Grasslands National Park

Grasslands National Park

Province: Saskatchewan

Area: 907 sq. km (350 sq. mi.)

Grasslands National Park is best reached from Swift Current, at the intersection of Saskatchewan Highway 4 and TransCanada Highway 1. Head south from Swift Current to arrive eventually at the western edge of the reserve.

The beauty, grandeur and solitude of the Great Plains is to be found in the recently designated Grasslands National Park between Val Marie and Killdeer. Open all year, this virtually untouched landscape is unique in its wild beauty.

Its harsh climate has helped to preserve this part of the plains. A few people came here in the early days of prairie settlement, but were unable to bear the conditions for long, since when Grasslands has been used for virtually nothing but grazing. This area has a history to it, despite its poor climate. Prairie Indians roamed here in search of buffalo, as the rock drawings and tepee rings show. It was also a favorite hunting-ground of the Métis from the early Red River settlements.

The Grasslands are home to many different creatures. Frenchman River Valley has antelope, hawks, eagles, reptiles (including many rattlesnakes) and packs of prairie dogs.

South of Val Marie is the Prairie Dog Town Nature Reserve, set up by the Saskatchewan Natural History Society.

Other attractions include the Killdeer Badlands, Sinking Hill and historical trails from the pre-settlement period.

As the park is still being developed, permits are issued by the Administration Office in Val Marie, which is also still quite short of recreational facilities.