Outdoor rinks in the Battlefords. (City of North Battleford/ Website)

By Alyssa Rudolph

winter activities

Winter recreation season underway across the Battlefords

Jan 12, 2026 | 4:13 PM

As winter settles into the Battlefords, local parks and trails are once again becoming hubs of seasonal activity.

Recent snowfall and warmer temperatures have created ideal conditions for a wide range of outdoor activities, welcoming residents and visitors to take advantage of what the season has to offer.

Outdoor Rinks

The Battlefords are home to eight outdoor rinks; suitable for a variety of activities including skating, hockey, and broomball.

In North Battleford, rinks are flooded and scraped daily with weather permitting. Three of the six rinks in the city are lit for nighttime play: Connaught Community School, Access Communications Centre, and St. Mary’s Community School. Unlit rinks include Fairview Heights, Killdeer Park, and Riverview. City rink conditions can be found on the North Battleford website.

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In Battleford, rinks are flooded and scraped as time permits. Outdoor rinks are located at the A.C.T Park, Battle Springs Park, and Battle West Park. The skating loop is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and is located at the Eiling Kramer Campground. Town rink conditions can be found on the Battleford website.

Cross Country Ski Trails

The Battlefords offer several kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails in the winter:

• Centennial Park – a wide-open trail with adequate light for night skiing.
• Holy Family School Park – a short and flat trail, perfect for beginners.
• Finlayson Island – trails well protected from wind through wooded areas. Shorter routes are available through looped trails.
• North Shore Trail – a loop trail through wooded scenery, suitable for skiers of all levels.
  Battlefords river valley trail map. (town of Battleford/ Website)

People who enjoy walking in ski areas are reminded to avoid groomed trails as footprints can damage the tracks. The trail grooming schedule and updates can be found on the North Battleford website.

Tobogganing

Many children in the Battlefords spend time at the Don Ross Tobogganing Hill, located beside the Don Ross arena. The hill offers a spacious area with lighting for night tobogganing.

Ice Fishing

Jackfish Lake, in The Battlefords Provincial Park, is a popular spot for local ice fishing. Anglers can expect to catch Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch.

Anyone wanting to fish this winter is reminded to check the ice thickness before heading out. Ice thickness can vary depending on the body of water and whether it’s moving. Thickness guidelines include:

• Walking: at least four inches (10 cm).
• Snowmobiling: at least eight inches (20 cm).
• Small vehicle: at least 12 inches (30 cm).
• Large vehicles: at least 15 inches (38 cm).

Anyone between the ages of 16 – 64 is required to carry a valid fishing license. Licenses can be purchased at the park office or online at Saskatchewan’s Online License Sales.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobile trails surrounding the Battlefords are maintained by the Battlefords Trail Breakers Snowmobile Club. Within the club, there are 19 shelters for riders to enjoy. Some of the most popular include:

• Richardson Pioneer Grain Elevator Shelter – located north of North Battleford on trail 101B.
• Scherger Shack Shelter – located on the south end of Jackfish Lake on trail 101F.
• Sky-Tech Terminal – located east of North Battleford on trail 101B.
  Battlefords Trail Breakers Snowmobile Club trails. (Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association)

Snowmobilers can access trail grooming updates by visiting the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association’s website.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com