Batoche National Historic Site

National Historic Site Of Canada; The Battlefield And MéTis Village Of Batoche, Where The North West Resistance Ended In May 1885, Interpreted With The MéTis Nation · Rosthern, Saskatchewan

Over four days in May 1885, on a bluff above the South Saskatchewan River, a few hundred Métis and their allies held off a Canadian force more than twice their size from a line of rifle pits dug into the ravines, until they ran so short of ammunition that they were firing nails and stones. When Batoche fell, the North-West Resistance ended with it. Louis Riel surrendered days later and was hanged in Regina that November; Gabriel Dumont, who had commanded the defence, escaped across the border and spent a season in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show before coming home. What makes the site remarkable is how much is still there. The rifle pits are visible as depressions in the grass. The church of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue stands, and the rectory beside it still carries bullet holes. The long ribbons of Métis river lots still read across the landscape.

Batoche, near Rosthern, South Saskatchewan River, Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Canada

SEASONAL. The site is fully staffed and interpreted from roughly mid May to early October, generally around 9:00-17:00, with the visitor centre, church, rectory and guided programmes all operating; outside that season buildings and programmes close even where the grounds can be walked - confirm before driving out. Parks Canada admission applies and a Discovery Pass covers it. BACK TO BATOCHE DAYS IN JULY IS A SEPARATE MÉTIS NATION EVENT with its own dates and admission. About an hour north-east of Saskatoon by car; there is no public transport and little food on site.

Batoche National Historic Site on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos