Grasslands National Park

Introduction

Grasslands National Park is a Canadian national park located in Mankota, 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 from the American state of Montana and lies adjacent to the international boundary. The park was established in 1981. Prior to this the province's only other national park was Prince Albert National Park. 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.

Geography

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 USA. 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. Rare and endangered fauna found in the park include pronghorns, greater sage-grouses, burrowing owls, coyotes, ferruginous hawks, swift foxes, elk, wolverines, prairie rattlesnakes, black-footed ferrets and greater short-horned lizards. Flora includes blue grama grass, needlegrass, plains cottonwood and silver sagebrush.

Sights and Activities

Highlights of the West Block include the Frenchman River Valley, a herd of over 300 Plains bison as well as prairie dog colonies. The East Block is more of a wilderness area but offers spectacular views of the badlands of Rock Creek, the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary and prairie skies.

Opening Hours

The park is open year-round, though most people visit from May to September when the weather is at its best.

Cost

Currently there are no fees to enter the park. Backcountry camping fees are $9.80 for overnight and can be paid at the Visitors Centre in Val Marie.

Getting There and Around

The West Block has access points off Highways 4 and 18 near Val Marie.

The East Block has access points off Highway 18 – one south of Wood Mountain and the other located east of Glentworth. Watch for signage.

Eat/Drink

Sleep

A new campground called the Frenchman Valley Campground offers visitors serviced camping sites, teepee camping and a cook shelter. Backcountry camping is also available.

External Links

• Official Website