On our way through Canada, we decided to stop in another National Park in Saskatchewan, this time to discover another kind of landscape.
Where is Grasslands National Park located?
Once again, I used the GPS, but mine was not cooperative, so I just found the Visitor Center located in Val Marie, then I did grab some information, and we just followed the signs: highway 4 and Highway 18. For your information, we went to the West Block (because if you go the other side, it added another 2 hours of driving!)
Visitor Center: 101 Centre St, Val Marie, Saskatchewan
Once you find the Visitor Center, follow Grassland National Park, Eco route, you will have to drive on a gravel road a little bit to the entrance of Grassland National Park, but take your time and enjoy the bison.
What did we do?
We arrived late in this National Park, as we had to drive in one day what was planned for two days, so we just took time to enjoy the views, to plant our new tent! But the following day, we did what they called Ecotour.
So we took the car and drove for the Ecotour Scenic Drive features stunning landscapes, rich history, and active conservation. This 20 km self-guided driving tour through the Frenchman River Valley in the park’s West Block usually takes about 2 hours.
Information panels along Ecotour Road provide an interpretation of the prairie landscape. Enjoy our walking and hiking trails or have a picnic at one of the day-use areas along the way! Pick up a self-guided brochure from the Visitor Center, and embark on your tour through the West Block to view rare wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Time Required: 1 to 3 hours
Length of Tour: 20 km (approximately 80 km round-trip to Val Marie)
Be Prepared
Make sure you have enough fuel in the vehicle to complete the 80 km round-trip. If you are planning on exploring away from the interpretive Stops, please be conscious of your surroundings. As there are rattlesnakes in the park, sturdy ankle-high footwear and snake gaiters are recommended. Keep your distance from all wildlife so as not to disturb them, as well as for your safety. Maintain 100m distance from bison (length of a football field). Vehicles must stay on public roads and designated pull-offs. Remember to wear insect repellent containing DEET to prevent bites from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. If you come across artifacts or rare plants, please leave them where you found them.
Remember, this is a national park, so removing or disturbing any item found here is unlawful. Take only photographs; leave only footprints!
Dogs are not permitted on prairie dog colonies and must be on a leash at all times.
- Highlights of the Ecotour driving tour: Prairie dog colonies
- Bisons sightings
- Wildlife watching
- Walking and hiking trails
- Exploring archaeological sites
- Viewing historical homesteading and ranching sites
- Stunning views of the coulees, buttes, and Frenchman River Valley
- Discover the flora that makes up the grasslands
This place was totally unreal, and we felt that we were in a Cowboy movie! It is a fantastic place and a great place to take pictures!
