Head-smashed-in buffalo jump

With a name like that we just had to go and visit! We’d left the Rockies and were now overwhelmed by the plains [prairies] of central Alberta. From Fort Macleod, it was a quick trip west to the UNESCO World Heritage site of 'Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump'.

This is where the local tribes, especially the Blackfoot, gathered once or twice a year to organize a their bison [also known as buffalo] hunt. They'd create a pathway for the poor eye-sighted creatures but with excellent smell, the Indians had to plan meticulously.

Coming up over a hill the stampeding herd would race towards a 12-metre cliff, suddenly plummetting to their death or be clubbed upon landing. Then the clever butchering of the whole beast would see the tribes celebrate another hunt, assisting their survival through winter.

This site is well designed and a delight to visit, giving us views across to the western prairies and the snow-covered Rockies. We saw our first marmot, rabbit-sized and human wary. The two hours invested was both informative and well organized. A good hunch!!Read more