More About Cochin

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The Resort Village of Cochin is nestled between Murray and Jackfish Lakes on Highway 4 North. Its location stimulates the senses through the restful beauty of trees, prairie, hills, song birds, pelicans, crying loons, and paddling ducks. A quiet creek connects the two lakes making for a nature lover's paradise. Jackfish Lake was formed by a glacier that left behind "rock island" just off the coast of Martinson's Beach. It is here that you can find an area of the lake covered with birds in the summer and teeming with fish year round. 

At one time the First Nations people, fur traders, adventurers, and missionaries used the trail between the two lakes as a shortcut to the north. The historic Cochin-Green Lake Trail is located 4.5 kms south of Cochin and stretches 150 kms north to the Hudson Bay post at Green Lake. While serving as a travel route for the fur trade Industry, it also connected the Cochin Mission to First Nation settlements at Birch Lake and Chitek Lake. The North West Mounted Police patrolled the trail extensively during the North-West Resistance and in 1885, the Trail was crossed by troops pursuing Big Bear.

Immediately to the north of Cochin are Saulteaux and Moosomin First Nations. Cochin is also surrounded by many family farms and is only a five minute drive from the Battleford's Provincial Park.

The Village of Cochin is named after Father Louis Cochin, a Catholic missionary and founder of the Thunderchild Mission in 1884. Père Cochin established missions in the region to serve the First Nations and Metis people. For many years Father Cochin resided with the Cree  and wintered on the shores of Jackfish Lake. He died in the community that came to be named for him in 1927. He is best remembered as the priest who ministered to Poundmaker's Band during the North West Resistance of 1885 and is credited as the 'go-between' for Major-General Middleton who negotiated the surrender of Poundmaker. 

French immigrants took up land around Jackfish Lake by 1907. Stores and other businesses began to be established shortly thereafter. The Cochin Post Office opened in 1915. During the 1920s, families from the surrounding area began leasing land around the lakes for their summer vacations. Soon cabins began to dot the area and Cochin steadily developed as a summer resort destination. Commercial fishing operations and market gardens were opened during this time.

In 1978, Cochin was established as an organized hamlet and, on January 1, 1988, the community was incorporated as a resort village. The summer population easily surpasses 2500 when factoring in all of the neighbouring resort areas during the peak season. Cochin’s economy is largely based on tourism, but it also benefits from the surrounding agricultural industry. Camping, fishing, boating, hiking, golf, and a lighthouse are key attractions.

The Resort Village has two stores and service stations, a post office, a community hall, two churches, a fire hall, playgrounds, and lots of recreation opportunities.

Be sure to visit soon - the call of loons, the prairie grasses blowing in the breeze, and the waves crashing on the shore are sure to beckon you back over and over again.

(Photo from 2010 Olympic Torch Run, Resort Village of Cochin, Moosomin First Nation & Saulteaux First Nation)

The Resort Village of Cochin has always been a popular getaway destination.  Everything is possible here!  Take your boat out to go after northern pike or walleye.  Fire up the jet-ski and ride the waves.  Cool off with a dip on a hot day.  Canoe, kayak, swim, waterski, wakeboard or just sit back and enjoy the fantastic evening sunsets over the water.  The lakes are also ideal for winter fun, with flat expanses for your snowmobile or ATV and skating on the ice.  Try your hand at ice-fishing and take in the annual ice fishing derby in February.  You could win a ton of great prizes.

The only lighthouse in Saskatchewan is at the north end of the village of Cochin.  It was built in 1988 on the top of Pirot Hill. From here, visitors have a spectacular view of both Jackfish and Murray Lakes. The lighthouse is 11.5 meters tall (38 ft). There are 153 steps to the top for a fabulous view of both the townsite and the lakes.

Our lakes have natural shoreline with many great sandy beaches and boat launches.  Lehman Creek winds its way from Murray Lake to Jackfish Lake.  As you meander down this gentle waterway, you'll go under 2 bridges, pass boat houses, docks, beautiful yards and natural marshland. 

Resting in one of Canada's "sun spots", Cochin offers seemingly endless hours of summer sunshine.  It's the perfect setting to connect with the people who are important in your life.  Gather with friends and family while getting away from the every day hustle and bustle.  The beautiful sunrises and sunsets soothe the city-weary soul. Cochin offers you warmth, wonder and relaxation for a memorable vacation.

A family friendly community, the Resort Village of Cochin will live long in the memories of children and adults alike. This community provides a rare opportunity to have it all.  Start living the dream today. 

(Wakeboarding: Photo by Ramona Stillar)