NationalNational Historic Parks Sites and of Canada in Saskatchewan PLAN A VISIT Prairies, boreal forest, mounted police and early agriculture ... nature and history ... yours to explore! 1 Proudly Bringing You Canada at its Best Land and culture are woven into the tapestry of Canada’s history and the Canadian spirit. The richness of our great country is celebrated in a network of protected places that allow us to understand the land, people and events that shaped Canada. Some things just can’t be replaced and, therefore, your support is vital in protecting the ecological and commemorative integrity of these natural areas and symbols of our past, so they will persist, intact and vibrant, into the future. Discover for yourself the many wonders, adventures and learning experiences that await you in Canada’s national parks, national historic sites, historic canals and national marine conservation areas. Help us keep them healthy and whole — for their sake, for our sake. Iceland Greenland U.S.A. Yukon Northwest Nunavut Territories British Newfoundland Columbia CCaannaaddaa and Labrador Alberta Manitoba Seattle Ontario Saskatchewan Quebec P.E.I. U.S.A. Nova Scotia New Brunswick Chicago New York Our Mission Parks Canada’s mission is to ensure that Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and related heritage areas are protected and presented for this and future generations. These nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage reflect Canadian values, identity, and pride. 2 CONTENTS Welcome . .4 Batoche National Historic Site . .8 Fort Walsh National Historic Site . .10 Fort Battleford National Historic Site . .12 Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site . .14 Map of Saskatchewan . .17 Prince Albert National Park . .18 Grasslands National Park . .22 Other National Historic Sites . .26 The Family of National Historic Sites . .28 How to Contact Us . .30 Seasons, Hours, Camping and Fees . Insert SAFEGUARDING CANADA’S FAMILY OF HERITAGE TREASURES The idea of a Canada-wide Parks Canada is proud of its system of protected areas leadership role in preserving took root in the Rockies and presenting Canada’s more than a century ago. natural and cultural Today, national parks protect resources. National parks significant landscapes that and national historic sites represent Canada’s vastness offer world-class heritage and diversity. National experiences. historic sites commemorate Canada’s evolution as a You can do your part—by country, past and present. respecting the land and Together, they are a family celebrating our traditions. It’s of special places which up to all of us to make sure symbolize the important our parks, our waterways, link between stewardship of and our past will always the land and respect for our have a future. human heritage. 2 3 WELCOME More than just wide open species, Prince Albert spaces, Saskatchewan has National Park and Grasslands treasures of all kinds. Your National Park offer visitors imagination will be your the opportunity to explore guide as you experience the diverse natural resources Saskatchewan’s national of the province. Whether parks and historic sites. hiking through a boreal forest A haven for a number of or investigating the vast endangered flora and fauna southern plains, the national Parks Parks Canada / B Muir 4 west as it once was. Witness turn of the century farming demonstrations with horses and period equipment. Tour a North West Mounted Police fort or the remains of a Métis Parks Parks Canada Page / R. J. village along the South Saskatchewan River. Costumed parks of Saskatchewan offer interpreters will recount the you a chance to discover and wild ways of the west when appreciate over a million rotgut whisky fuelled “Whoop- acres of protected wilderness Up Country”. Whether you are splendor. Rich in ecological wanting education or enter- and cultural treasures, Prince tainment, Saskatchewan’s Albert and Grasslands provide national parks and national wonderful opportunities for historic sites offer diverse leisure, recreation and activities and opportunities. revisiting history. Whether wanting a more rustic The national parks and experience or all the amenities historic sites offer interpretive of home, visiting the national programming all summer parks allows you to relax and long. Whether you prefer retreat from the everyday. guided tours or independent exploration you are in for a A land bountiful in resources, treat. Special events offer uni- Saskatchewan also offers a que opportunities to partici- rich history. Before the first pate in authentic activities that plough ever broke the prairie will enrich your experience. sod, the frontier was bustling To ensure that you enjoy your with activity. Aboriginal people, visit to the fullest, when buffalo hunters, whisky traders, mounted police and settlers are only a few of those who impacted the development of the west. Whether exploring the battle- field, the barracks or the barn- yard, you can experience the Parks Canada / W. Lynch Parks Canada W. / IMAGES. Left: FORT WALSH; Top: PRINCE ALBERT NATIONAL PARK; Right: GRASSLANDS