School programs

Batoche National Historic Site was commemorated in 1923 as being nationally important to the history of Canada because:

• It was the site of the armed conflict between the Métis provisional government and the Canadian government in 1885.
• It was the Métis community of Batoche.
• This location demonstrates the use of the Métis river lot system.
• Batoche was the heart of the resistance of 1885.

Interpretation

Interpreters will be using a variety of techniques to deliver messages: period activities, demonstrations, animated roles, skits, or non-period learning activities. The activities are aimed at the students, but teachers and chaperones can join in, too! Activities are intended to be educational and fun.

Every group will be greeted by an interpreter and receive an orientation upon arrival and view the multimedia show and visitor center exhibit.

The Batoche open air shuttle seats forty-eight (48) and can be booked for an additional fee of $36.00

For a washroom break or time to visit the gift shop, add 10 to 15 minutes. If you allow for a lunch break, add another 30 minutes.

Participating in a customized learning program, tailored for your curriculum needs and guided by an experienced interpreter will give students an experience they won’t soon forget. 

Enhanced program fees must be paid upon arrival. Cash, cheques, credit cards, and/or debit cards are accepted. Cheques are made payable to "The Receiver General for Canada".

• See prices

Please note: prices are subject to change.

Book early to reserve your class spot!

To reserve your spot please fill out the booking sheet and email to the contact information provided on the form.

2024 Batoche school tour package (PDF 242 KB)

• Batoche NHS will confirm the options you choose when your booking is processed and confirmed in March.
• Forms are processed in the order in which they are received.

Booking Limits

School groups will be booked on the hour and half past the hour.

The theatre has a maximum capacity of ninety people.

To ensure quality, the maximum number of people booked per day will be four hundred. There is no limit on class size but larger classes will be divided into smaller groups.

Reservations

We encourage all groups taking part in a heritage presentation program, to reserve ahead of time to secure your space to avoid congestion and potential delays. Capacity at some locations is limited and a reservation will help ensure a smooth and pleasant visit.

If you need to make changes to your reservation, please call the site as soon as possible.

Rain, snow, shine or mosquitoes, Batoche National Historic Site is open and the programs run as scheduled! There's a lot of walking outside. Please ensure students and chaperones are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions and are wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Please arrive a few minutes before you're scheduled to begin. Know how long your travel time is and how to get here before you leave. Please note that busses usually have to drive slower on Highway 225 so allow extra time for travel. Allow time for the ferry crossing. If you get delayed along the way, please phone the site to let us know. We'll try to accommodate the changes in your schedule. Please, be aware that we are unable to change the schedule for other groups if your group is delayed.

Many classes also visit other area attractions: Fort Carlton 306-933-7937; Duck Lake Museum 306-467-2057; Seager Wheeler Historical Farm 306-232-5959. Please keep young students’ needs and tolerance level in mind when planning to visit several attractions in one day.

Access Materials

Ask the Kiosk attendant about use of these items:

• Golf carts
• Strollers

Gift Shop

Souvenirs, gift and canteen items are available. Publications relevant to the history of Batoche National Historic Site and Saskatchewan are also available. Please plan time to visit the Gift Shop.

Food Services

• Café Batoche – Please indicate if a menu is required on the booking form

Picnic Areas

There's multiple picnic tables just outside the visitors centre and a sheltered picnic area outside the VRC and at the East Village. Picnic tables are provided. Open fires, barbeques, hibachis, etc. are not permitted. Please don't feed any animals.

Hiking Trail

Li pchi shmayn walking trail, a 700 m hiking trail, winds its way along the ridge overlooking the South Saskatchewan River and valley. Along the way you will find fun interactive activity and informational panels. Due to severe riverbank erosion, portions of the trail have been altered or closed. Please respect barriers, fencing and safety signs.

St. Antoine-de-Padoue Church and Rectory, 1896

These historic buildings have been restored, exterior and interior, to 1896 and house many artifacts that are original to the time. Interpreters stationed at these buildings will provide you with important details concerning the structures, their use, the role they played in the history of Batoche, and the people who occupied the buildings.

Jean Caron Sr. Farm Home

This home is a ca.1895 Métis dwelling that will provide a glimpse of daily life in a Métis home. This building, which was once only stabilized, has undergone significant restoration in recent years. This joint project was a result of a collaborative effort between our privileged partner, Gabriel Dumont Institute and Parks Canada to create and promote “memorable experiences” at Batoche.

Middleton's Zareba

This area portrays the military encampment of the North West Field Force used in the Battle of Batoche in 1885.

River Lots

From the top of the ridge, visitors can get a view of the river lot farm system, which the Métis used in the St. Laurent settlement area.

Métis Rifle Pits

Visitors can see a Métis rifle pit that has been excavated by archeologists. On the third day of the battle, Middleton led a reconnaissance force just to the east of these pits to test the strength of the Métis position.

Cemetery

The St. Antoine-de-Padoue cemetery is located across from the historic St. Antoine de Padoue church on the Batoche National Historic Site.

Batoche Village (East)

The remains of the village, the Carlton Trail and the historic ferry crossing are interpreted by signage and exhibits using maps, historical photographs and artists' illustrations. The North West Field Force captured the village of Batoche on May 12, 1885. Visitors can walk down to the village (over 1 km) or drive using the North access road.

Should you visit on a day with special events, please be aware that there may be changes to regularly scheduled activities.

Batoche National Historic Site
Phone: 306-423-6227
E-mail: infolhnbatoche-batochenhsinfo@pc.gc.ca