Grasslands National Park
Saskatchewan
Grasslands National Park, located near Val Marie in Saskatchewan, is one of Canada's few remaining areas of undisturbed dry mixed-grass and shortgrass prairie. Established in 1981, it protects the Northern short grasslands ecoregion, which spans southern Saskatchewan and parts of the northern Great Plains. The park is divided into two blocks: the West Block, known for the Frenchman River Valley, a large herd of plains bison, and prairie dog colonies; and the East Block, a more remote wilderness area featuring the badlands of Rock Creek and views of the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary. The park's harsh semi-arid climate supports unique flora such as blue grama grass and silver sagebrush, and fauna including bison, pronghorns, greater sage-grouses, black-footed ferrets, and prairie rattlesnakes. It also holds cultural significance as Treaty 4 land of the Blackfoot people and was a refuge for Sitting Bull and the Sioux in 1877. Designated a dark-sky preserve in 2009, the park offers excellent opportunities for stargazing while preserving nocturnal wildlife habitats. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, wildlife habitats, and enjoy camping facilities in the West Block.
Plan your trip to Canada with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Grasslands National Park is during late spring to early fall when weather conditions are favorable and wildlife is more active. Visitors are encouraged to book camping and guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons. The park offers backcountry and serviced camping options, including unique teepee camping. To enhance the experience, consider visiting the interpretive centres in Val Marie and Wood Mountain Regional Park for educational exhibits and local insights. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and families; check the official Parks Canada website for details. Nighttime visits are ideal for stargazing due to the park's dark-sky preserve status, but visitors should respect wildlife and follow park guidelines to minimize disturbance.
Interesting facts
- •Grasslands National Park is home to Canada's only black-tailed prairie dog colonies.
- •The park contains the Frenchman River Valley, an Important Bird Area of Canada.
- •In 1874, the first dinosaur remains in Western Canada were discovered in the Killdeer Badlands within the park.
- •Sitting Bull and approximately 5,000 Sioux took refuge in the park area after the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn.
- •The park was designated a dark-sky preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2009.
- •Plains bison were reintroduced to the park in 2006, growing to a herd of over 300 animals by 2015.
History
Grasslands National Park was established in 1981 to protect one of Canada's last remaining mixed-grass prairie ecosystems.
The area’s landscape was shaped by glacial meltwater erosion, forming notable features like the Frenchman River Valley and Rock Creek badlands.
In 1874, the first dinosaur remains in Western Canada were discovered here by Sir George Mercer Dawson.
The park also holds historical significance as a refuge for Sitting Bull and the Sioux in 1877 following the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Over the years, conservation efforts have included the reintroduction of plains bison in 2006 and black-footed ferrets after a 70-year absence.
In 2009, the park was designated a dark-sky preserve to protect nocturnal wildlife and promote astronomy.
Place Guide
West Block - Frenchman River Valley and Bison Herd
The West Block features the scenic Frenchman River Valley and hosts a large herd of over 300 plains bison. Visitors can also observe prairie dog colonies and enjoy camping facilities including serviced sites and teepee camping at Frenchman Valley Campground.
East Block - Rock Creek Badlands and Wilderness
The East Block is a more remote wilderness area with striking badlands formations along Rock Creek. It offers views of the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary and features an 11-kilometre parkway through the badlands, ideal for scenic drives and wildlife observation.
Contact
Phone: (306) 298-2257
