A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta is experiencing increased interest after being mentioned on a popular American television show, raising hopes for a busy summer season, according to the site’s head of marketing. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump was featured in a recent episode of the acclaimed TV medical drama “The Pitt,” where a character announces plans to visit the landmark in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The site, located about 150 kilometers south of Calgary, was historically used by Indigenous peoples to herd bison over a cliff for harvesting. The interpretive center at the site delves into Blackfoot culture, ecology, and archaeology, offering visitors a trail along the cliff top.
Quinton Crow Shoe, the marketing lead at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, mentioned that the show’s mention has sparked curiosity among visitors, leading to an uptick in interest. Crow Shoe expressed gratitude for the show’s exposure, noting the positive impact on social media and email engagement. The site, designated a World Heritage Site in 1981, typically welcomes around 60,000 visitors annually. Crow Shoe anticipates a potential increase in footfall and tours during the peak season from May to September, buoyed by ongoing promotions like discounts through the Canada Strong Pass.
The site is part of a network of attractions in southern Alberta, including Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and Waterton Lakes National Park, forming a compelling tourism circuit. Crow Shoe emphasized the importance of mutual support among these attractions. Alberta’s tourism agency, Travel Alberta, capitalized on the TV show’s reference by releasing a promotional video featuring the show’s characters against the backdrop of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Alberta’s Culture Minister, Tanya Fir, also shared the TV clip on social media, highlighting the global impact of Alberta’s history and cultural landmarks.
