Batoche National Historic Site sits on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, about an hour north of Saskatoon. It marks the Métis village that was at the centre of the 1885 North-West Resistance. Parks Canada describes it as a symbol of Métis resilience and cultural renewal.
We are a Saskatoon company. Batoche is close to home, and its history is told on the land where it happened. This guide covers the history and the practical details for a visit.
Where Batoche is and how to get there
Parks Canada places the site one hour north of Saskatoon and one hour south of Prince Albert. The mailing address is RR#1 Box 1040, Wakaw, SK.
From Saskatoon, Parks Canada gives these directions:
- Drive 88 km northeast on Highway 11.
- Turn east on Highway 312 to Highway 225.
- Follow Highway 225 north for 11 km to the site.
Parks Canada notes that Highway 225 is narrow and can be rough, so drive with care. If you are flying in, Saskatoon's airport is about 90 km away and has car rentals.
How Batoche began
According to Parks Canada, Xavier Letendre founded Batoche in 1872. He opened a ferry crossing and built a store where the Carlton Trail crossed the South Saskatchewan River.
Many Métis families moved west to this area after the 1869–70 events in Manitoba and as the buffalo herds declined. They laid out their farms as long river lots, a pattern of narrow strips running back from the water.
Parks Canada says families made a living by freighting, trading and raising cattle. By 1884 there were about 50 family river lots, and by 1885 the community had about 500 people. Each year the community held the Fête des Métis on July 24.
The road to 1885
The Canadian Encyclopedia describes several pressures building in the early 1880s. Métis families faced the loss of their fur trade livelihood and uncertainty about their river lot homesteads. Plains First Nations faced the disappearance of the bison and the loss of land.
In the summer of 1884, Saskatchewan Métis brought Louis Riel back from exile in the United States. The goal was to unite people with grievances and press the federal government to act.
On March 18–19, 1885, armed Métis formed a provisional government and took over the Batoche church. Riel was named president and Gabriel Dumont became military commander.
Duck Lake and Fish Creek
On March 26, 1885, Métis and First Nations fighters defeated North-West Mounted Police and volunteers at Duck Lake. The Canadian Encyclopedia reports 12 dead on the government side and 6 among the resisters.
On April 24, at Fish Creek, Dumont's roughly 150 fighters ambushed Major-General Frederick Middleton's column. The ambush halted the government advance for a time.
The Battle of Batoche, May 9–12, 1885
The fighting at Batoche lasted four days. Parks Canada counts about 300 Métis and First Nations defenders, led by Riel and Dumont, against 800 soldiers of the North-West Field Force. The Canadian Encyclopedia puts the federal force at about 900 under Middleton, facing fewer than 300 Métis, Cree and Dakota fighters.
Dumont supervised a defensive line of rifle pits. After two days without a clear result, militia charged the defenders' lines on May 12. Both sources report more than 25 dead from both sides.
What came after
- Riel surrendered on May 15, 1885.
- Dumont escaped to Montana.
- Riel was tried for high treason in Regina, convicted, and hanged there on November 16, 1885.
Parks Canada notes that Batoche itself survived. But the railway went through Duck Lake instead, and that signalled economic decline for the village.
A national historic site since 1923
The village was declared a national historic site in 1923. Parks Canada presents it today as a place of Métis cultural heritage and resilience, not only as a battlefield.
The Canadian Encyclopedia lists what remains on the ground. There is the original 1885 church and rectory, visible rifle pits, and Gabriel Dumont's burial site. A visitor reception centre welcomes people at the start of the visit.
What to see and do
Parks Canada lists a good range of things for a day trip. Plan on a few hours so you are not rushed.
- Interpretation centre and museum: exhibits on Métis history and culture.
- Theatre: interpretive presentations.
- East Village: a lookout area over the river valley.
- Li pchi shmayn walking trail: a trail with views across the landscape.
- Batoche Shuttle: an accessible shuttle with prairie views.
- Tours and programs: guided tours, workshops and weekend activities on Métis art and culture.
- Outdoors: hiking, cycling, bird watching, geocaching and picnicking. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
- Red chairs: Parks Canada's photo spots.
Services listed by Parks Canada include a café, a gift shop, a picnic area, Wi-Fi and an electric vehicle charging station. Schools can book tour programs focused on Métis culture and history.
Seasons, hours and fees
Batoche is open seasonally between May and September. In summer 2026, Parks Canada listed hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Check the hours page before you leave, since days and times change through the season.
In 2026, the Canada Strong Pass gave free admission from June 19 to September 7. Regular fees applied again from September 8. The fees page listed a daily adult fee of $14.75 and a senior fee of $12.50, with free admission for youth 17 and under.
A Parks Canada Discovery Pass also covers entry. For questions, call 1-306-423-6227.
Back to Batoche Days
Each July, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan hosts Back to Batoche Days at Batoche. In 2026 it ran July 16 to 19. MN–S calls it the largest outdoor Indigenous festival in Canada.
The festival includes jigging and fiddling, Métis artisans, voyageur games, children's activities, live music, competitions and horse races. If you want to feel Batoche as a living community, this is the time to go.
For what the land around Saskatoon means to us, read Treaty 6 and Saskatoon: where XUSI comes from. You can also learn who we are.
Tips for a good visit
- Check hours and fees on Parks Canada's site the week you go.
- Allow extra time on Highway 225, which is narrow and rough in places.
- Pack water, sun protection and good walking shoes for the trail and the grounds.
- Pair the trip with other stops in the area if you are making a day of it.
- Stay on marked paths near the rifle pits and cemetery. These are places of memory.
If you are exploring Indigenous history and makers in the province, see our page on Indigenous clothing in Saskatchewan. Visiting Saskatoon too? Our retail locations page lists where to find us.
Questions people ask
How far is Batoche from Saskatoon?
About an hour's drive. Parks Canada's route is 88 km on Highway 11, then Highways 312 and 225.
When is Batoche open?
Parks Canada says the site is open seasonally between May and September. Hours vary, so check before you go.
Is Gabriel Dumont buried at Batoche?
Yes. The Canadian Encyclopedia lists Dumont's burial site among the features of the national historic site.
When is Back to Batoche Days?
It is held each July. The 2026 dates were July 16 to 19, hosted by Métis Nation–Saskatchewan.
Sources
- Parks Canada: Batoche National Historic Site
- Parks Canada: History of Batoche
- Parks Canada: Visit Batoche
- Parks Canada: Things to do at Batoche
- Parks Canada: Batoche fees
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: Batoche
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: North-West Resistance
- Métis Nation–Saskatchewan: Back to Batoche Days
Written by XUSI, an Indigenous-owned clothing and screen printing brand from Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory. Our story · What the words mean