Guide to Batoche National Historic Site

Batoche National Historic Site is one of those fantastic places.  Unique.  Isolated. But culturally relevant.
Yes, it’s out of the way and you have to try. But isn’t that what seeing the world is all about?  Catching glimpses of lives past and cultures seemingly lost but reemerging? Well, if you are looking to see and experience the living history of one of North America’s early people, then a visit to Batoche may be the next best cultural excursion for you!


Brief History of Batoche

In 1885 a rebellion or uprising by Metis and some First Nations in Saskatchewan broke out and was directed at the government of Canada. The uprising is known as the North-West Rebellion (or the North-West Resistance, Saskatchewan Rebellion, Northwest Uprising, or Second Riel Rebellion).
After a number of battles and skirmishes, the North-West Rebellion came to an end at Batoche where the Metis and its famous leaders Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont held out against a large conventional military force sent from the east to suppress the revolt.

What to See at Batoche

While there are a number of things to see and do at Batoche, there are basically four main points of interest.  These attractions include the Visitor Reception Centre and Museum, the Rectory and Church, the cemetery, and the East Village.   

Visitor Reception Centre and Museum

The first point for every visitor is the Reception Centre and Museum. Here is where you pay to get in.  But don’t worry, Batoche is relatively inexpensive.  See below for costs at the time of writing. 
The Reception Centre and Museum includes a gift shop, food concession and a small museum. 
Here you will also find a theatre where you have the option to watch an overview film.  For those with limited knowledge of the Metis and the historical events that took place at Batoche the film is a must. 
While the movie is a good starting point, it is heavily biased toward the view of the Metis. I found it to be a little propagandistic, but I prefer historical sites to line up on neutral terms.
Anyway, I definitely recommend taking the 40 minutes to view the movie. 


Batoche’s East Village

Farthest from the Reception Centre and Museum is the east village.  It’s at this point where the original town main street existed. Basically, the street fronted the Carlton Trail just up the hill from a ferry crossing.
There are no visible buildings now other than the ruins of foundations.  However, a new viewing platform has been built which provides an excellent view of the Saskatchewan River valley and the old townsite.
As the East Village is over a kilometre from the Reception Centre and Museum it is a good idea to wait for the shuttle, particularly if you are not mobile or have little kids along.

Saint Antoine de Padoue Rectory and Church

Perhaps the most visually remarkable attractions at Batoche are the Rectory and Church.  The Rectory and Church were at the cultural heart of this small catholic community in the Canadian wilderness.
The locations also figured prominently in the conflict that occurred here in 1885.  In fact, bullet holes are still visible on the façade of the Rectory. 
There are guides that provide excellent overviews of the building’s history as well as the indivudals who figured prominently in the events that occurred here.

Saint Antoine de Padoue Cemetery

The Saint Antoine de Padoue Cemetery is on a small hill overlooking the Rectory and Church as well as the Saskatchewan and River.
The cemetery contains the remains of many locals as well as soldiers who participated in the conflict. It is a hauntingly beautiful location and worth visiting.








Cost to visit Batoche

Adult – 7.80  :  Senior – 6.55 and Youth (6 to 17) – free.
See website for current prices.

Location of Batoche

Batoche is 88 km northeast of Saskatoon. Follow Highway #11 north to Rosthern, Highway #312 east to junction 225. Batoche is 11 km north of this junction.
Also, check our Booking.com’s big list of Saskatoon hotels if you are looking for some place great to stay. Click here!


Looking to sell your travel photos? Check out Shutterstock for more information! 

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Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada

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