Grasslands National Park

Grasslands Overview

Grasslands National Park, or Parc national des Prairies in French, is located in southern Saskatchewan, Canada, near the border with Montana, USA. Covering approximately 350 square miles (907 square kilometers), the park protects one of the few remaining areas of undisturbed prairie grassland in North America.

Divided into two distinct sections, the West Block and the East Block, the park showcases rolling grasslands, coulees, badlands, and river valleys that define the dramatic prairie landscape. The West Block features the Frenchman River Valley, a striking area of mixed-grass prairie and eroded buttes, while the East Block is known for its rugged badlands, home to some of Canada’s richest fossil deposits.

The park’s landscape is a blend of mixed-grass prairie, native fescue grasses, sagebrush, and cottonwood stands along streams, offering an untouched glimpse into the vast open plains that once covered the region.

Wildlife thrives in this protected ecosystem, with the park serving as a refuge for several species at risk. Bison, once nearly extinct in the region, have been successfully reintroduced and now roam freely in the West Block. Visitors may also encounter pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and coyotes. Smaller mammals, such as black-tailed prairie dogs, inhabit the only remaining prairie dog colonies in Canada.

The park is also home to predators like swift foxes and badgers, as well as burrowing owls, which nest in abandoned prairie dog burrows. Birdwatchers will find Grasslands National Park to be a prime destination, with over 200 species recorded, including ferruginous hawks, golden eagles, and the endangered Sprague’s pipit. The park’s diverse birdlife reflects the unique and fragile balance of the prairie ecosystem.

Among the park’s most popular features are the badlands of the East Block, which reveal layers of prehistoric history, including dinosaur fossils. The Valley of 1,000 Devils is particularly well-known for its rugged, eroded formations that create an otherworldly landscape.

The Frenchman River Valley, with its sweeping vistas and meandering waterways, is another highlight, drawing visitors for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. The dark sky preserve designation makes Grasslands National Park one of the best places in Canada for stargazing, with minimal light pollution offering spectacular views of the Milky Way and meteor showers.

Indigenous history is deeply tied to the land, with tipi rings and other cultural artifacts providing a glimpse into the lives of the First Nations peoples who once inhabited the region.

Visitors to Grasslands National Park can experience the park through a variety of activities. Hiking and backcountry camping allow for immersive exploration, with trails such as the 70 Mile Butte Trail offering panoramic views of the prairie.

Guided tours provide insights into the park’s natural and cultural history, including fossil digs and Indigenous storytelling sessions. Wildlife viewing is a major draw, particularly for those hoping to spot bison herds or hear the calls of prairie birds. The park’s extensive network of gravel roads also makes it accessible for scenic drives and cycling, offering a chance to take in the vast, open landscape at a leisurely pace.

Conservation efforts in the park focus on preserving the fragile prairie ecosystem, which has been significantly reduced due to agriculture and development. The successful reintroduction of bison stands as one of the park’s greatest achievements, helping to restore the natural balance of the grasslands.

Efforts to protect endangered species, such as the black-tailed prairie dog and burrowing owl, highlight the ongoing work to maintain biodiversity. Managing invasive species and mitigating human impact remain ongoing challenges, but partnerships with Indigenous groups and conservation organizations have strengthened stewardship initiatives.

Through careful management and education, Grasslands National Park continues to be a sanctuary for one of Canada’s most endangered ecosystems.

Park Map

Grasslands National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Grasslands National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting a wide range of prairie and migratory birds. With its open landscapes and diverse habitats, the park is home to both songbirds and raptors.

Burrowing Owl
A small, ground-dwelling owl, the Burrowing Owl nests in abandoned prairie dog burrows. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk species in North America. It is commonly seen soaring above the park, searching for small mammals like prairie dogs.

Loggerhead Shrike
Nicknamed the “butcher bird,” the Loggerhead Shrike impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire to store for later consumption. Despite its small size, it is a fierce predator.

Sprague’s Pipit
A true grassland specialist, Sprague’s Pipit is known for its distinctive flight songs. It prefers undisturbed native prairie and is considered a species at risk due to habitat loss.

Long-billed Curlew
The Long-billed Curlew is the largest shorebird in North America, despite living far from the coast. Its long, curved bill is perfect for probing into the ground for insects and worms.

