A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta is experiencing a surge in interest following a mention on a popular American TV show, with hopes for increased summer visitation. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump was featured on an episode of the acclaimed medical drama series, “The Pitt,” where a character plans a visit to the site in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The site, historically used by Indigenous people to herd bison over a cliff for harvesting, offers an interpretive center showcasing Blackfoot culture and local ecology.
Quinton Crow Shoe, the site’s marketing lead, reported a rise in visitor interest attributed to the TV mention, leading to increased social media engagement. With around 60,000 annual visitors, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump aims to capitalize on the recent attention by promoting attractions in southern Alberta, including Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. Special promotions, like discounts through the Canada Strong Pass, are also driving visitor numbers.
The site’s marketing efforts were further boosted by a promotional video featuring the TV show’s characters superimposed on the cliffs of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Alberta’s Culture Minister, Tanya Fir, highlighted the global impact of Alberta’s cultural landmarks, emphasizing the significance of the site’s exposure through popular media. As the summer season approaches, the site anticipates a rise in tourism and hopes to continue attracting visitors seeking to explore the region’s diverse offerings.