Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump/Estipah-skikikini-kots

Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump/Estipahskikikini-kots is known for its importance to the Blackfoot and Indigenous cultural practices and people.

A visit to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (Estipah-skikikini-kots in the Blackfoot language) is your best opportunity to experience this incredibly important historical, cultural, and archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Lethbridge is the best hub to explore Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

The migrations of the buffalo herds were integral to the Indigenous Peoples of the western plains and this site was in use for over 6,000 years prior to European contact.

Using their skill and their astonishing knowledge of bison biology and behaviour, bands of hunters drove great herds of buffalo over steep cliffs and into wooden corrals. In the blink of an eye they obtained more food in a single moment than any other people in human history.

Visiting Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump 

At a glance

• Located on Secondary Highway 785 — accessed via Highway 2 just north of Fort Macleod
• Check local weather — the facility closes for severe weather
• Plan on 2–4 hours at the site so you can best enjoy the Museum, outdoor trails and amenities.
• Parking for cars and RVs: Overnight parking is not allowed

Inside the Interpretive Centre

The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump visitor Information Centre is a stunning museum filled with vibrant and culturally accurate displays of more than 6,000 years of plains people’s hunting culture. 

While the site was designated a National Historic Site in 1968 and a World Heritage Site in 1981, it wasn't until 1987 that the Museum and Interpretive Centre was ready. In 1990, the building received the Governor General's award for Architecture.

• 80-seat theatre displaying a 15-minute film-re-enactment of the buffalo hunt
• 5 levels of interactive and visual displays.

Guided School and Youth Programs

Napi’s Creations Gift Shop

At “Napi’s Creations” Gift Shop, you can grab yourself or a loved one a souvenir to remember your time at the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. There’s something for everyone in the shop.

Outside the Centre

Viewpoint

After exploring the museum, you will find yourself at the top of the building, where you can take a short walk outside to a deck. The point looks out across the flat rolling plains of the prairies and the cliff of the Buffalo Jump, giving a sense of size and perspective for one's place in the natural world. The size of the Buffalo Jump is about half the size it used to be, which gives you a small idea of the scale of the buffalo hunt during its prime.

Hiking Trails

The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump site is also home to two short hiking trails. The upper trail follows along the upper edge of the jump while the lower trail will take you near the bottom of the jump and up and around the whole cliffside.