Going East to Grasslands National Park

When Driving to Saskatchewan Is Going East

Yes, you heard me right, Going to Saskatchewan is going East, if you live in Alberta. I know, I know ... so, let's just say, our second long camping trip was in our neighbouring Prairie province, Saskatchewan.

At the crack of dawn I patiently waited for my camping compañeros to join me and Betty (that's the Jeep Cherokee who, unfortunately, let us down on the third trip this summer with a broken transmission; we have since welcomed Gertie, a GMC Canyon, to the family).

This time the site had only electricity—the AC was a God send during the warm, windless southern Saskatchewan days. We filled the RV with water at Val de Marie. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a fire because the park declared a fire ban that afternoon, but this didn't stop us from eating the cookies and marshmallows we brought with us for s'mores.

When Parking the RV Is so Much Easier

I am not the best when it comes to backing up, let a lone backing up with an RV. Luck smiled upon me in Saskatchewan—we had a pull through site.

Our campground, Frenchman Valley. We are the white vehicle and white RV (second from the right).

The campsite provided little shade—what did we expect, we visited southern Saskatchewan and the park was called Grasslands National Park. Grassland country surrounded us, which reminded me a lot of my childhood home. This meant there were very few trees; and when I say very few trees, my friends, I mean very few trees.

However, the wildlife certainly made up for the lack of trees.

When the Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs Bark

Black-tailed Prairie Dogs

Yes, they bark—well, that is what you call the sound they make. (There has been studies on the different vocalizations and what those mean.) The black-tailed prairie dogs live in dog towns. On the west side of Grassland there are 11 dog towns. These dog towns are big. In Canada the black-tailed prairie dogs are a threatened species.

Black-tailed prairie dogs play an important part of the ecosystem. Some critters use their burrows. They are also a food supply for several other species.

It was fun to see these guys running around and baking in the sun when we walked among these prairie treasures along the short trail at the Top Dog Colony. Jax couldn't join us because dogs are not allowed at the dog towns.

When the Plains Bison Kick Up Dust

August is boiling hot in southern Saskatchewan. When we decided to venture on Timbergulch Trail (15 km) we left at the crack of dawn. It is said Bison frequent this trail. We saw a carcass—not sure if it was a bison carcass or some other poor animal. Just past the halfway mark we saw two bison in the distance. A little disappointing because we expected a herd of bison to grace us with their presence.

Two plains bison kicking up dust.

A further along the trail we saw another bison. He was a little closer than the previous two, but still at least 100 meters from us.

It wasn't until the following day, while doing the Ecotour Scenic Drive, that we saw a herb of bison. At one point they two bison settled a disagreement while kicking up dust. There were also a few bison calves.

When Two Fawns Prance in the Grass

Two fawns prancing.

Now, I can tell the difference between a pronghorn and a mule deer or white-tailed deer. However, when it comes to the difference between a mule deer and white-tailed deer doe or fawn, I am not so sure—I apologize when I mix them up.

We did not see any pronghorns, but we did see both mule deer and white-tailed deer. And the best were the two curious fawns.

When the Elusive Greater Sage Grouse is Spotted

The greater sage grouse

There a few birds species in Grasslands National Park. I would really would have liked to see the burrowing owls; however, we saw another elusive (or as the brochure of Grasslands describe it one of Canada's rarest and iconic grassland species) bird, the greater sage grouse. It was by pure luck I snapped the photo of this one who quietly snooped around in the tall grass.

We also saw sprague's pipit, loggerhead shrikes, and ferruginous hawks.

When the Time Has Come to Say Farewell

Well, before we knew it, it was Friday and time to head West. Grassland National Park is a national treasure that everyone needs to visit.

So, my friends, when you are looking for a rustic camping experience surrounded by grasslands, plains bison, loggerhead shrikes, and so much more ... then there is but one place to go. Grassland National Park.