Located in the West Block of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Fort Walsh National Historic Site was the headquarters of the North West Mounted Police from 1878 to 1882.  This historic site is more than just a museum.  It is an experience.

Step back in time to the 1870s and discover what life was like on a working fort in the lawless time of rotgut whikey runners.  Imagine the scarlett serge clad NWMP marching on parade, hear Metis legends handed down through generations and learn traditional crafts and skills.

The Interpretive Centre is full of interactive learning opportunities and there is even a theatre where you can watch a short film to learn about the history of Fort Walsh.

A short walk down the hill leads you to the fenced in fort where you can wander and explore the various buildings and chat with guides who dress in period appropriate clothing.  Beyond the fort, you can find walking trails with interpretive signs and, if you feel energetic, a set of the red chairs can be found on the hills south of the fort.

Finish your day with a snack from the small food menu while enjoying the view from the deck.

There are no shortage of things to do and see in Grasslands National Park.   Divided into two sections, the East Block and the West block, each side offers amazing views and experiences.

Be sure to check in with the office to see what guided tours are available during your stay.  Choose from front- country, back-country, equestrian camping, or stay in one of the A-framed Otentiks.

Enjoy the views of the best dark skies around and hike the various trails that are available.

West Block:

Wildlife viewing is a popular thing to do in the West Block of Grasslands National Park.  Visit the protected Prairie Dog Colonies to see the social creatures interacting with eachother.  Spot free roaming bison along the hillsides.  Find deer, coyotes, badgers, and all sorts of birds.

Drive the scenic road through the Frenchman Valley and stop at scenic lookouts for the best sunsets and sunrises around.  Learn the history of the area from the interpretive signs at each stop.

The Frenchman Valley Campground   has 4 Otentiks and 20 electrical tent/ RV sites.  

Be sure to visit 70 Mile Butte, Eagle Butte, and Two Trees day use area located south of Val Marie.

East Block:

The East Block of Grasslands National Park is where you'll find the breathtaking Badlands Parkway.  Look out over the Valley of 1000 Devils and see unique dome shaped formations that have been eroded, showing layers of time.  Search for dinosour fossils as you explore this side of the national park.  

Rock Creek Campground  has 8 Otentiks available and 24 electrical sites.  

Join an Inerpreter to deepen your knowledge and connection to this unique landscape.  Learn about rare Grasslands wildlife, paleontology, history, and much more!  Hikes are designed to give you an insiders look at the work being done by Parks Canada to protect Grasslands National Park.  Check out the website for dates, times and meeting locations.

East Block, Rock Creek Campground

Spend a day uncovering the secrets of ancient dinosaurs. The Badlands were the site of one of the first discoveries of dinosaur fossils in Canada, and scientists today continue to unlock the mystery of a time when prehistoric creatures wandered the jungle on what is now the Canadian Prairie.

As part of the five-day Fossil Fever event, small groups get a hands-on lesson as they accompany a crew of paleontologists from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and McGill University on a day’s dig. Wild scenery, lunch in the badlands and five hours of finding hidden gems such as fossils are all included. Wind down enjoying a hot chocolate beneath the spectacular night sky as you watch the glowing campfire embers.

The Two Trees Recreation Area is part of the West Block of Grasslands National Park. It is located south of Val Marie, Saskatchewan, and makes a great picnic area.  There are easy hiking trails, picnic tables, a BBQ, and toilets.

The Cypress Hills stand out in the prairies.  These forested hills offer a unique camping experience in southern Saskatchewan.

650 campsites ranging from unserviced to full-service await! The Saskatchewan side of the Interprovincial Park is divided into two separate blocks: Centre Block (Core Area), and West Block (Wilderness Area).

The Centre Block (south of Maple Creek on Highway #21) is where the majority of the campsites are located, as well as all the park’s front country services and amenities.  There are many things to do in this portion of the park.  Try ziplines, e-bikes, segway tours, paddle board rentals, horse back tours, mini golf, golf, and more! They even have camp-easy tents to rent.

The West Block Wilderness Area (near Fort Walsh on Highway #271) features limited unserviced campsites as well as the equestrian campground.  Visit the stunning Conglomerate Cliffs, Historic Fort Walsh, and the site of the Cypress Hills Massacre.

Cypress Hills is the highest point in Canada between Labrador and the Rocky Mountains, and the only place on the prairies in Canada where a lodge pole pine forest occurs naturally. Cypress Hills is also one of Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserves! 

While the park gets quieter in winter, there are still many activities to help you enjoy a winter adventure.  The camp-easy tents are available in winter and there are a few winter camping sites open.  Rent snowshoes and cross-country skis, enjoy the ski-doo trail, and bring out your inner child on the tobaggan hill.  A variety of fun guided interpretive hikes are scheduled throughout the winter, so check our events calenda for more details.

