Pantanal — Travelrags

National GeographicJul 24, 2026

Canada's most underrated national park rivals Brazil's Pantanal

Vast prairies, rare wildlife, Indigenous history, and some of the country's best stargazing make Grasslands National Park a surprising alternative to South America's most famous wetland.

9 things in this story

Hotel Fazenda das PedrasHotelSustainable ranch offering Pantaneiro-led outings and conservation efforts.
Elsewhere
West BlockSightGrasslands National Park, CanadaRich in wildlife, shaped by rolling hills, deep coulees, river flats.
East BlockSightGrasslands National Park, CanadaDefined by rugged badlands and rich fossil beds.
Top Dogtown TrailTrailGrasslands National Park, CanadaOverlooks colonies, boosts odds of observing burrowing owls.
Rock Creek TrailTrailGrasslands National Park, CanadaOne-mile stretch where significant fossil finds have been unearthed.
oTentikHotelGrasslands National Park, CanadaCustom-made, permanent camping shelter in the park.
Hi Horse AdventuresPlaceGrasslands National Park, CanadaEmbrace frontier spirit by galloping across open fields.
70-Mile Butte TrailTrailGrasslands National Park, CanadaPopular 1.25-mile trail, ideal for sunset views.
Valley of 1000 DevilsTrailGrasslands National Park, Canada6.2-mile trail in East Block for seasoned hikers.

Read the full piece at National Geographic →