Grasslands National Park (East Block)

Grasslands National Park (East Block) is a protected area in Canada.

Grasslands National Park (East Block) at a Glance

Location
Prairie & Boreal Plains, Canada, North America
Coordinates
49.101604, -106.668800
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to September for wildlife viewing. Polar bear season October to November in Churchill.

Getting to Grasslands National Park (East Block)

Nearest airport: Arcola Airport, 309 km away.

Nearest international airport: Minot International Airport (MOT), 407 km away.

Weather & Climate in Grasslands National Park (East Block)

The warmest temperatures in Grasslands National Park (East Block) occur in July, averaging 21.7°C (up to 28.7°C). The coolest conditions are in January at -8.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 13.0mm. Average humidity: 80.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -8.9°C (rainfall: 13.0mm)
  • February: -8.3°C (rainfall: 19.3mm)
  • March: -3.6°C (rainfall: 21.8mm)
  • April: 3.1°C (rainfall: 25.2mm)
  • May: 11.5°C (rainfall: 58.1mm)
  • June: 17.5°C (rainfall: 60.4mm)
  • July: 21.7°C (rainfall: 35.4mm)
  • August: 20.8°C (rainfall: 24.9mm)
  • September: 15.8°C (rainfall: 20.4mm)
  • October: 6.5°C (rainfall: 28.3mm)
  • November: -2.4°C (rainfall: 28.7mm)
  • December: -8.1°C (rainfall: 18.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Grasslands National Park (East Block)

The best months to visit Grasslands National Park (East Block) are July, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature -8.92°C, rainfall 13mm, sunshine 5.7 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • February: Good, temperature -8.31°C, rainfall 19.3mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 72.8%
  • March: Good, temperature -3.65°C, rainfall 21.8mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 72%
  • April: Good, temperature 3.14°C, rainfall 25.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 61.3%
  • May: Good, temperature 11.52°C, rainfall 58.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 60%
  • June: Good, temperature 17.54°C, rainfall 60.4mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 56.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 21.68°C, rainfall 35.4mm, sunshine 14.1 hrs, humidity 53.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.83°C, rainfall 24.9mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 51.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 15.85°C, rainfall 20.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 54.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 6.48°C, rainfall 28.3mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 63.9%
  • November: Good, temperature -2.37°C, rainfall 28.7mm, sunshine 6.1 hrs, humidity 74.7%
  • December: Good, temperature -8.09°C, rainfall 18.7mm, sunshine 5.6 hrs, humidity 77.3%

Wildlife in Grasslands National Park (East Block)

Home to 6 recorded species including 5 birds of prey, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Grasslands National Park (East Block)

Based on average temperature of 5.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 65%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 5°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Grasslands National Park (East Block)

1 safari lodges available.

mid-range

Similar Parks in Prairie & Boreal Plains

Visitor Tips - Grasslands National Park (East Block)

The vast, open skies and rolling grasslands of Grasslands National Park offer a profound sense of solitude and connection to nature that we rarely find elsewhere. We love the feeling of being immersed in this ancient landscape, where the silence is broken only by the wind and the calls of prairie birds.

Gate Times

The East Block of Grasslands National Park is accessible year-round, but we recommend visiting between June and September for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. While there are no specific gate times, be aware that services are limited outside of the peak season. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry. We advise checking the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information on road conditions and any potential closures, especially outside of the summer months.

Tipping

Tipping is not a customary practice for park rangers in Canadian National Parks. For private guides or outfitters if you engage them for specialized tours, a tip of 10-15% of the service cost is generally appreciated for excellent service. For lodge staff, follow the lodge's specific guidelines, but a general guideline is $10-20 per guest per day for housekeeping and $15-25 per guest per day for a dedicated guide.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Grasslands National Park (East Block) FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter during a visit to Grasslands National Park (East Block)?

The East Block is renowned for its prairie wildlife, including free-roaming plains bison herds and the critically endangered black-footed ferret, reintroduced to the park. You can also spot prairie dogs, swift foxes, and a diverse array of grassland birds.

When is the optimal time to visit Grasslands National Park (East Block) for wildlife viewing and what activities are available?

The best time to visit is typically from late spring (May) through early fall (September) when wildlife is most active and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Beyond scenic drives, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, backcountry camping, and world-class stargazing as it's a designated Dark-Sky Preserve.

What specific safety precautions should I consider when planning a trip to Grasslands National Park (East Block), particularly regarding the moderate malaria risk?

While a moderate malaria risk is noted, it's prudent to consult your doctor about preventative measures and use insect repellent, especially during dusk and dawn. Additionally, be aware of prairie hazards like rattlesnakes, extreme weather changes, and always maintain a safe distance from bison.

How do travelers typically access Grasslands National Park (East Block), and what are the recommended ways to explore its remote areas?

The East Block is quite remote and generally requires a personal vehicle for access, often via unpaved roads. Within the park, a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is recommended for exploring some of the more rugged scenic drives, like the Badlands Parkway, to fully experience its unique terrain.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Grasslands National Park (East Block), and what accommodation options are available?

Visitors will incur Parks Canada entry fees, which can be a daily pass or an annual discovery pass. Accommodation within the East Block is primarily rustic, offering primitive campsites and a limited number of oTENTik units; nearby towns like Val Marie or Wood Mountain provide additional lodging options.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.