The public pool in the centre block is now open on weekends so you can warm up in the hot tun and sauna.  Don't forget to pop into the visitor's centre to see what they have going on in there.  

The Daily Grind, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, is a beautiful roastery and coffee shop that roasts sustainably produced coffees from around the world. 

Learn about roasting, curing, grinding and brewing a perfect cup of coffee using a variety of methods, and go home with a half pound of one of their house roasted blends.

After you learn about your coffee on the Learn About Coffee Tour, take time to shop the unique items, enjoy a hearty home-made soup, or some fresh baking.

Email thedailygrind@sasktel.net for more information or to book a group.

Southwest Saskatchewan has the best dark skies around!

The Wilkinson Memorial Observatory, in Eastend, Saskatchewan, is one of the best equipped observatories in western Canada.  The observatory is equipped with a Celestron Ultima 11" 2800mm focal length telescope with various eye pieces and filters. You can see the amazing rings of planet Saturn, follow the space station as it soars through outer space, and feel the vast expanse of our incredible Universe.

The observatory is open by appointment and managed by volunteers from the Eastend Astronomy Club.  Email eatend@sasktel.net or call 306-295-3323 to book an appointment.

Arrive in Eastend early so the family can enjoy the other great things to do in Eastend as well.

One of the best things to do in southwest Saskatchewan is to explore the Great Sandhills.

The Great Sandhills encompass 1900 sq. km of land and are one of the largest set of active dunes in the country. The view from the top of the hills is breathtaking, and visitors to the area consider it a once in a lifetime experience. The largest sand dunes are 25 meters in height and cover several hectares of land.

Climb the set of dunes right at the parking lot, or hike west from the boot monument to an even larger set.

Be sure to visit the Sandhills Museum and Interpretive Centre in Scetre.

Finding roadside attractions is something many people love to do.  Leader, Saskatchewan, has several for you to discover.

Explore Leader’s nine famous wildlife sculptures. Created by the late Ralph Berg of Cabri, SK and Grant McLaughlin of Moose Jaw, SK, these larger than life sculptures depict several of the area’s amazing animal inhabitants. The wildlife sculptures are open and accessible year-round, so come anytime.  Download the TripVia Tours App to get audio and sound effects to go along with the sculptures.

As you tour through the town, you will spot several other quirky attractions, including huge big red chairs.

Wallace Stegner House is the childhood home of the great American and Puliter Prize winning author, Wallace Stegner. 

Wallace Stegner House is an artist retreat operated by the Eastend Arts Council Inc., a not-for-profit corporation run by a volunteer board.

Artists and writers from around the world are invited to create and explore the land from Wallace Stegner's historic childhood home as part of a one month residency program.

To learn more about Eastend Arts Council programs or to apply for residenceies, please visit our website at www.stegnerhouse.ca

This "hidden gem" art gallery housed in an iconic heritage building features Western Canadian Artists.  The gallery gift shop ffeatures unique artistic gifts, gemstones, artifacts, fossils and jewellery.

If you are looking for something different to do in Maple Creek, mine for gems in the garden out back of the art gallery.  

Gather your herd at the Historic Reesor Ranch a year-round ranch vacation destination that offers romantic getaways, family vacations and group retreats.

Explore the scenery at the Historic Reesor Ranch on a guided ATV tour through their beautiful property.  This is just one of the many things to to while staying at this heritage ranch.  

Enjoy one of Canada’s signature tourism experiences with authentic western horseback riding adventures at The Historic Reesor Ranch.  Located just outside of the west block of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, this property offers stunning views and a horseback ride is the perfect way to take it all in.

Be sure to check out all of the other things to do while staying at the ranch.

Old Man on His Back Prairie Heritage and Conservation Area is now a Nocturnal Preserve! The Visitor Centre is open weekends from mid-May to the end of September. For information, or to arrange a visit during the week, please call interpreter Alan Dumontel at 306.662.7809

One of the highlights of visiting this nature conservancy is seeing the herd of bison roaming the land.

Enjoy a 30 minute guided Alpaca walk.  This experience is for families, friends, couples, or just for you to enjoy on your own.

Discover the Little Brick Schoolhouse in Val Marie; gateway to Grasslands National Park!  Visit the museum, art gallery and gift shop for exclusive Grasslands National Park souveniers, carefully curated selection of field guides, and unique local gifts and crafts.  Enjoy free wifi as you stroll our prairie gardens sippling latte from our expressor bar.  The Schoolhouse is open seasonally, but the shop is always open online at pwss.org.