found in Saskatchewan than in the rest of Canada.

History

[edit] West Block viewed from the summit of 70 Mile ButteErosion by glacial meltwater formed many of the park's characteristic features. Highlights of the park's geological landscape include the Frenchman River Valley, the Seventy Mile Butte, and the badlands of Rock Creek. In 1874, Sir George Mercer Dawson discovered Western Canada's first dinosaur remains in the Killdeer Badlands during the International Boundary Survey. Later, in 1877, Sitting Bull took refuge in the area with around 5,000 Sioux after the defeat of General Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Grasslands National Park is Treaty 4 land of the Blackfoot (Niitsítapi) people of the Canadian and American plains. A 2022 agreement between the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and Parks Canada provides for the transfer of 24 bison.

West and East Blocks

[edit] The Valley of 1000 Devils in the East Block The West Block of the park is located one hour south of Swift Current, and the main visitor reception centre is located in the town of Val Marie. Highlights of the West Block include the Frenchman River Valley, a herd of over 300 plains bison as well as prairie dog colonies. A 16-kilometre (10 mi) wide stretch of land on either side of the Frenchman River is an Important Bird Area of Canada called Grasslands National Park (west) (SK 024). Frenchman Valley Campground offers visitors serviced camping sites, teepee camping, and a cook shelter. Backcountry camping is also available. The West Block is located in Census Division No. 4. The East Block of the park is located about an hour's drive south of Assiniboia on the south side of the Wood Mountain Hills in Census Division No. 3. The interpretive centre is in the McGowan House at the new Rock Creek Campground and the information centre is at the museum in Wood Mountain Regional Park. The East Block is more of a wilderness area but has views of the badlands of Rock Creek, the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary, and prairie skies. A one-lane, 11-kilometre (6.8 mi) parkway traverses the Rock Creek Badlands. The East Block contains the Grasslands National Park (east) (SK 023) Important Bird Area. In 2006, plains bison from Elk Island National Park in Alberta were reintroduced to Grasslands. By 2015, the herd had grown from the original 71 animals to over 300. The herd is maintained on a 181 km2 (70 sq mi) section in the park's West Block. On 2 October 2009, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Grasslands National Park a dark-sky preserve, and a small population of black-footed ferrets were reintroduced into the prairie dog towns after a 70-year absence. Improved night-lighting practices under the dark-sky agreement ensure that the park remains dark at night, preserving a natural environment for all nocturnal wildlife.