The Beauty Of Grasslands National Park
Rock Creek Badlands, East Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Dave Reede Photography
The Canadian Prairies stretch for 2,000 km over the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, with huge swatches of farmland, forests and open spaces.
But the native mixed-grass prairie ecosystem that once dominated the region now only remains in small portions, the rest having given way to farming and urban development. For those longing to see the grasslands, a visit to the aptly named Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan, which protects a part of the prairie ecosystem, is a must.
The landscape is spectacular: rolling hills, steep ravines and dramatic coulees. All along the park, you’ll find not only a variety of grass species — such as blue gramma grass (a bison favourite), wheat grass, needle-and-thread grass and spear grass — but also some cool plants, trees and shrubs like the prickly pear cactus, evening primrose, and buffalo berry. The park is home to bison (which were reintroduced in the park in 2005), as well as colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs.
Located near the US border about 4 hours southwest of the provincial capital of Regina, the park is decidedly off the beaten path. It’s unique landscape, however, makes it well worth the detour. Whether you come for a day trip to hike some of the spectacular trails or stay the night to experience Canada’s darkest dark sky preserve, Grasslands National Park deserves a spot on your Saskatchewan itinerary.
Need some more convincing? We will let the following gorgeous photos inspire you.
Reach out to us if you are planning a trip to the Prairies — we’d love to help you plan a dream vacation to this awesome part of Canada.
Bison, West Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
70 Mile Butte, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
East Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
East Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Eric Lindberg
Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
White-tailed deer, Grasslands National Park, West Block. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
East Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Eric Lindberg
East Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Eric Lindberg
Bison, West Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
East Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
West Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Kevin Hogarth Photography
East Block, Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Eric Lindberg
Grasslands National Park. Photo by Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
