The subtle realm of the mixed grassland prairie is not for everyone, but many people respond profoundly. The spaciousness feels like freedom. Instead of emptiness, they see eternity. Grasslands National Park stretches across the low, rolling hills along the Saskatchewan-Montana border. One of Canada’s newer national parks, it consists of two separate areas: the West Block and the East Block, with the more remote East Block consisting of badlands and uplands.

At stop number two, walk out to the big reddish rock to the east. This is a rubbing stone, smoothed over the ages by itchy bison scratching themselves on it. Bison no longer inhabit the park, but they are part of future management plans.

At the last marked stop, pull over and enjoy the prairie dog town. The Frenchman River Valley area is the only place in Canada inhabited by black-tailed prairie dogs. Watch the complex social lives of these charming critters as they groom each other, bark, and whistle.