The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in southern Alberta is a UNESCO world heritage site worth visiting. My visit to the Buffalo Jump, was an illuminating journey into the life of the Plains people and the buffalo culture.
This buffalo jump is one of the world’s oldest – and best preserved jumps.
The name Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump traces its origins to a legend about a foolish young brave. He wanted to watch the herded buffalo come flying over from the shelter of a ledge below the sandstone cliffs. Unfortunately for him it was a particularly successful hunt and the buffalo began piling up.
Eventually the brave became trapped between the animals and the cliffs. His people found him with his skull crushed by the weight of the buffalo carcasses – and hence the name.
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The site of Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump may be underwhelming to some. However, the story is anything but – and the Interpretative Center is a five story architectural gem built into a hillside.
Designed by Robert LeBlond, it showcases the life of the Plains people and their reliance on the buffalo.
6,000 years at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo jump
There is evidence that humans were active in the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump area 11,000 years ago and archaeological evidence points to nearly 6,000 years of buffalo jumping.
The Plains people intimately understood buffalo behavior and the local topography. They used this information to successfully herd the buffalo over the cliffs.
The buffalo hunt went like this
The actual day of a buffalo hunt likely occurred in the fall after the animals had fattened up over the summer. A great deal of preparation preceded the buffalo hunt.
Large stones were positioned to mark the drive lanes. Branches were put into these stone cairns as a way to focus the buffalo. Then a few native hunters were chosen to wear wolf or coyote skins and would then herd the buffalo.
Another hunter would dress in buffalo skins. His job was to fool the buffalo into thinking he was a calf.
He would work his way forward towards the cliff at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, while at the same time the wolf and coyote skin wearing natives would slowly edge closer to the herd.
The cairns and branches kept the buffalo in the drive zone which narrowed towards the cliff. Eventually the calf would run in the direction of the cliff and at the same time a huge number of natives would jump up alongside the drive zone and start waving buffalo skins.
The confusion set the herd to stampeding with the buffalo dressed native in front leading the way. He would duck out of the drive zone at the last second and by then the momentum of the herd was so great that they literally flew over the cliffs to their deaths.
The fall wasn’t that great – between 15 – 30 feet. If they didn’t die flying off the cliff then they would be clubbed by natives waiting at the bottom or be squashed by 1,000 pound bodies building up on top.
The Interpretative Centre does an excellent job showcasing native life on the plains. Displays of tools, foods, clothing and shelter are skillfully done.
If you take the time to watch the 15 minute movie, you’ll be well able to imagine the day of the hunt.
Hike the trails around the buffalo jump
Finish a visit to this unique part of the world with walks above and below the cliffs. The hike to the top of the buffalo jump at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump is 1.4 km return. It’s easy and family-friendly.
Where is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump?
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is close to the town of Fort MacLeod in southern Alberta. From Calgary take Highway 2 south for roughly 190 km until you reach Highway 785, just north of Fort MacLeod.
Turn west (right if you’re driving from Calgary) and follow it for 16.5 kilometres to reach the visitor centre. There is signage on Highway 2 pointing you in the right direction.
Location map of the Buffalo Jump
Hours and fees of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is open 7 days a week from 10 AM – 5 PM except for Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day. On occasion they close if there is severe weather so check ahead of time.
Admission for adults is $15, youth 7-17 are $10, and kids 6 and under are free. Senior discounts are available too.
For more information on Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump visit their website.
Where to stay near this Alberta UNESCO site
Fort MacLeod is the closest town of note. The Prairie Rose Cottage is small but rated exceptional for two people.
If you’re up for a 45 minute drive then you’ll find more accommodation options in Lethbridge. Both the Holiday Inn Express – Lethbridge Southeast and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lethbridge get great reviews.
Further reading on things to do in southern Alberta
- 10+ Fabulous Hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park
- 20+ Best Things to Do in Waterton in Summer
- 3 Southern Alberta Parks That are Worth a Visit
- 5 Great Things to do in the Crowsnest Pass Area
- 7 Things to Do in Medicine Hat, Alberta
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