A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta is experiencing an increase in 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 an episode of the award-winning medical drama series “The Pitt.” The character Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch, portrayed by actor Noah Wyle, expressed a desire to visit the landmark in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The site, located 150 kilometers south of Calgary, holds historical significance as a location where Indigenous people herded bison off a cliff for harvesting.
Quinton Crow Shoe, the head of marketing at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, mentioned that the TV show mention has sparked curiosity among visitors, leading to an uptick in social media and email inquiries. The site, designated a World Heritage Site in 1981, typically attracts around 60,000 visitors annually. Crow Shoe anticipates that the recent surge in interest will translate into increased foot traffic during the peak season from May to September.
In addition to the TV show mention, promotional efforts such as discounts offered through the national Canada Strong Pass have contributed to the growing attention around the site. The broader southern Alberta region, including attractions like Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and Waterton Lakes National Park, forms a cohesive tourist destination, encouraging visitors to explore the area comprehensively.
Travel Alberta has leveraged the TV show’s popularity by releasing a promotional video featuring the characters against the backdrop of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump’s cliffs. Alberta Culture Minister Tanya Fir also shared the TV clip on social media, emphasizing the global impact of Alberta’s historical and cultural landmarks. The collaborative promotion aims to boost tourism and showcase the region’s rich heritage to a wider audience.