Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Southern Alberta Daytrips

Updated September 2026 – While you are staying with us here at Riverbend there are many day trips that will immerse you in history, bring you closer to nature or perhaps offer a day of family fun. Situated as we are, with the vast prairies of the east rising to meet our Foothills and then on to the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west, we have much for you to choose from. Today’s post looks at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. This historical site is a one hour and 20 minute drive south from the campground.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Your time visiting this outstanding attraction will give you amazing insight into the history of First Nations people here in the west. Head-Smashed-In is the world’s largest, oldest and best preserved buffalo jump. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is a prestigious recognition of the historical and cultural significance of this site. UNESCO World Heritage Sites from around the world include India’s Taj Mahal, Britain’s Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids.

Indigenous History

Indigenous peoples hunted buffalo and relied on them for survival. For nearly 6,000 years—long before the arrival of guns and horses in North America—they stampeded buffalo over cliffs during highly coordinated hunts. Hunters planned each event carefully, watching for favorable weather, choosing the right moment, and using exceptional skill.

“Buffalo runners,” disguised in animal hides, located the herds and guided them toward the jump. Their work demanded a deep understanding of buffalo behavior. Once the herd was in position, the runners drove the animals into V‑shaped lanes built to funnel them toward the cliff; remnants of these drive lanes remain visible today.

The annual hunt supplied food, bone tools, and hides used for shelter and clothing. This early culture experienced years of abundance when hunts were successful and years of scarcity when they were not.

Archaeologists studying the site have identified human activity dating back 9,000 years. They determined that people first used it as a buffalo jump 5,700 years ago—long before the construction of the pyramids and Stonehenge.

In Search of the Buffalo

The history and story is well told at the interpretive centre. During your tour, learn how the geography, climate and vegetation influenced the lifestyle of the Plains people. A small theatre presents a ten minute film “In Search of the Buffalo. This production features local Blackfoot actors re-enacting activities around the hunt.

The interpretive centre is built into the side of the hill. Visitors enter at the lowest level. As they ascend to the upper level there are exhibits on various terraces. At the top visitors exit the building at the top of the hill. Here a trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the entire site. This is also an excellent vantage point with prairie to the east and mountains to the west.

Amenities

During the summer season food service is available in the Buffalo Jump Café featuring native-themed fare.  The gift shop features a wide range of souvenirs ranging from post cards to hand-crafted pieces created by First Nations artisans. Every Wednesday in summer, there are drumming and dancing demonstrations at 11:00am and 1:30pm. There are also more immersive experiences and interpretive walks which you can research by visiting the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump website here. Your day trip to Head-Smashed-In will be a day full of history, culture, and nature.

Concusion

Approximately 60,000 people visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump interoperative centre each year. We encourage you to take the family, to learn about this historic site. To continue learning about Indigenous history and culture check out this page.

And for more Southern Alberta Day Trip ideas check out this page.