Tourmaline first quarter of 2025 has delivered a robust increase in drilling activity across Western Canada. With drilling operations gaining momentum, the sector is signaling a more aggressive operational stance compared to the start of 2024. Key rig contractors and drilling hotspots like Drayton Valley and Grande Prairie are leading this resurgence. Major operators like Tourmaline Oil have played a critical role in driving this uptick.
Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024: A Clear Increase
Comparing quarterly results:
Quarter Drilling Activities Q1 2024 52 Q1 2025 71
There was a 36.5% increase in drilling activity in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. This strong start suggests greater operator confidence, likely supported by more stable commodity prices and an uptick in investment plans for the year.
Top Rig Contractors Leading Q1 2025
The most active contractors by rig and activity count in Q1 2025 are:
Contractor & Rig Q1 2025 Activity Count Precision 540 8 Precision 541 7 Jomax 3 6 Precision 533 5 Bear 1 5
Precision Drilling continued its leadership, securing three of the top five most active rig spots.
Total Contractor Activity (Q1 2024 + Q1 2025)
When we combine both quarters, these contractors emerge as the most consistent performers:
Contractor & Rig Total Activities Precision 541 14 Ensign 817 10 Bear 1 9 Ensign 816 8 Precision 540 8
Tourmaline Oil’s Influence
Tourmaline Oil, Canada’s largest natural gas producer, has been a key driver of this increased drilling activity. Their strategic focus on high-margin assets and drilling efficiency improvements have contributed significantly to the uptick seen in regions like Grande Prairie and Drayton Valley.
Regional Hotspots: Board Field Centre Focus
The top drilling centers were clearly dominated by:
Board Field Centre Q1 2024 Count Q1 2025 Count Drayton Valley 26 26 Grande Prairie 16 26 BC 7 13 Red Deer 3 6
Grande Prairie saw the most notable surge, increasing from 16 to 26 drilling activities.
Visual Insights
Above: Drilling activity growth between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025
Conclusion
Q1 2025’s drilling surge highlights a confident restart for Western Canada’s oil and gas sector. Precision Drilling, Ensign, and Jomax are leading contractors to watch, while Grande Prairie and Drayton Valley remain critical operational hubs. With major operators like Tourmaline Oil aggressively advancing their drilling programs, the upward momentum points toward a potentially strong year for the Canadian upstream industry.
