Grasslands National Park

Grasslands National Park is in southwestern region of Saskatchewan . The park consists of two widely separated regions, the West Block and the East Block. The park is 477 km².

The West Block is about 350 km from Regina, and has access points off Highways #4 and #18 near Val Marie. The West Block of the park is located one hour south of Swift Current, and the main visitor reception centre is in the town of Val Marie. It is less than 30 km from the Morgan-Monchy Border Crossing from Montana , USA , itself about 90 km north of Malta , which has a train station on the Empire Builder Amtrak train. The East Block is about 280 km from Regina, and has access points off Highway #18 – one south of Wood Mountain and the other east of Glentworth. Watch for signage. The East Block of the park is about an hour's drive south of Assiniboia near Wood Mountain Regional Park. The interpretive centre is in the McGowan House at the new Rock Creek Campground. The East Block is less than 20 km from the Opheim–West Poplar River Border Crossing from Montana , USA , itself about 100 km north of Glasgow , which has a train station on the Empire Builder Amtrak train. 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. Fees and permits Fees to enter the park (2024): Adult $6.50 Senior $5.50 Youth free Family/group $13.50 Seasonal passes are available for less than the cost of 5-day passes. Parks Canada Passes The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that charge a daily entrance fee. It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2024 (taxes included): Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $151.25 Children and youth (0-17): free Adult (18-64): $75.25 Senior (65+): $64.50 The Cultural Access Pass : people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites.

Grasslands National Park is best explored on foot if staying in the town centre, though a car is useful for reaching attractions in the surrounding area. Local taxi services may be available. Cycling is a popular option in warmer months, with scenic routes connecting nearby points of interest.

Highlights of the West Block include the Frenchman River Valley, a herd of over 300 Plains bison as well as prairie dog colonies.

Outdoor activities in the Grasslands National Park area include hiking, fishing, and exploring the natural landscape of Saskatchewan. In winter, snow-based activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing may be available. Check locally for seasonal events, festivals, and guided tours that showcase the region's culture and heritage.

Dining in Grasslands National Park features Canadian comfort food and regional specialties. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — seafood where coastal, game and farm produce in rural areas. Cafés and casual restaurants serve hearty meals. In Saskatchewan, look for dishes featuring local ingredients and traditional Maritime/Prairie/Quebecois cooking styles depending on the region.

Local pubs and cafés in Grasslands National Park serve Canadian beer, coffee, and comfort drinks. Saskatchewan has a growing craft brewery and distillery scene — ask locals for their favourites. Wine and spirits from Canadian producers are widely available. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Canadian coffee and local fruit juices.

Lodging Lodging is located outside the park in Val Marie . Camping There are campsites, Tipis and furnished tents on platforms available in the park. In the West Block, the Frenchman Valley Campground offers visitors serviced camping sites, teepee camping and a cook shelter. Camping fees for overnight and can be paid at the Visitors Centre in Val Marie. Per night fees for 2024 are: Front country, serviced with electricity: $33 Equestrian camping: $24.50 Overflow camping: $17.50 Other accommodation fees (2024): oTENTik glamping, per night: $111.00 (a spacious blend of a tent and an A-frame cabin equipped with beds and furniture on a raised floor) Backcountry Backcountry camping is permitted. Enquire at the Visitors' Centre. Backcountry use and camping, per person: $7.50 (2024)

Local shops in Grasslands National Park offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Saskatchewan. Farmers' markets, when in season, are excellent places to find fresh local produce and handmade goods.

Routes through Grasslands National Park ENDS at ← Val Marie ← W E → Jct N S → Estevan This article is issued from Wikivoyage . The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.