Sky Story B&B

Sky Story B&B is a small, peaceful base in Val Marie, right on the edge of Grasslands National Park, and it’s ideal if you’re coming for big skies, prairie landscapes and a slower pace. You’re only about a five-minute walk from the park’s Visitor Centre, so it’s brilliantly placed for early starts and sunset drives, and the owner adds a real personal touch, with an artistic background and a genuine connection to the land and its Indigenous heritage, which gives the stay a bit more depth than a standard B&B.

Accommodation is deliberately limited, with two air-conditioned guest rooms in the main house and a separate studio suite. The guest rooms are simple and comfortable, one with a queen bed and one with two single beds, and they share a washroom, so they suit travellers who are happy keeping things straightforward. The Bison Wallow Studio Suite is the best option if you’d like more privacy, set a few metres from the main B&B with a queen bed, a private sitting area and a kitchenette, which is handy given how quiet Val Marie can be in the evenings.

Practicalities are worth bearing in mind here. Local restaurants are closed on Mondays, so it’s a good idea to pick up groceries before 6pm and plan to cook something simple if you’re arriving on that day. Breakfast is available, and for guest rooms it’s a hearty, robust start to the day, while studio guests can usually add breakfast in for an additional cost. WiFi and parking are included, and if you’re planning to do much walking in the park, sturdy closed-toe shoes and long trousers are a good shout, with light gloves useful if you like stepping off trail. One-night stays can sometimes be possible, but may come with a surcharge.