A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta is experiencing increased interest following a mention on a popular American TV show, with hopes for a busy summer season. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump was featured in a recent episode of the award-winning medical drama series, “The Pitt.” The character Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch, portrayed by Noah Wyle, expressed his intention to visit the landmark located in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The buffalo jump site, situated approximately 150 kilometers south of Calgary, has been utilized by Indigenous peoples for millennia to guide bison herds over a cliff for hunting purposes. The interpretive center, integrated into the sandstone cliff, delves into Blackfoot culture, local ecology, and archaeological discoveries, offering visitors a trail along the cliff top.
Quinton Crow Shoe, the head of marketing at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, mentioned an uptick in visitor interest attributed to the TV show’s reference. The site’s social media and email platforms experienced increased activity following the episode’s airing, indicating heightened awareness and curiosity among potential visitors.
Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump typically attracts around 60,000 visitors annually. Crow Shoe expressed optimism that the recent surge in interest will lead to a rise in visitors and tour groups during the peak season from May to September. Additional promotions, including discounts offered through the national Canada Strong Pass, have contributed positively to visitor numbers.
The buffalo jump site forms part of a network of attractions in southern Alberta, complementing destinations like Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. Crow Shoe emphasized the collaborative nature of promoting the region’s attractions to enhance overall visitor experiences.
The provincial marketing agency, Travel Alberta, capitalized on the TV show’s mention by releasing a promotional video featuring characters superimposed against the backdrop of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump’s cliffs. Alberta’s Culture Minister, Tanya Fir, shared the TV clip on social media, highlighting the global impact of Alberta’s historical and cultural landmarks on audiences worldwide.