It runs in a southerly direction from the southern end of Turtle Lake[2] to the North Saskatchewan River across from Delmas.

The town of Turtleford is the only sizeable community along the river's course.

[3] Turtleford River begins at the community of Turtle Lake South Bay at the southern end of Turtle Lake in the Rural Municipality of Mervin No.

From the lake, the river flows south-west through the Thunderchild 115B Indian reserve where it is met by Brightsand Creek (which originates at Brightsand Lake) to the town of Turtleford.

[5] It meets the North Saskatchewan across from Delmas, near the Michaud Islands.