Baird’s Sparrow
The Baird’s Sparrow is a secretive grassland bird with a sweet, tinkling song. It is found almost exclusively in native prairie habitats, making Grasslands National Park an important refuge for this declining species.

Common Nighthawk
A master of camouflage, the Common Nighthawk is most active at dusk, catching flying insects in midair. Its distinctive “peent” call can be heard echoing across the prairie during summer evenings.

Lark Bunting
The Lark Bunting, known for the striking black-and-white plumage of the males, is the provincial bird of Colorado but is also commonly found in Grasslands National Park during breeding season.

Golden Eagle
One of the most powerful birds of prey, the Golden Eagle is a rare but awe-inspiring sight in the park. It hunts jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and even small deer.

Western Meadowlark
Famous for its cheerful, flute-like song, the Western Meadowlark is a common sight in the park. Its bright yellow chest and black “V” marking make it easy to identify.

Grasslands National Park, located in Saskatchewan, Canada, is a haven for prairie wildlife. This expansive park preserves one of the country’s last remaining undisturbed grassland ecosystems, providing refuge to a diverse range of species. From swift predators to burrowing mammals, the park is home to unique and fascinating wildlife.

Plains Bison
Once nearly extinct in Canada, the Plains Bison has been successfully reintroduced to Grasslands National Park. These massive herbivores shape the prairie ecosystem by grazing and creating habitat diversity through their movements.

Pronghorn Antelope
North America’s fastest land mammal, the Pronghorn Antelope, can reach speeds of up to 60 mph. Despite their speed, they rely on their sharp vision to detect predators across the vast open plains.

Black-tailed Prairie Dog
A key species in the park, the Black-tailed Prairie Dog lives in complex underground burrow systems. Their colonies support a variety of other animals, including predators like foxes and hawks.

Swift Fox
Once nearly wiped out from Canada, the Swift Fox has been reintroduced and is now thriving in Grasslands National Park. This small, nocturnal predator is known for its incredible agility and speed.

Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer
This non-venomous snake, the Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer, is one of the fastest snakes in North America. It plays an important role in controlling rodent populations within the park.

Greater Short-horned Lizard
One of Canada’s only native lizard species, the Greater Short-horned Lizard is uniquely adapted to the dry grasslands, using its camouflage and ability to squirt blood from its eyes to deter predators.

Coyote
The Coyote is a highly adaptable predator commonly seen in Grasslands National Park. These intelligent and resourceful animals hunt a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and even young deer.

Western Rattlesnake
One of Canada’s few venomous snakes, the Western Rattlesnake is rare in the park but can sometimes be spotted basking in the sun or hunting small mammals.

Plains Spadefoot Toad
A remarkable amphibian, the Plains Spadefoot Toad spends most of its life underground, emerging only during heavy rains to breed in temporary pools.

American Badger
The American Badger is a skilled digger that hunts prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other burrowing animals. Its strong claws and tenacity make it a formidable predator.

Birds

Burrowing Owl
A small, ground-dwelling owl, the Burrowing Owl nests in abandoned prairie dog burrows. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk species in North America. It is commonly seen soaring above the park, searching for small mammals like prairie dogs.

Golden Eagle
One of the most powerful birds of prey, the Golden Eagle is a rare but awe-inspiring sight in the park. It hunts jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and even small deer.

Western Meadowlark
Famous for its cheerful, flute-like song, the Western Meadowlark is a common sight in the park. Its bright yellow chest and black “V” marking make it easy to identify.

Birds

Burrowing Owl
A small, ground-dwelling owl, the Burrowing Owl nests in abandoned prairie dog burrows. Unlike most owls, it is active during the day, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Ferruginous Hawk
The Ferruginous Hawk is the largest hawk species in North America. It is commonly seen soaring above the park, searching for small mammals like prairie dogs.

Golden Eagle
One of the most powerful birds of prey, the Golden Eagle is a rare but awe-inspiring sight in the park. It hunts jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and even small deer.

Western Meadowlark
Famous for its cheerful, flute-like song, the Western Meadowlark is a common sight in the park. Its bright yellow chest and black “V” marking make it easy to identify.