[3][4] The Battle River flows for 570 kilometres (350 mi) and drains a total area of 30,300 square kilometres (11,700 sq mi).

[5] The river is said to be named for a battle that took place between the Cree and the Blackfoot.

Over its course, the river flows through Ponoka and by Hardisty and Fabyan within Alberta.

Big Knife Provincial Park is situated on the south bank of the river west of Highway 855, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) southwest of Forestburg.

The Fabyan Trestle Bridge also spans the river.