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
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Terry MHamilton, Canada4,638 contributionsNOT A SIMPLE THING TO ORGANIZEThe simple ingenuity of native tribes to lead bison over a cliff to their deaths is rather stunning. You start at the top floor with the chance to go outside to see the jump area [and the Calderwood jump site in the distance]. I shared the space with a couple of prairie dogs, happy to be photographed. The exhibit is itself creative, allowing a good perspective on what transpired in the course of a bison hunt, including a short film. It was only the start of things when the bison had jumped. Some had to be killed. The skinning of the buffalo was documented. The importance of pemmican for the winter diet was discussed. Native life is outlined as you descend through the exhibit. The place has been a World Heritage Site since 1981.Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten June 5, 2023
- FT LVancouver Island, Canada14 contributionsExcellent museum for the whole familyWell worth seeing. Loved the animated sequences on the top level—beautifully illustrated and narrated. Excellent design of space. The live drumming and dancing by a Blackfoot group twice a week outdoors in front of the museum during the summer should not be missed. There was Indigenous catering provided during those periods—buffalo burgers and stew.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten July 15, 2023
- Pat MBaltimore, Maryland306 contributionsWonderful ExperienceWe had never heard of this site until a coworker mentioned it when she heard we were vacation Alberta. It is a must-see if you are in the area. The history and educational movies and exhibits are excellent. The architecture of the facility is amazing as it is a multi-level building whose structure fits neatly into the hillside. It was well worth the short ride off the highway.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
765 reviews
Excellent
563
Very good
166
Average
23
Poor
8
Terrible
5
Mike T
Kamloops, Canada2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Awesome experience. A well put together presentation of sight and sound giving an excellent synopsis. Trails out doors for sights and sounds. Well worth the visit.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat M
Baltimore, MD306 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
We had never heard of this site until a coworker mentioned it when she heard we were vacation Alberta. It is a must-see if you are in the area. The history and educational movies and exhibits are excellent. The architecture of the facility is amazing as it is a multi-level building whose structure fits neatly into the hillside. It was well worth the short ride off the highway.
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie D
Canada5 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
I am not one for interpretation centres or museums, but this was the so well done that I found myself completely immersed in the experience. I even researched more when I got home. This is a must do!
And be sure to watch the 9 minute movie "The Land of Napi's People".
Bravo to all who care for this facility. Well done.
And be sure to watch the 9 minute movie "The Land of Napi's People".
Bravo to all who care for this facility. Well done.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FT L
Vancouver Island, Canada14 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Well worth seeing. Loved the animated sequences on the top level—beautifully illustrated and narrated. Excellent design of space.
The live drumming and dancing by a Blackfoot group twice a week outdoors in front of the museum during the summer should not be missed. There was Indigenous catering provided during those periods—buffalo burgers and stew.
The live drumming and dancing by a Blackfoot group twice a week outdoors in front of the museum during the summer should not be missed. There was Indigenous catering provided during those periods—buffalo burgers and stew.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,638 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Solo
The simple ingenuity of native tribes to lead bison over a cliff to their deaths is rather stunning. You start at the top floor with the chance to go outside to see the jump area [and the Calderwood jump site in the distance]. I shared the space with a couple of prairie dogs, happy to be photographed. The exhibit is itself creative, allowing a good perspective on what transpired in the course of a bison hunt, including a short film. It was only the start of things when the bison had jumped. Some had to be killed. The skinning of the buffalo was documented. The importance of pemmican for the winter diet was discussed. Native life is outlined as you descend through the exhibit. The place has been a World Heritage Site since 1981.
Written June 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardiner W
Vancouver, Canada402 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
A fascinating look at how ancient native Canadians (their descendants who still live in the area are of the Blackfoot tribes) managed to survive in what were pretty tough conditions. The site shows how the native community worked together to organize a buffalo hunt (the ancient prairies had millions of them) by stampeding them over a cliff to their death (sounds a bit gory but life was tough back in those days). Excellent short film showing the re enactment of the hunt. Interesting displays showing life going back thousands of years. A UNESCO heritage set.
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddie T
Calgary, Canada109 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie M
19 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
l_gletscher
Singapore, Singapore43 contributions
Is it open in April? And are there nice walking trails easy for seniors (70 years old)?
OntarioCanuck1
Georgetown, Canada4,037 contributions
Some trails ok for seniors
Tim C
Des Plaines, IL293 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, Canada781 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, Canada1 contribution
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
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Claim your listingHEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP WORLD HERITAGE SITE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site
- 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