NATIONAL PARK 5 planning your vacation be sure The money collected is used to contact the park or site to preserve parks and sites, directly for further information. and to maintain the quality of visitor services and facilities. Park and Site Fees Every time you visit a park or Park use fees are collected at site you invest in its future— all national parks and national and in a legacy for future historic sites in Saskatchewan generations. except Grasslands. Reduced rates are available for children, Group Tours seniors and families. Fees are Most parks and sites offer also charged for camping, special services for educational, equipment rentals, fishing commercial, and other large licences and other such groups. Please contact the services. Fees may also be parks and sites directly for charged for special programs details on specific services and events. If you visit a park and reservation requirements. or site often, To add your name to our inquire about the mailing list to receive travel availability of an trade information please call annual or national (306) 975-5814. pass. For additional information on fees and passes please see insert. Parks Canada / W. Lynch Parks Canada W. / Parks Parks Canada / Syroteuk M. 6 For Your Convenience Services vary in the various parks and sites. Watch for these symbols throughout the Parks Canada / T. Verishine Parks Canada T. / Vacation Planner when planning your visit to our parks and sites. Weather and Road Conditions Public Washrooms Access to some of the parks and sites and their resources Parking is dependent upon good road conditions. Inclement weather Public Telephone will often limit access, making roads impassable when wet. Gift shop To avoid disappointment, be sure to contact the park or site Restaurant/Coffee Shop to discuss road conditions. Picnic Facilities Accessibility (Please inquire as services Friends of the Parks vary at individual sites.) and Sites Friends groups are non-profit Park and site regulations are designed to organizations that partner with protect these special places and ensure that Parks Canada to help achieve you have a safe and memorable visit. common goals. Friends contri- • Please do not disturb or collect any natural bute time and resources to the objects or historical artifacts. educational and interpretive • Never feed, touch, or hurt any wildlife. activities that occur at the parks and sites. They are • Keep pets on a leash at all times. indispensable partners in the • Pets are not allowed in the historic buildings. preservation of heritage. • Smoking is not permitted in buildings or on historic grounds. • Please do not consume food or beverages in historic buildings. • Stay on established trails to help preserve vegetation. • Each park and site has specific regulations. Please consult on-site publication for other IMAGES. Left: GRASSLANDS NATIONAL PARK; important safety messages. Background: PRINCE ALBERT NATIONAL PARK; Top: MOTHERWELL HOMESTEAD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 7 BATOCHE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Rapid change accompanied the opening of the west for settlement in the late 1800s. As a result, by 1885, tensions were high in the Métis community of Batoche. Frustrated by lack of govern- ment support in addressing issues of encroaching set- tlement, land surveys and decimated buffalo herds, Parks Canada / Muir B. the Métis were determined to defend their land. Led by visible in the rectory, serve Gabriel Dumont and Louis as a testament to the struggle Riel, they clashed with the for land and recognition. North West Field Force. The confrontation culminated Architectural, archaeological in the Battle of Batoche. and cultural resources are Out-numbered and short of yours to explore as you tour ammunition, the Métis sur- the remains of the village, rendered after four days of the battlefield, the rifle pits fighting. Bullet holes, still and the cemetery where Gabriel Dumont is buried. Parks Parks Canada / Archives Alberta Provincial of 8 Making the Most BATOCHE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE of Your Visit • Plan to spend at least 3.5 hours at the site. •Start at the Visitor Reception Centre and experience the multi-media presentation Parks Parks Canada / Muir B. that includes a battle re-enactment. View Getting There the exhibits about the armed conflict of The site is located 88 km 1885 and the Métis Community. Learn northeast of Saskatoon. about the River Lots, the Carlton Trail and the national importance of Batoche. Travel north on Highway 11 to Rosthern. Turn east onto • Enjoy your visit through the restored Highway 312 and follow church, rectory and battle grounds. Guides the signs to the junction of in period costume are posted throughout the site. Stop at the cemetery, trenches, Highway 225. Travel 10 kms remains of the village, the battlefield, and north on Highway 225. the military encampment. Kids Corner • Pick up a “South Saskatchewan Meander” brochure at the Visitor Reception Centre • Dress up as a Métis and walk the trails along the scenic • Help with chores including riverbank.