Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Head-Smashed-In is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved Buffalo jumps in North America. The site has has an archaeological record that goes back 6,000 years. This World Heritage Site is open year round and offers an Interpretive Centre and walking trails. Blackfoot Guides interpret the plains buffalo culture. Visit: www.headsmashedin.ca
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
758 reviews
Excellent
556
Very good
166
Average
23
Poor
8
Terrible
5

Eddie T
Calgary, Canada64 contributions
Oct. 2022
This is an important site that helps understand the traditional way of life of the Blackfoot people who have inhabited the area for millennia. The interpretive centre is large and modern, several floors high each of which contains displays explaining the importance of buffalo jumps in the ancient tradition, and the very top floor is an outdoor walk that overlooks the real site where buffaloes were hunted. This point offers also an excellent panoramic view of the surroundings.

Head-smashed-in-buffalo jump has been designated a world heritage site by UNESCO, which should be a good reason to visit in itself. But UNESCO designation aside, this site should be in the to-do list for any visitor in the area.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Andrea G
Vancouver, Canada227 contributions
Aug. 2022
We were looking for something fun to do while in Lethbridge and decided to go to this site which is a short drive away.

It's really cool as you come up on it, as it's embedded in the hillside. The museum itself is very educational. It's worth watching the movie first to get an overview of the history they are covering.

Definitely walk outside on the trail to get a sense of the view and expanse of the land.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Laurie M
17 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Family
We have been a time or two to this UNESCO world Heritage site before but not for many years and it is an amazing venue. I wish it did different things every summer like dancing or theatre, guest speakers, concerts so they would attract more locals more frequently but for global travelers it is a MUST SEE. A beautiful venue that Honours the past and the First Nation culture with artifacts, films, a walk to the actual jump site,gift shop and more.
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

lemon910
Calgary, Canada349 contributions
Jul. 2022
Important venue to visit on anAlberta tour. Loved the stories. Easy to absorb yourself in the the museum’s displays, films, books, activities on multiple levels. Walking the site is a must, as is talking with resource people. We were warmly welcomed by Little Leaf when we arrived, which set the tone for an amazing impactful visit. Highly recommended. Educational.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Celia63
Edmonton, Canada89 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Family
The interpretive centre is worth it. As a family we learned a lot about history as well as the First Nation people. Love the short film, don’t miss if you visit this place.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Johnny H.
Manassas, VA336 contributions
May 2022
The visitor center for the Unesco World Heritage Site, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is one of the best I have been to. Great interpreted scenes from history and I really liked how they projected stories on large rocks around the different rooms. It is 4 stories as you have to go to the top to access the trail to the cliffs. And just like the Buffalo, you go down through the museum to the end.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Darren R
United Kingdom60 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Couples
Our first trip to Canada visiting family and we had a ride out to this place. Full of interesting history about Native American's and their way of life, and how they hunter Buffalo.

What really made it awesome was speaking to Little Leaf who answered some other questions and gave us some interesting facts filling in some of the gaps. Such a lovely person. All I can say is that if the staff asks you if you have any questions then please do ask, as they are so proud to tell you more about their ancestors and culture.

The views are also fantastic and we could see the mountains. Absolutely stunning.

Thank you Little Leaf 💙
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Twomaples
Canada392 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Couples
Tucked into the landscape, the centre is beautifully designed for you to start at the top and work your way down. Displays are eye-catching, interesting and very informative especially an area where the text is projected on the rocks.

I highly recommend taking the hike into the valley to fully understand the site, but to also appreciate the wide variety of plants in the area. We were fortunate to see two archeology groups at work and to chat briefly with some of the members. Why is the parking lot at a lower level? To not disturb the potential archaeology.

My second visit, highly recommended.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

OntarioCanuck1
Georgetown, Canada3,952 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Couples
Museum is a great display, elevators to top then walk down 5th exhibit, well designed. Good movie,
Walking trail worthwhile, active digs and students very happy to talk to u.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Jessica S
181 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Solo
What an incredible space. You can feel the power of the land and the history while walking the outdoor trails. I am so glad I made the drive to experience this.
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP WORLD HERITAGE SITE (Fort Macleod) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site is open:
  • Tue - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


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