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Frenchman Butte National Historic Site

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Tourism Saskatchewan
Latitude: 53.53997° N, Longitude: -109.4571° W
Central - 5 km NE of Frenchman Butte.
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Imagine back, over 130 years ago to May 28, 1885. The Frenchman Butte National Historic Site preserves the gun pits that were dug as defensive aids and protection during the skirmish between Big Bear’s people, lead by the Chief Big Bear, War Chief Wandering Spirit and the Alberta Field Force under the command of Major-General Strange. Walk the trails they were on as you make your way to read the cairn and view the “other side” of the coulee where the opposing battle and cannon fire and gunfire came from. 

Contact the Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre to arrange guided tours of the Rifle Pits as well as a visit to the grounds where Fort Pitt, built in 1829, was located. This historic fort had witnessed the Hudson’s Bay Fur trade, paddle wheeled steam boats, the 1885 Northwest Resistance and homesteading. It is a popular tourist destination.  

Both locations have picnic areas and are open year round for self-guided tours.   

​Self-guided tours year round; guided tours by pre-booking through the Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre.

Access

  • Country / Rural

Services

  • Bus parking
  • Guided tour
  • Self-guided tour
  • Tours upon request

Amenities

  • Interpretive signage
  • Picnic area
  • Pit toilet
  • Trail brochure / Map

Related Documents

Contact Info

Saskatchewan Provincial Park Info

Open May to Sep.

Imagine back, over 130 years ago to May 28, 1885. The Frenchman Butte National Historic Site preserves the gun pits that were dug as defensive aids and protection during the skirmish between Big Bear’s people, lead by the Chief Big Bear, War Chief Wandering Spirit and the Alberta Field Force under the command of Major-General Strange. Walk the trails they were on as you make your way to read the cairn and view the “other side” of the coulee where the opposing battle and cannon fire and gunfire came from. 

Contact the Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre to arrange guided tours of the Rifle Pits as well as a visit to the grounds where Fort Pitt, built in 1829, was located. This historic fort had witnessed the Hudson’s Bay Fur trade, paddle wheeled steam boats, the 1885 Northwest Resistance and homesteading. It is a popular tourist destination.  

Both locations have picnic areas and are open year round for self-guided tours.   

Location Info

5 km NE of Frenchman Butte.

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lat. 53.53997° N, long. -109.4571° W

Additional Details
Events
Related Documents



Provincial Park Fees  |  Provincial Park Rules
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            Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park

            Frenchman Butte

            Provincial Historic Park, Heritage Site / Village, RCMP / Military

            Open May long weekend to Sep 15.
            A National Historic Site of Canada, Fort Pitt features the archaeological remains of two different posts, interpretive panels explaining the history of the site, the Northwest Resistance and the signing of Treaty Six as well as a picnic area, washrooms and canoe access to the river.
             
            Fort Pitt was built in 18​29 by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) to act as a halfway point between Fort Carlton and Fort Edmonton. Located on the northern bank of the North Saskatchewan River, the fort was an important fur trade post and operated for approximately 70 years. In 1876, the site was used as one of the locations for signing Treaty Six and then in 1885 it was a significant site in the Northwest Resistance.
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            Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park

            Google Maps
            Trip Advisor Score: 4.0
            Read reviews
            Based on 2 traveler reviews

            Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park

            Attraction

            Phone(s): 306-837-2410  |  1-800-205-7070

            Email: MakwaLake@gov.sk.ca

            22 km W and S of Frenchman Butte, off Grid 797.

            Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre

            Frenchman Butte

            Museum, RCMP / Military, Heritage Site / Village, Scenic / Historic Tour, Tourist Information Centre, Municipal Campground

            Open May long weekend to Labour Day.
            BOOK NOW

            Camping rates (daily) starting at: $30

            Discover the rich history of the Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre. Explore nine buildings including the CNR Railway Station, Lloyd Furman building, Blacksmith Shop, Big Hill School, Library and the unique Leer Log home. Each is packed with artifacts from key historical periods that span from the river highway, Carlton Trail, the Battle of 1885, the two world wars and more. Engage with the new Transportation Room and General Store exhibits, designed to recreate historical shopping experiences. The Centre also boasts one of the largest salt and pepper shakers' collections. Cap off your visit with delightful treats and beverages at the Log Cabin Tea House.
            Special guided tours to the Frenchman Butte Rifle Pits and Fort Pitt are available upon request. Don't miss the Annual Frenchman Butte Museum Festival in August, a day of fun for all ages. Nearby, the Frenchman Butte Heritage RV Park offers 10 convenient full hook-up sites. Visit the Centre's website for updates and booking information.
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            Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre

            Google Maps

            Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre

            Phone(s): 306-344-4478(Museum office)  |  780-872-3610(RV park bookings)  |  306-344-7883(School tours)

            Email: info@frenchmanbuttemuseum.ca

            In the picturesque hamlet of Frenchman Butte, 10 km N of Hwy 3, on a bank overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.

            Frenchman Butte National Historic Site

            Frenchman Butte

            National Historic Site, RCMP / Military

            Open May to Sep.
            Imagine back, over 130 years ago to May 28, 1885. The Frenchman Butte National Historic Site preserves the gun pits that were dug as defensive aids and protection during the skirmish between Big Bear’s people, lead by the Chief Big Bear, War Chief Wandering Spirit and the Alberta Field Force under the command of Major-General Strange. Walk the trails they were on as you make your way to read the cairn and view the “other side” of the coulee where the opposing battle and cannon fire and gunfire came from. 

            Contact the Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre to arrange guided tours of the Rifle Pits as well as a visit to the grounds where Fort Pitt, built in 1829, was located. This historic fort had witnessed the Hudson’s Bay Fur trade, paddle wheeled steam boats, the 1885 Northwest Resistance and homesteading. It is a popular tourist destination.  

            Both locations have picnic areas and are open year round for self-guided tours.   
            ...Read more
            +
            Add to Suitcase

            Frenchman Butte National Historic Site

            Google Maps

            Frenchman Butte National Historic Site

            Phone(s): 306-344-4478

            Email: info@frenchmanbuttemuseum.ca

            5 km NE of Frenchman Butte.

            Trails of 1885

            Duck Lake

            Scenic / Historic Tour

            Trails of 1885 commemorates the significant events that occurred in 1885 during the Northwest Resistance. Visit trailsof1885.ca for information on self-directed tours, events, festivals and happenings in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
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            Trails of 1885

            Google Maps

            Trails of 1885

            Phone(s): 866-467-2057

            Visit website for tour itineraries.

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