Wide Open Spaces
Explore Saskatchewan from urban Saskatoon to the wide-open vistas of Grasslands National Park
Take in Saskatoon’s dynamic mix of culture and history and venture into endless prairies on this 7-day adventure.
Wide Open Spaces
Explore Saskatchewan from urban Saskatoon to the wide-open vistas of Grasslands National Park
Take in Saskatoon’s dynamic mix of culture and history and venture into endless prairies on this 7-day adventure.
From the urban pulse of Saskatoon to the wide-open prairie badlands of Grasslands National Park, this seven-day journey reveals a Canada many don’t expect — vast, intimate, and quietly powerful. It’s a chance to explore layered landscapes: the South Saskatchewan River bisecting a modern prairie city, and then sweeping south to one of North America’s last intact grassland ecosystems.
This journey begins in Saskatoon, which is a stop along VIA Rail's The Canadian train journey.
Day 1: Arrive in Saskatoon
Photo: Destination Canada
Photo: Destination Canada
Arrive in Saskatoon and make your way to your downtown hotel.
After settling in, take the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace. Saskatoon sits along the South Saskatchewan River and is known for its walkable river valley, vibrant food scene, and cultural institutions.
Spend your evening strolling the Meewasin Trail, browsing local shops, or enjoying dinner in one of the city’s neighbourhood restaurants.
Day 2: Explore Saskatoon & Wanuskewin Heritage Park
This morning, get acquainted with Saskatoon's history and landscape.
Photo: Nic Lehoux
Photo: Nic Lehoux
You may choose to explore the Remai Modern, walk the riverfront trails, or visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park — a National Historic Site that interprets more than 6,000 years of Northern Plains history and showcases the living culture of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples.
Photo: Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Photo: Wanuskewin Heritage Park
The afternoon is yours to continue exploring. Consider a visit to the local farmers' market (seasonal), or one of the city’s galleries and craft breweries. Saskatoon blends prairie heritage with modern energy, making it a welcoming place to ease into your Saskatchewan journey.
Day 3: Saskatoon to Grasslands National Park
Grasslands National Park, West Block Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan/Chris Hendrickson Photography
Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
Depart Saskatoon and begin your scenic southbound drive toward Grasslands National Park. As the city gives way to rolling farmland and open prairie, the sense of space becomes more expansive with each passing kilometre. Arrive in the West Block, home to wide-open plains, roaming bison herds, and the striking badlands of the Frenchman River Valley.
After checking into your accommodation, spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the park at your own pace. Suggested stops include the Ecotour Scenic Drive, prairie dog colonies, or short interpretive walks that introduce the geology, ecology, and history of the region.
In the evening, enjoy the quiet and the clear prairie sky — Grasslands is designated a Dark Sky Preserve and offers some of Canada’s most impressive stargazing.
Day 4: Exploring Grasslands National Park (West Block)
Photo: Dave Reede Photography
Photo: Dave Reede Photography
Today is devoted to experiencing the West Block’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Start with a morning hike — options range from short prairie loops to longer routes weaving into the badlands. Along the way, keep watch for bison, pronghorn, coyotes, ferruginous hawks, and countless smaller grassland species.
In the afternoon, visit interpretive sites that highlight the ecological and cultural significance of the grasslands, including Indigenous histories, ranching stories, and the park’s conservation efforts to protect one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems.
Day 5: East Block – Badlands & Rock Creek
Valley of 1000 Devils Trail, East Block, Grasslands National Park, Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
Travel east to the East Block of Grasslands National Park, known for its dramatic badlands, hoodoos, and sweeping viewpoints. This area is quieter and more remote than the West Block, offering a deeper sense of solitude.
Stop at the Badlands Parkway, a scenic route with interpretive viewpoints, or take a short hike to experience the layered geology up close. The East Block is also rich in paleontological history — dinosaur fossils have been found throughout the region, and interpretive panels help bring this deep time story to life.
Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan
Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan
Spend the evening surrounded by open horizons and the sound of wind moving through the prairie.
As night falls, look up — the Milky Way stretches bright across the sky, often visible with the naked eye.
Photo credit: Benjamin Hutton Photography
Photo credit: Benjamin Hutton Photography
Day 6: Final Morning in the East Block & Return to Saskatoon
Enjoy a final morning walk through the East Block’s quiet trails or take time to photograph the unique formations in early light. Afterward, begin the drive back to Saskatoon, transitioning from wild prairie back into the rhythms of the city.
Arrive in Saskatoon in the late afternoon and settle in for your final evening. Enjoy a relaxed dinner or revisit a favourite spot along the river.
Day 7: Departure from Saskatoon
Your prairie journey comes to a close today. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward travel. Whether it was the wide skies, roaming wildlife, or the layered history of the land, Grasslands National Park offers a perspective on Canada that lingers long after the trip ends.