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
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.
Popular mentions
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.
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.
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 💙
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.
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.
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.
l_gletscher
Singapore, Singapore43 contributions
Is it open in April? And are there nice walking trails easy for seniors (70 years old)?
OntarioCanuck1
Georgetown, Canada3,952 contributions
Some trails ok for seniors
Tim C
Des Plaines, IL291 contributions
is the lower trail accessible to hike before the stated opening hour of 10AM?
HSIBJ
Fort Macleod, Canada
Unless the gate is closed to the lower trail beneath the cliff, it is open 24 -7
The trail on top of the cliff is included with admission to the site and accessible only through the interpretive center.
ernieismydog
Edmonton, Canada2 contributions
Has anyone visited with a dog?
Judy M
Aberdeenshire, UK65 contributions
We didn’t see any dogs so guess not. Most of the visit is inside at interpretive centre so not suitable for dogs. However the lower trail may be ok.
Pet37
Barrie, Canada732 contributions
Hi. We are driving from Calgary. Anything worth seeing on the way there?
Tauna D
Sarasota, Florida, United States77 contributions
I agree with those above who suggested Head Smashed-In. It is a well done exhibit around the actual site of the buffalo run. Fort MacLeod was also good but if you only had time for one, do the Head Smashed-In.
How long does it take yo go through museam
jaunty5
Sarnia, Canada350 contributions
I usually allow 2 hours for museums (I rather do a second visit) and for this one a single 2 hour visit is adequate.
katfabcon
Edmonton, Canada
What are some examples of the free programs you provide the public on Saturdays?
HSIBJ
Fort Macleod, Canada
Hello - sorry for the delay in answering. We have a variety of drop in free programs through the summer. These include short building tours, setting up tipi's throwing spears, mock archaeology dig and more. The schedule for these free programs is not set far in advance and depends on the availability of interpreters. It's best to ask when you arrive at Head-Smashed-In.
We also offer Drum & Dance Demonstrations on Wednesdays (July & August, included with admission), Hikes to the Drive Lanes on the first Saturday of each month Spring-Fall (additional fee), and the Piskun (buffalo hunt) 3 hour immersive programs Monday & Friday (July & August, additional fee).
We hope that helps!
susanleger
Calgary, Canada
Are you open on Monday, May 22nd.
HSIBJ
Fort Macleod, Canada
Yes we are - 9am to 5pm. Always up to date hours are available on our website.
Thanks & safe travels!
The HSIBJ team.
Kathryn N
Bowling Green, KY3 contributions
What is the recommended amount of time to allot for a visit? We are stopping during a road trip and want to make sure we have time to visit.
HSIBJ
Fort Macleod, Canada
Hello,
Thank you for your questions. Most visitors find that about 1.5 hours is sufficient to visit our exhibits.
We also have an outdoor interpretive trail that takes you below the cliff and through the campsite area. Most people find an hour is enough time to enjoy the hike,
We do have a cafe open May -September (for 2017) if you wish to enjoy a meal onsite.
We hope that answers your question.
Safe Travels.
The HSIBJ Team
Deborah001
Melbourne, Australia28 contributions
Hi, just wondering why you highlight and glorify a place where so many animals were forced to die a hideous death by being run over a cliff? What a barbaric and cruel practice. Even the name of the location is awful.
HSIBJ
Fort Macleod, Canada
Hello,
Thank you to everyone who has weighed in on this.
The practice of driving bison from the cliffs at Head-Smashed-In (and across North America) allowed Indigenous cultures to thrive in a fairly harsh environment. It provided them with enough food to survive hard winters, and allowed for the development of an amazing culture. Because of these buffalo hunts, the people didn't just scratch out an existence, they developed songs, games, rituals, art and an amazing, beautiful complex society.
The hunts were not wasteful. Each heard was carefully selected to contain the optimal number of animals; minimize waste while still being successful. There is no evidence that this method of hunting had any negative impact on the bison population, or on the landscape.
If you would like further information, please check out our website (apologies - we are not allowed to add in websites), or look up Jack Brink's book - Imagining Head-Smashed-In, available online for free on the Athabasca University Press website (with additional video clips and interviews). If you have any further questions, please contact us using the email address provided under the contact menu on our website.
Thanks,
The HSIBJ Team
fc0ffey
Regina, Canada
Hi what hours are you open?
HSIBJ
Fort Macleod, Canada
Hello,
Our summer hours are 9am-5pm daily.
Our winter hours are 10am-5pm daily (with some holiday closures).
Up to date hours and admissions can be found on our website - headsmashedin. org, and click on the Hours and Admissions tab on the left.
Thanks,
The HSIBJ Team
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.
- Hotels near Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site:
- (0.22 km) Carry Me Away Bed & Breakfast
- (0.87 km) Fort Motel
- (0.81 km) Century II Motel
- (0.91 km) Hotel Bethel - Fort MacLeod, AB
- (1.56 km) Sunset Motel
- Restaurants near Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site:
- (0.23 km) A&W
- (0.25 km) Tim Hortons
- (0.35 km) Stockmans Grill
- (0.40 km) BBQ Flaming
- (0.69 km) Igloo Drive-In