Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump bears witness to a custom practiced by native people of the North American plains for nearly 6000 years.

Thanks to their excellent understanding of topography and of bison behavior, they killed bison by chasing them over a precipice and subsequently carving up the carcasses in the camp below.

Year	Decision	Comments
2000	Name change	From "Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Complex" to "Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump"
1981	Inscribed	Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Xeres Nelro (Canada):

head smashed in buffalo jump is an interesting world heritage site. there really is no other one like it. there many historic ruins, and european cities on the world heritage list; but only one buffalo jump
a buffalo jump is a cliff, that the natives of alberta used to kill buffalo. the natives would force the buffalo into jumping off the cliff, thus killing themselves. head smashed in buffalo jump is the bes tpreserved buffalo jump in the world; many others have been looted or mined.
the jump has a first rate museum, which very informativly tells you about, not only the buffalo jump, but the native way of life. the cliff, itself, is not very spectacular; but you get a very good view over the surrounding country side fro mthe top. there are two trails, the cliff top trail, and the bottom of the cliff trail. in my opinion the bottom trail is better, as you get to see, not only the main jump, but you also get a very good view of the secondary jumps.
overall, head smashed in buffalo jump is an excellent day trip, a you will very likely have never seen anything like this before.

Date posted: May 2008

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Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is an neat place in southern alberta. definatly worth a day trip from calgary. the museum is five star. the cliffs are okay, nothing spectacular, but the lower trail is very pleasent. on the road to the Jump look out for 'Erratic" Rocks, rocks deposited by glaciers, there really cool, and are everyewhere in southern alberta.

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The head smashed in buffalo jump is in canada,alberta,inthe grassland reigion.It was used by the first nations.They put rocks to drive them threw to the way then they fall down.They get a person dressed up in wolf suit and chase them.At the bottem of the hill there are a few people waiting to kill the injured buffalo.they always use the amount of buffalo they need.They used every part of the buffalo.they call it head smashed in buffalo jump cause most of the buffalo fell on their heads!But the white settlers killed all the buffalo.some still were alive.Right now the head smashed in buffalo jump is in hertige park.Right now the buffalo at the head smashed in buffalo jump are not there!!!!

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A fantastic place! My husband and I visited Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump in September 2006. The interpretive center is fascinating in itself, but to walk along the escarpment and be viewing the place where thousands of bisons lost their lives so many years ago, is magnificent! Just to imagine how it was. Can you?

Emilia Bautista King (U.S.A.):

The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump site could be one of my favourite sites in Canada. It is impressive even when you approach the entrance by car, with tipis set up for tipi camping on the left (this was in mid-June) and on the right, the Interpretive Centre, which is built on the side of the hills. Even the red sign that greets you at the entrance is cheerful. The World Heritage site plaque is located at the front of the building. We were lucky to receive free admission into the centre because we had filled out a survey for Parks Canada the day before at the Field Station at Dinosaur Provincial Park. It is worth your time to fill out this survey, as it saved us $18.00.

The Interpretive Centre was not only thoughtful about the architecture but also the presentation of exhibits and the introductory film, which was a good introduction of the traditional bison hunt. The centre is meant to be viewed starting from the top floor and working your way down each floor. On each floor, the creation story of Napi is told. Once outside to view the actual precipice, we needed to wear our jackets to protect us from the windy conditions so be prepared with warm clothing and layers. The path to view the site is also wheelchair accessible. It is also worth your time to go for a hike along the Lower Trail outside of the centre. Here you will discover an exposed escarpment and other interesting facets about the prairie environment.

Date posted: June 2006

Belle- Pixie (Australia):
It's a great place to learn about the way they brutally, slowly and painfully killed the poor defenceless buffalo. Thanks guy's!

Date posted: November 2005

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I live in Great Britain. I am now partially sighted, but I visited the centre in 1996. It was part of a brilliant holiday which I will never forget! I never stop talking about it or recommending it!

mattias (Canada):
I like buffalo's buffalo is a cool place lots of interesting facts and a very nice museum it's a very fun place

B Holowka (Canada):
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo jump is a great place to visit. This site provides the opportunity to take an interactive pituresque trip through the history of the Plains Indians from before the White settlers came to present day life. I found this center was an excellent way of showing and explaining to my son the plight the Plains Indians faced and why First Nations people have many present day issues. I enjoyed my day trip so much that I have gone back and given the opportunity would go back again.

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