North Battleford
Around North Battleford
Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Saskatchewan · 19k people
North Battleford
Locals say Battlefords
Prairie skies, river valley, and hometown spirit.
navy bluegold
Welcome to the Battlefords, where the North Saskatchewan River runs through the heart of two friendly towns. Whether you're here for a hockey game, a hike in the park, or just a plate of perogies, you'll find a warm prairie welcome. Make yourself at home.
Clubs for North Battleford
No clubs for North Battleford yet.
The room
One room for everyone around North Battleford. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around North Battleford. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Western Development Museum Showcases Saskatchewan's agricultural and transportation history.
- Battlefords Provincial Park Wooded park with camping, beaches, and trails on the river.
- North Saskatchewan River Scenic river valley that splits the twin cities.
- Fort Battleford National Historic Site Restored 19th-century fort with interpretive programs.
- Allen Sapp Gallery Art gallery dedicated to the celebrated Cree painter.
- North Battleford Civic Centre Home arena for the Battlefords North Stars and community events.
- Outdoors Hike the river valley trails
- Outdoors Fish on the North Saskatchewan
- With kids Visit the Western Development Museum
- With kids Tour Fort Battleford
- Evenings Catch a North Stars game
- Evenings Live music at local pubs
- Locals love Hockey arenas
- Locals love Small-town diners
Through the year
- Battlefords Exhibition August Agricultural fair with midway, livestock shows, and local exhibits.
- North Stars Home Games September to March Junior A hockey at the Civic Centre, a winter tradition.
- Canada Day on the River July 1 Fireworks and family activities along the North Saskatchewan River.
- Battlefords Winter Festival February Ice sculptures, sleigh rides, and outdoor games in the park.
- Battlefords Ribfest June Barbecue competition and food trucks over a summer weekend.
Continental prairie climate with harsh winters and warm, sunny summers. The best time to be out is June through September, when the weather is mild and the river valley is green. Best: June through September
Talk like a local
- “the Battlefords”
- The twin cities of North Battleford and Battleford together.
- “the Fort”
- Fort Battleford National Historic Site.
- “the river”
- The North Saskatchewan River.
- “the arena”
- The North Battleford Civic Centre arena.
Getaways
- Lloydminster Border city with the Barr Colony Heritage Centre and a lively downtown.
- Saskatoon Largest city nearby, with the Meewasin Valley, museums, and festivals.
- Prince Albert Gateway to the boreal forest and Prince Albert National Park.
Local flavour
Teams
- Battlefords North Stars SJHL
Also rooting for Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Eat and drink
- perogies Ukrainian comfort food staple
- kubasa (garlic sausage) Smoked sausage, often served at community events
- Saskatoon berry pie Sweet prairie berry pie, a local dessert staple.
Where people go
- grain elevators Iconic prairie landmarks
- hockey arenas Community hubs for junior and local games
- small-town diners Classic prairie eateries
- North Saskatchewan River valley Scenic walking trails and parks
Heritage and traditions
The Battlefords are proud of their deep prairie history, from being the capital of the Northwest Territories to their Indigenous and Ukrainian heritage, and the natural beauty of the North Saskatchewan River valley.
This time of year in North Battleford
- Harvest Thanksgiving fall Churches and communities give thanks for the harvest in late autumn.
Say it like a local: “pop” — Soft drink, as in 'Can I get a pop?'
Festivals
- Battlefords Powwow summer Gathering of First Nations and Métis communities with drumming, dancing, and crafts.
Landmarks with a story
- Poundmaker's Burial Site The grave of the famous Cree chief, located near Battleford, is a place of reflection and honour.
- Battleford Government House Residence of the Lieutenant Governor when Battleford was the territorial capital of the Northwest Territories.
- St. George's Anglican Church Historic church in Battleford dating back to the territorial era, with beautiful stained glass.
Food traditions
- Bannock A traditional Indigenous bread, often cooked over a fire or baked, served at community gatherings.
- Holubtsi (cabbage rolls) Ukrainian cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat, a staple at family meals and celebrations.
- Fish fry from the North Saskatchewan River Locals catch and fry walleye or pickerel, especially in summer.
- Saskatoon berry picking A family activity in July, with berries used in pies, jams, and syrups.
Music and arts
- Cree art and storytelling Indigenous art traditions, including beadwork and painting, are central to the region's cultural identity.
- Ukrainian folk music Dances and music from Ukrainian heritage are performed at community events and celebrations.
- Prairie landscape painting Inspired by artists like Allen Sapp, the vast prairie and river valley are common subjects.
A little history
- 1876–1883 Territorial capital
- 1885 North-West Resistance
- late 1800s Ukrainian settlement
- early 1900s Railway arrival
Rivalries
- North Battleford vs. Battleford Friendly twin-city banter over schools, rinks, and pride.
- North Stars vs. Humboldt Broncos SJHL hockey rivalry with intense playoff matchups.
- Roughriders vs. Edmonton Elks CFL prairie rivalry that splits local bar crowds.
- Game day Hockey in winter
- Game day Curling
- Outdoors Ice fishing on the North Saskatchewan
- Outdoors Canoeing or kayaking on the river
- With kids Visiting the local library
- With kids Playing in the park
English with a Canadian Prairie accent, featuring a relaxed tone and occasional use of Cree and Ukrainian words in everyday conversation.
Only here
- Battleford was once the capital of the Northwest Territories.
- The twin cities of North Battleford and Battleford are known as 'The Battlefords'.
- The North Saskatchewan River runs through the region, offering scenic beauty and recreation.
- The area has a significant Indigenous population, with several First Nations reserves nearby.
New here? A few tips
- Dress for cold winters – temperatures can drop below -30°C with wind chill.
- Try perogies and kubasa – they're local staples.
- Learn a few Cree words like 'Tansi' – it's a friendly gesture.
- Explore the river valley trails – it's the heart of the region.
- Get involved in community events – the Battlefords are known for a strong sense of belonging.
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Nearby
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North Battleford. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.