Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: Explore Majestic Cliffs of Alberta’s Heritage and Legacy of the Plains Buffalo People

The Plains Buffalo people have origins in Alberta which date back as far as 11,000 years. This is as far back as the evidence leads. And some of the signs or artifacts of those much earlier days are still present today. Many efforts were made over the second half of the 20th century to protect these culturally, geologically, or historically significant sites.

Credit: Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

In the 1930s, excavators from the American Museum of history discovered an amazing example of these sites in southwestern Alberta. In fact, what they truly discovered was one of the best-preserved examples of ancient communal hunting techniques.

Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump is the site of communal hunting estimated to go back as far as 6,000 years. The Plains Buffalo people were the hunters, with bison as their prey (the bison skeletons are one of the artifacts and pieces of evidence). The hunting technique is considered advanced and sophisticated for its time.

The Buffalo Plains communities would utilize the lay of the land to herd the bison into lanes (still visible). These lanes would end at a cliff, like the one you see at the Visitor’s Centre. Camps were set up at the bottom of the cliffs, where people would work to butcher and make use of the bison carcass.

There were several sites like this in North America pre-European contact. But none are quite as preserved or large as the one you’ll see southwest of Fort McLeod.

Visiting Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Credit: Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

The World Heritage Site’s Visitor Information Centre makes exploring the site a bit easier. And it makes this small part of the badlands wheelchair accessible. The centre is built into the cliffs with elevator access to the top floors, and to the viewing area at the top of the hill.

The lower trail is 1.2km, which you can hike at the start or end of your visit. It starts with the Campsite leading to the Kill Site trails. This is where the bison met their demise after being herded off the Buffalo Jump. Interpretive panels are set up along the way, as are benches.
The Interpretive Centre is filled with a variety of exhibits. The centre has seven floors to explore built right into the Badland cliffs. The visitor’s centre is an architectural beauty to behold and worth its own photoshoot.
The first few levels include the Café (temporarily closed), the gift shop, and the theatre. The rotating film, screened every 15-minutes, depicts a reenactment of the buffalo hunt. The gift shop offers a local curation of Indigenous arts and crafts.
As you make your way up the next few floors, you’ll find galleries of art, and artefact exhibits.
The overlook trail at the top of the building leads to a lookout over the Buffalo Jump. It is only about 200m in length and provides views of the camp and grasslands below.
During summer months, visitors can experience First Nations dance performances together with Blackfoot drum beats and melodies.

Interesting fact: the site does not get its name from the final demise of the buffalo. Rather, the site was named for a young Indigenous man who became trapped in the cliffs during a hunt. He was found in the cliffs with his head smashed in by a buffalo carcass.

Find Food & History in Fort Macleod

The drive-time between Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Fort Macleod is only about 15- to 20 minutes. Take advantage of the town’s local dining scene and take a walk through the historic downtown. The architecture along Fort Macleod’s 24th Street is especially scenic and well-preserved.

For earlier meals, try the Homestead Bakeshop, or the Blackwood Coffee Co. (both on 24th)
For later meals or snacks, try Fort Macleod Pizza, China City, MacLeod’s Restaurant & Lounge, or the Silver Grill Restaurant.
The Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre are open from May to October each year.

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Plan your Trip – Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

What: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area’s protection helps preserve Plains Buffalo culture and history. The site includes an interpretive centre and trails, beautiful badlands scenery, and several educational opportunities.

Location and how to get there: Highway AB-785, Fort MacLeod

Use Highway 2 or 3 to access 785

Hours – Open year-round, closed on Dec 24, 25, Jan 1 and Easter Sunday.

Closed Monday & Tuesday.

Best time to go: Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Weekend.

Cost: Adult (18–64): $18
Senior (65+): $14
Youth (7 – 17): $11
Family (2 Adults + 6 youths to a maximum of 8 people): $45
Child (0 – 6): Free
Canadian Military and Family (with CFOne card): FREE