Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Wow!

Where to start with Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump? Hmmm. Well, there is a growing interest in North America’s indigenous peoples. In Canada, we typically refer to indigenous people as First Nations.  
And with this growing interest in North America’s first peoples, there is a corresponding increase in tourist visits to indigenous heritage sites.
And one of the most interesting of these sites is in south western Alberta at a place called Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

What is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. That fact alone should get your attention. 
My guess is that the colourful but descriptive name for the site does give you some insight into what happened here over the past 6000 years.  Still, it might be helpful to provide some additional context. 
Basically, a buffalo jump is a cliff like land formation which First Nations people could use to hunt buffalo.  Basically, hunters would drive the buffalo toward a cliff or steep hill. The buffalo would go over the edge and come to a quick end.
In the days of the stone age hunter gather society any leg up in hunting effectiveness could mean the difference between survival or death for a people. And so this mass hunting was important to indigenous peoples.




Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Activities

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump includes indoor and outdoor activities.
At the main interpretive centre, there are several exhibits that explore such things as indigenous culture, the buffalo hunt and archeological activities on location. There is also a large theatre that plays a short buffalo hunt re-enactment.
Once outside, you can follow a trail that leads to the actual cliff used in the buffalo hunt.  The views are spectacular.  There are also interpretive hikes at the base of the cliff.
And if you are planning on doing the hikes, it’s best to check with information to make sure that the activity is within your comfort zone.

When to visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday.
Unless you have an Experience Alberta History Annual Pass, admission at the time of writing this post is:
  • Adult (18-64): $15
  • Senior (65+): $13
  • Youth (7-17): $10
  • Family (2 Adults + Youths to a maximum of 8 people): $40
  • Child (0-6): FREE
Make sure to check out the fees before you visit!





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