Length of Trip : Day trip or multi-day visit for camping/hiking

Cost : No park fees currently apply for day visits. There is a modest fee for camping. Tours are available from the interpretative centre for a nominal fee.

Best time to go : June to September

Wheelchair friendly : Yes

Family friendly : Yes

Where to eat : The villages of Val Marie and Mankota provide limited essential services such as restaurants, fuel, camping and accommodations near the West Block of the park. There’s also a restaurant in the village of Gwentworth close the East block.

Official Site : www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/sk/grasslands/index.aspx

Where to Stay : The Crossing Resort, Val Marie
The Grasslands Inn, Mankota

Getting There : Grasslands National Park is located in southwestern Saskatchewan near the Saskatchewan-Montana border. The Park has two separate blocks. The West Block centres on the Frenchman River Valley and the East Block features the Killdeer Badlands of the Rock Creek area and the Wood Mountain Uplands. The park’s West Block can be accessed near the village of Val Marie on Hwy #4 and Hwy #18. Val Marie is one and a half hour drive south of Swift Current. The Park’s East Block can be accessed near the town of Wood Mountain on Hwy #18. More details at: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/sk/grasslands/visit/visit1.aspx

Note from Robin : Check the weather report before heading to the Dark Sky Preserve. You’re hoping for a clear night.