Prairies · Saskatchewan
Grasslands National Park
Canada's only mixed-grass prairie park — and one of its darkest skies.
Province
Saskatchewan
Established
2001
Size
729 km²
Coordinates
49.08°, -107.58°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Grasslands National Park
Two blocks of unploughed prairie hold black-tailed prairie dog colonies, plains bison reintroductions, dinosaur badlands and a Dark Sky Preserve so deep that the Milky Way casts shadows.
Why visit
- World's darkest skies in the southern Prairies
- Black-tailed prairie dog colonies (the only ones in Canada)
- Plains bison reintroduction
- Badlands and dinosaur fossils in the East Block
Things to do
Plan your days.
70 Mile Butte sunset hike
hiking
Frenchman Valley Campground
camping
Dark sky overnight at Belza Viewpoint
stargazing
Ecotour Scenic Drive (West Block)
scenic drive
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Frenchman Valley (West Block) — oTENTik tents available
- Rock Creek (East Block) — quieter, badlands views
Best time to visit
- Spring
- May–June: green prairie, wildflowers, cool nights.
- Summer
- July–August: hottest (often 35°C+), but darkest nights.
- Fall
- September–October: golden grasses, low bug pressure.
- Winter
- Park accessible but services close; bitter cold.
- Peak
- Late June through August.
- Shoulder
- Early June or September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Prairie dog towns in the West Block; sunrise drives for pronghorn and bison.
Common species
Pronghorn · Prairie dog · Coyote · Burrowing owl
Signature species
Plains bison · Greater sage grouse · Black-footed ferret (reintroduced)
Wildlife safety
Rattlesnakes are present — watch your feet on warm rocks.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Val Marie
- Eastend
Nearby attractions
- T.rex Discovery Centre (Eastend)
- Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
West Block stargaze
Camp Frenchman Valley, climb 70 Mile Butte, watch the Milky Way.
photography
Dark sky long weekend
Time around a new moon in August or September.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Grasslands National Park.
Can I camp in Grasslands National Park?+
Yes. Grasslands National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Grasslands National Park?+
Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends; a portion of sites may remain first-come, first-served.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Grasslands National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 8/10. Excellent for families — wide trails, interpretive programs and accessible viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit Grasslands National Park?+
Late June through August for stargazing; September for cooler hiking. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include plains bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn and greater sage grouse. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Two to three days; longer to cover both blocks.
