Calgary 
Take a journey through Alberta’s indigenous history by exploring the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park.
Credit: Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Alberta comprises three main treaty territories: 6, 7, and 8. Calgary, for example, sits on Treaty 7 lands, while Edmonton sits on Treaty 6 lands. Treaty 7 was signed at the site of Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park over one hundred years ago. The Siksika Nation of Treaty 7 built the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park to commemorate the 100 years of Treaty 7 signing.
Today, the park is a National Heritage Site and tourist attraction where visitors can learn through many means about Blackfoot culture. In addition to exhibits, programming, and expert guides, the park is an ode to Blackfoot culture.
Explore the Blackfoot Crossing’s Architecture:
There will be several unique pieces and features to note as you explore the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Centre exhibits.
- Teepees and teepee shapes are incorporated on the roof and the skylight, in the Elder’s Lodge, the lower gallery, or the yellow ochre teepee.
- The library has decorations representing jingle dress dancers, teepees, and a medicine wheel.
- The large central galley mimics a giant teepee with a 20ft. high ceiling and four gigantic teepee poles.
- Every piece of architecture in the building has meaning and adds to the things to see while you walk through the exhibits.
Tipi village/Credit: Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Things to See & Do at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park:
The park’s main building offers a variety of interactive and interpretive exhibits. The current feature exhibit is in honour of Chief Crowfoot, whose namesake you might recognize around Calgary. Additionally, guests are invited to stop by the Red Crane Theatre for a short introductory video (the venue is also available for rent).
- Book a tour of the Park. These tours are led by expert guides who will show you around the exhibits, the building, and the grounds, with extra insight.
- Take a Plant Walk! They encourage you to explore their scenic riverside grounds and trails to spot as many plants from the book as you can find…but NO picking.
- Spend the night! Blackfoot Crossing offers accommodations via its Tipi village. The village has a communal fire pit, while the tipis have wood-burning stoves and beds.
- The Park has an on-site cafeteria with breakfast, lunch/dinner, desserts, and snacks. This is a great chance to try authentic Bannock.
- The gift shop will include more exploration and discovery. All of the arts, crafts, and handmade goods for sale are from featured Blackfoot and Indigenous artists.
More to Do:
25 Things to Do in Newell County
Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park
This provincial park is between Calgary and the Siksika Reserve. And like the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Wyndham-Carseland is also on the Bow River. The Provincial Park has additional accommodation options (if the Tipi Village is complete) with a campground and comfort camping.
This is a scenic place for a picnic beside the Bow River, with amenities like washrooms, tables, and cookstoves.
Planning Your Trip – Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
What: The Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is a Canadian National Heritage Site working to become a designated International Historic Site.
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, less than an hour from Calgary, marks the signing site of Treaty No. 7 between southern Alberta’s native nations and the Canadian government in 1877. This National Historic Site plays a dual role: as a testament to Canada’s history and a guardian of the Siksika Nation’s heritage. Notable figures, Siksika Chief Crowfoot and Cree Chief Poundmaker, are interlinked with this site, both of whom are buried here. In 1977, its significance drew Prince Charles to the treaty’s centennial. Motivated by the successful royal visit, the Siksika council transformed the site into a major attraction by 2007, boasting an interpretive center, monuments, hiking trails, and the historic Earthlodge village.
The park’s eco-friendly museum educates visitors on Siksika traditions through interactive displays. Traditional foods, crafts, and guided tours enhance the immersive experience, while an option to camp in a tipi promises a deeper dive into Blackfoot culture.
Cost: Admission $14-$22 per person; camping $48-$100 per night
- Adults $22.00
- Youth (6-17) $15.00
- Seniors (65 Plus) $14.00
- Children (5 & Under) Free
- Blackfoot Confederacy Members Free
Plus tax
Hours: open year-round; closed on Saturdays and Sundays; camping available from late spring to fall.
Location and how to get there: use Highway AB-1 to access 842 South or use Highway AB-23 from High River to access 842 North.
The Park is on the north side of the river and the west side of the highway. Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is about a 90-minute drive (115 km) from Calgary.
For more information:
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
