Photo Gallery - Ecotour Scenic Drive

Grasslands National Park

Photo Gallery - Ecotour Scenic Drive

The Ecotour Scenic Drive features stunning landscapes, rich history, and active conservation. This self-guided driving tour through the Frenchman River Valley in the park's west block usually takes about 2.5 hours. It can be completed as an 80km loop or a 70km “out and back.” Information panels along Ecotour Road provide interpretation of the prairie landscape. Enjoy our walking and hiking trails or have a picnic at one of the day use areas along the way! The Ecotour Scenic Drive Self-Guided Tour booklet is available at the Visitor Centre.

 

Clouds stretch across the blue sky as soft evening light pours over the grasslands.

Grasslands National Park is one of the largest remaining intact sections of mixed-grass prairie in Canada. There are over 70 different grass species found in the park!
© Parks Canada

 

An information panel marks a stop along the scenic driving tour.

Each stop along Ecotour Road is equipped with information. Use the pull outs to park as you talk a stroll through the grasslands.
© Parks Canada

 

A Black-tailed prairie dog sits atop a burrow while a second prairie dog peeks out.

Grasslands National Park is the most northern habitat for the Black-tailed Prairie Dog and the only place in Canada where you will find them.
© Parks Canada

 

Two women enjoy the view from the telescope lookout along the Top Dog Trail.

Walk through the Top Dog prairie dog colony and get a closer look at the landscape with the telescope.
© Parks Canada

 

A rippled view of the landscape with hills and areas of bear paw shale. The outline of the snake hibernaculum can be seen in the distance.

View the phenomenal landscape carved from glacial movement. Here you can see the formation of one of the snake hibernacula in the distance.
© Parks Canada

 

A lone bison stands in the grass.

Bison roam freely within the park and you may encounter them on the road. Slow down, stop, and give them plenty of room to pass.
© Parks Canada

 

A bison stands underneath a lone tree along Ecotour Road.

The trees in the grasslands are not plentiful, but where you do find them, you will likely find wildlife activity from birds to bison.
© Parks Canada

 

The historic 76 ranch corrals stand out against a blue, cloudy sky.

Grasslands National Park has a rich ranching history. These corrals once belonged to the 76 Ranch.
© Parks Canada

 

Informational kiosk, waste and recycling receptacle and vault toilet at the Belza day use site.

Facilities and information kiosks can be found at several locations along your drive including the Belza day use site, Frenchman Valley Campground, Two Trees day use site, and 70 Mile Butte.
© Parks Canada

 

A view of a pond, taller grasses and a bridge over the Frenchman River along Ecotour Road near the Belza day use area.

In the valley bottom, vegetation differs from that found in the upland areas. Watch as you tour near ponds and sloughs for waterfowl and amphibian life.
© Parks Canada

 

People gather outside of Coulee Centre at the Frenchman Valley Campground.

Take a tour through the Frenchman Valley Campground. Here you will find the Coulee Centre – a hub for park programs.
© Parks Canada

 

A family explores around the buildings at the Larson homestead site.

Imagine what life was like as one of the early homesteaders. Take a walk through the Larson homestead and view the remaining evidence of the underground barns.
© Parks Canada

 

A family plays with a lasso and roping props at the Larson homestead site.

Travelling with family? Don’t forget to pick up a Parks Canada Xplorer book from the Visitor Centre for the kids and let them experience the park first hand.
© Parks Canada

 

Two boys have their photo taken after finding a geocache.

Want to explore a little deeper? The park has 5 scavenger hunt like geocaches in the park. Discover caches as you enjoy the scenic drive.
© Parks Canada

 

A deer dots a landscape view of the Frenchman River and river hills.

Wildlife sightings are a common occurrence along Ecotour Road. Don’t forget your binoculars!
© Parks Canada

 

Leaves changing colors in the fall along the Frenchman River.

The park is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. In fall, the warm days and changing colors of the Grasslands make for a very picturesque time to visit.
© Parks Canada

 

70 Mile Butte, one of the tallest points in the park, in the distance with a blue, cloudy sky.

70 Mile Butte can be seen in the distance at different points throughout your drive. Stretch your legs as you hike to the top for a beautiful view of the Frenchman River Valley.
© Parks Canada
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