About The Battlefords

Distinct, original and with a strong aboriginal culture, best describes the Battlefords, the gateway to adventure in the heart of the old Northwest. Visitors will find themselves immersed in over 6,000 years of aboriginal and early pioneer history from art galleries to museums. Visitors are invited to explore the friendly and hospitable atmosphere of the Battlefords while taking in some of the culture and adventure we have to offer.

The Battlefords is made up of two communities the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford, both within five minutes commuting distance from each other. Visitors can enjoy the rich natural diversity of the North Saskatchewan River Valley with canoe tours, trails, biking, casual hikes and self guided tours in and around both communities. Convenient amenities are also available, with over 40 restaurants to choose from and trendy boutiques and shops in both communities entice the visitor to explore further. It�s all in the Battlefords, your one stop for adventure and culture in the Northwest.

Planning your adventure? � That�s easy, e-mail us at admin.battlefordstourism@sasktel.net or call us toll free at 1-800-243-0394: knowledgeable and helpful visitor information counsellors are ready to assist you!

Welcome to the Battlefords, Saskatchewan�s Year-Round Playground!

FAQs

Population of The Battlefords 18,000
The Battlefords is at the junctions of five different highways (4,16,26,29 &40)
Summer temperatures on average range from 18C (65F) to 35C (100F) making it ideal for summer activities
Winter temperatures on average range from 5C (40f) to -30C (-22F) with sufficient snow fall making the Battlefords ideal for winter activities and sports
Central Standard Time, Saskatchewan time remains the same year-round
Five exceptional museums including Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Fred Light Museum and the Western Development Museum
Vibrant arts culture with numerous clubs and associations including an award winning amateur theatre group and art galleries, music festivals and concerts
The Battlefords has over 40 sports organizations; including two unique sports museums
Excellent sports facilities including down hill and cross country skiing
Development of a multipurpose recreational facility
Vibrant Aboriginal culture which also includes the Sakicawasihk Pow Wow and Poundmaker Historical Centre
Easy accessibility with a variety of accommodations to choose from including, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts as well as first class camping facilities
High schools from grades 8-12
9 different elementary schools from K-8
Three alternative schools including Sakewew Aboriginal High School, Fransaskoise Ecole Pere Mecure �Pre-K-12 and Battleford Associated Christian School K-12

Did You Know?

The Post Office in the Town of Battleford is one of the five oldest continuously used post offices in Canada
The Battlefords is home to the only life-size barbwire bison sculpture in Canada
The first recorded baseball game in Saskatchewan took place in Battleford
The Court House in Battleford is believed to be the oldest existing court house in Saskatchewan. It is still in use today
World renowned Cree artist, Allen Sapp, makes his residence in the City of North Battleford which is also home to the Allen Sapp Gallery
The bridge that spans the North Saskatchewan River between Battleford and North Battleford is the longest bridge of its type in Saskatchewan
Government House in Battleford was the original site of the Capital of the North West Territories from 1876-1882
The Queen's Hotel in Battleford is the oldest hotel in the Province
The tombstone of one of the most notorious outlaws in the West, Sam Kelly, is located in the North Battleford cemetary

The Battlefords - Where the Past is Present

The Battlefords, in the Heart of Canada's Old Northwest, is a distinctive community, with a very rich history that has created a unique and exciting destination.

The Battlefords is the gateway to Northwest Saskatchewan's land of outdoor adventure. When you look at a map, you will see that in the Battlefords two rivers converge, the Battle River which flows from the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and the mighty North Saskatchewan River which rises in the midst of the Rockies near Jasper, Alberta. Before the advent of white man, the Battle River was known as the "FIGHTING RIVER" which marked the boundary between Blackfoot and Cree Territory.

For thousands of years a strong aboriginal presence has shaped the Battlefords and area. Notable figures like Chief Poundmaker and Big Bear, advocates of aboriginal rights and negotiators of government treaties, Allen Sapp, world renowned Cree painter, and Gordon Tootoosis, internationally acclaimed actor, are among some that have left an indelible stamp and enduring legacy of aboriginal culture in the Battlefords. With seven surrounding reserves aboriginal pride is very much alive and prominent in the Battlefords today in a number of forms including the Allen Sapp Gallery, Poundmaker Historical Centre or the Gold Eagle Casino's annual Sakicawasihk Pow wow.

Recorded history reveals that the first fur trading post was established here in 1785, a telegraph line in 1874, a North West Mounted Police headquarters in 1876, the Capital of the North West Territories in 1877, and the first newspaper west of Winnipeg in 1878.

In 1905, North Battleford came into being when the CNR built a railroad on the north side of the North Saskatchewan River. This was the fastest growing centre in the west, incorporated as a village in 1906, a town in 1907 and a city in 1913.

A wise man once said that we can only understand our future by understanding our history. The Battlefords' history has had more news written about it than most communities in Western Canada. This history has not been lost but has been carefully preserved to assure a firm foundation for its future. The Battlefords has truly become a "Destination Point" for business and tourism.

Fort Battleford National Historic Site image courtesy of Parks Canada/Kevin Hogarth Photography

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