At Batoche National Historic Site we aim to protect and preserve the land. For this reason, please do not pick any plants or berries no matter how tempting or tasty they may be! For samples, come by the concession at the visitor centre for some pie!Enjoy the beautiful views of the river while you learn fun and interesting facts about the Métis and how they used the land to survive.In case of emergency, call the Visitor Reception Centre at 306-423-6227 during regular hours, or call 911.
Mission Ridge
From here, you can take the path to Mission Ridge, or continue on this guided tour by heading towards the cemetery. The Mission Ridge path is moderately difficult with one steep part near the end.On May 9, 1885, the North West Field Force (NWFF) retreated after the Métis lit grass fires to stop their advance on the village. During the final day, May 12, the NWFF took the ridge and captured the Village of Batoche.
Begin!
Before you head down the trail, have a look through the binoculars to the right.
Animal Life
We share the land of Batoche National Historic Site with many animals. Keep your eyes and ears open because you may not be alone.Who knows? Maybe a rabbit (aen lyayv) or a Richardson ground squirrel (enn swiss) will come check you out. If it’s a bear (aen noor), remember to please back away and give the bear its space!
Mosquitoes
There could be many mosquitoes out here, so either wear protective clothing or put on bug spray just to be safe. You’ll be glad you did! That being said, mosquitoes (lii marayngwayn) play an important role in nature, pollinating plants and being a part of the food web for birds, fish, and more.
Path Diverges
The path to the right will take you down to the river. To continue with this guided tour, keep to the left where you’ll find a lookout point!
Lookout Point 1
The Northcote steamboat was heading down the river below back in 1885 during the Northwest Resistance. Listen to Gabriel Dumont Institute’s, David Morin as he shares interesting facts about the Northcote and how the Métis used the river.
Berries Everywhere
Listen as Karon Shmon gladly tells you about berry-picking, Métis family fun!Berries may not be ready for eating yet, but please, we ask that you do not pick the berries no matter how tempting or tasty they may be! *Remember, some berries are NOT edible!
The Importance of Plants
Keep scrolling below to learn of a few plants that grow in the Batoche area! Many plants were used in traditional ways as medicines, tools, and building materials.At Batoche National Historic Site we aim to protect and preserve the land. For this reason, please do not pick any plants.Disclaimer: Traditional medicines have been used since time immemorial by Indigenous peoples worldwide. However, we advise you to consult a physician before personal use of any plant medicine.
Trees Everywhere
Trapping animals was important for many reasons such as: food supply, hides for clothing and other uses, protecting cattle, and more.
Landslide
Erosion is always occurring along riverbanks. Swipe through the photos to see how this riverbank has been eroded and has evolved over time.
Fork in the road
You’re about 3/4 of the way done your hike!From here, continue straight on the trail which will lead you to the Caron Home.Head right if you want a little rest and enjoy the beautiful and serene view. You will find one of the Friends of Batoche’s dedication benches found around the park. While you are here, listen to a few stories about river lots and their importance to Métis families!If you would like to head back to the Visitor Reception Center from here, head left where you might be able to catch a shuttle that travels the gravel road.
Gunner Phillips Grave
On your way to the Caron Home, you can stop at the grave of Gunner Philips. He was killed on the first day of the Battle of Batoche in 1885 and had no family in Canada. As a result, he was buried at Batoche. The Caron family took care of the gravesite despite being on opposite sides during the battle. You can visit the grave by following the stairs and the path a short way down towards the river. Return to this place to continue on to the Caron Home.
The Caron Home
You’ve reached the end of this path!Visit the Caron home to learn more about life in in two eras—1885 and the 1970s! This farmhouse was rebuilt in 1895, ten years after it was destroyed in the Northwest Resistance by the Northwest Field Force.Heading left down the large path will bring you back to the cemetery. Going right will bring you to the zareba area and then on to the visitor reception centre.Thank you for following us on Li pchi shmayn!
Visitor Reception Centre
You can reach Li pchi shmayn by heading outside from the Visitor Reception Centre, and walking toward the church and rectory and continuing on towards the Saint Antoine-de-Padoue Cemetery.* If you continue past the church and rectory, you will arrive at Mission Ridge. If you are unsure of where you are going, don’t hesitate to ask one of the guides!*Note: Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Cemetery is not owned by Parks Canada. It is the property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert.
Path Directions
Follow the path around the left side of the Saint Antoine-de-Padoue Cemetery to find the route marker behind the cemetery to start!
Credits
Developed by Parks Canada in partnership with the Gabriel Dumont Institute
Comment card
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