Canada Strong Pass offers free entry to National Historic Sites
Want to connect with western Canadian history this summer and save a few bucks at the same time? Here are four Saskatchewan historic sites that normally charge admission but will be free thanks to the Canada Strong Pass being offered again this year.
Throughout the country, between June 19 and September 7, you can get free entry to national parks and historic sites operated by Parks Canada.
Like last summer, national parks are expected to be quite busy. But national historic sites don’t get the same crowds and are easier to visit on short notice. Saskatchewan historical sites range from ones showcasing the development of farming, the origins of the Mounted Police (later the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or RCMP), a focus on Métis and First Nations culture, and other events that changed the course of history.
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Motherwell Homestead, just south of Abernethy, takes visitors back to the early 20th century when industrious pioneers, such as W.R. Motherwell and his family, developed their impressive homestead. Motherwell implemented many farm innovations and served as agriculture minister at both the federal and provincial levels.
Known as Lanark Place, the two-storey house was built from stones that Motherwell collected from his land. Fully furnished, it is restored to the 1910-14 period. Complete with livestock, the L-shaped barn with its huge hay loft dates to 1907, and the implement shed has vintage farm equipment, such as tractors and binders. Other features include the garden, tennis court, cottage for hired workers and extensive shelterbelts that Motherwell planted to protect against erosion.
Throughout the summer, special events and programs kindle the pioneer spirit, such as harvesting fresh produce, working with farm animals or baking bread.
Fort Battleford, just outside the town of Battleford, was established in 1876 as a North-West Mounted Police post. Since Battleford was the first permanent capital of the Northwest Territories, the fort played a pivotal role in government relations, especially Treaty Six negotiations with First Nations. It was also involved in the 1885 conflict when Battleford residents took refuge in the fort, fearing increasing unrest.
Exhibits in the former barracks building set the stage for the fort’s significance. Furnished historic buildings date from 1876 to 1898, including the commanding officer’s residence, officers’ quarters, the sick horse stable and the guard house. Interpreters are often available to shed light on Mountie life at the post.
Batoche National Historic Site lies about halfway between Saskatoon and Prince Albert on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. Métis culture and heritage take centre stage here, along with the story of events leading to the Battle of Batoche in May 1885.
After seeing the displays and presentation in the visitor centre, you make your way towards the Church of St. Antoine de Padoue and the rectory, both restored to 1896. A prominent feature of the nearby cemetery is a mass grave commemorating defenders killed in the final assault on Batoche by militia sent by the Canadian government to quell the uprising led by Louis Riel. A large stone marks the grave of Gabriel Dumont, Riel’s military commander.
Paths lead along the riverbank and to the Caron house, portraying a typical 1870s-style family home. Nearby are rifle pits dug by Métis forces to defend Batoche and the outline of the militia’s enclosed encampment.
When it comes to combining history with dynamite scenery, it’s tough to beat Fort Walsh National Historic Site, nestled in a valley in the beautiful Cypress Hills.
It was the infamous Cypress Hills Massacre that led to the creation of Canada’s iconic mounted police. In 1873, American wolf hunters killed several local Nakoda whom they wrongly accused of stealing horses. This incident was the final straw that convinced the federal government to form the North-West Mounted Police to deal with lawlessness.
Fort Walsh was established in 1875 near the massacre site to ensure peaceful settlement. It became North-West Mounted Police headquarters and, in later years, the fort was used to train horses for the RCMP musical ride.
An interpreter takes you through the buildings and brings the past to life. Special activities take place in summer. One that is always a hit with visitors is the mock trial, where an ill-tempered judge metes out 19th-century justice to volunteers from the audience.
Beyond the fort, trails lead into the hills or along meandering Battle Creek. A longer walk across hilly prairie takes you to the site of two former trading posts where the Cypress Hills Massacre took place.
Despite the name, the Canada Strong Pass isn’t a physical pass. Just show up at the participating locations for free entry.
Gold winners!
Farm & Family would like to congratulate Arlene and Robin Karpan for bringing home the gold this past March in the Best Photo of Places category at the annual Canadian Chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers awards. Their first-prize photo (above) ran in their Western Producer column, December 4, 2025.
Source: producer.com