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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- Brittany B77 contributionsLower trail is free and best views!This was a very well done centre and if you’re interested in the history the centre is a must do. However, if all you want to see is the jump, skip the $15 ticket, and walk the free lower trail. It’s cheaper than the upper trail and better views.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 21, 2024
- JudyOswestryUKOswestry, United Kingdom345 contributionsWorth the 5 hour round trip!We weren’t sure about visiting as it was so far off our route driving across Canada. We were very pleased we made the effort. The visitors centre appeared closed when we arrived, but we tried the door, and were welcomed in. This is a brilliantly designed visitor centre, you get clear instructions once you’ve got your entry wristband. Take the lift to the third floor, then up to the sixth, walk the last flight up ( there is a service elevator for disabled access) from here you walk out to the view point 200 m, then return inside and work your way down through the exhibition and various levels. Don’t miss the film on level 2, as it brings to life the events of the hunt.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 23, 2024
- Gentilhomme188 contributionsCheck this out---strong cultural interestHad never heard of this and of course the name is intriguing (this does NOT refer to bison's heads, interestingly). We felt a UNESCO World Heritage designation was a pretty big stamp of approval, so made the drive from down near Waterton. Really interesting exhibits and the film describing the buffalo hunt was excellent. I'm not a hunter but feel that this type of hunting was more humane than chasing and spearing buffalo over the plains. Fed the tribal members and provided warm hides for what must surely have been prodigious winters. Recommended for sure.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 15, 2024
- vlr49Ipswich, United Kingdom62 contributionsFantastic visitSet on side of hill, the museum is over several floors. The top floor is level with the cliff top walk where you can see along the cliff. Good views for miles. The museum contains lots of information, films and exhibits. Definitely recommended.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
775 reviews
Excellent
569
Very good
168
Average
25
Poor
8
Terrible
5
Sarah K
Edmonton, Canada1,299 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
The customer service we got at reception was AWFUL. They gave absolutely no information and everyone was walking around the museum lost looking for stairs elevators, bathrooms and where the heck to start. While the information and subject matter are interesting, this museum is laid out like garbage. All over the place. Also, charging customers $2 for a guide to the interpretive trail after they just paid $15 is ridiculous. Just put some signs out explaining what's up or give the info for free online or something. Wouldn't recommend going here because of our poor experience.
Written September 19, 2021
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.
PaulaDDuck
Toronto, Canada190 contributions
Sept 2021
This heritage site is a must see. We were welcomed to the site and advised to see the movie immediately since it was restarting in a few minutes. This film was an excellent overview and certainly provides a lot of information. As per the direction by the staff, we went up to the upper viewpoint and then came down through the various levels of the museum. There is a wealth of information and if you really want to read/experience everything and walk both the upper and lower trails, you will need more than 2 hours. The museum and upper trail are fully accessible. If you are able, also do the lower trail to provide a different perspective - it is not accessible to walkers/wheelchairs.
Written September 20, 2021
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.
Scott P
Providence, Rhode Island, Usa43 contributions
Sept 2019
Visited because of the unique name, but was overwhelmed by the level of preservation and the wonderful history captured. Its preservation is a blessing, as most similar sites had been overrun by past curiosity seekers and treasure hunters. This place is a survivor, and a must see if you're in the area, especially if you love studying history and heritage.
Written August 8, 2020
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.
Margaret K
Fredericksburg, VA124 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I’m going to be an outlier here but I think this was highly overrated andoverpriced. I would save your $15 and just hike the lower trail that’s free - you get a much better view of the Buffalo Jump from below then paying $15.00 to see it from above and you can’t really see anything at all. The museum is OK but I expected a lot more artifacts for that huge facility and they were extremely limited and that was very disappointing. I probably could’ve learned just as much by googling everything on the Internet.
Written June 13, 2024
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, Canada4,921 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.
lemon910
Calgary, Canada328 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.
Laurie M
88 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.
Johnny H.
Manassas, VA342 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Twomaples
Canada489 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JudyOswestryUK
Oswestry, UK345 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We weren’t sure about visiting as it was so far off our route driving across Canada. We were very pleased we made the effort. The visitors centre appeared closed when we arrived, but we tried the door, and were welcomed in. This is a brilliantly designed visitor centre, you get clear instructions once you’ve got your entry wristband. Take the lift to the third floor, then up to the sixth, walk the last flight up ( there is a service elevator for disabled access) from here you walk out to the view point 200 m, then return inside and work your way down through the exhibition and various levels. Don’t miss the film on level 2, as it brings to life the events of the hunt.
Written May 23, 2024
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.
Is it open in April? And are there nice walking trails easy for seniors (70 years old)?
Written December 13, 2022
Some trails ok for seniors
Written December 15, 2022
is the lower trail accessible to hike before the stated opening hour of 10AM?
Written July 12, 2021
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.
Written July 16, 2021
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.
Written July 28, 2019
Hi. We are driving from Calgary. Anything worth seeing on the way there?
Written August 5, 2018
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.
Written August 6, 2018
What are some examples of the free programs you provide the public on Saturdays?
Written June 22, 2017
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!
Written July 6, 2017
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.
Written May 17, 2017
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.
Written May 6, 2017
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
Written May 6, 2017
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.
Written July 17, 2016
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
Written July 28, 2016
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
Written July 5, 2016
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