Neighbouring communities include Fort Qu'Appelle to the west, to the southeast Abernethy, and to the north Ituna.

The File Hills First Nations of Little Black Bear, Peepeekisis, Okanese, and Star Blanket are also located to the northeast.

Balcarres post office was established in the North-West Territories on 1 April 1884.

[7] The name originates from the first postmaster, Balcarres Crawford, at the neighbouring community of Indian Head, North-West Territories (now, since 1905, Saskatchewan).

[10] The town is home to several businesses including a grocery store, inn, pharmacy, bank, and restaurants.