Writing-on-Stone & Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Southern Alberta · Indigenous Heritage

Highlights

  • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and interpretive centre
  • Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park's hoodoos and Indigenous rock art, among the largest concentrations in North America
  • Overnight in Lethbridge, with time at the park's visitor centre
  • A culturally-focused route, different from our nature and mountain day trips

Itinerary

Day 1

Calgary Airport (YYC) → Head-Smashed-In → Lethbridge

Drive south via Fort Macleod to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, then on to Lethbridge for the night.

Breakfast on your own
Day 2

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park → return

Morning at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park's hoodoos and rock art sites, then the drive back to Calgary Airport (YYC).

Breakfast included

Route & Distances

  1. Calgary Airport (YYC)Fort Macleod≈ 180 kmHead-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump stop
  2. Fort MacleodLethbridge≈ 50 km
  3. LethbridgeWriting-on-Stone Provincial Park≈ 100 km
  4. Writing-on-Stone Provincial ParkCalgary Airport (YYC)≈ 300 km

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

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Regular departures run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Booking is by request, not instant confirmation — contact us to confirm the exact date and seat availability.

What's Included

Includes

  • Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver-guide (Vietnamese on request, subject to availability)
  • Hotel accommodation for 1 night in Lethbridge (based on double occupancy)
  • Breakfast on the morning after the first

Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Site admissions and park day-use fees
  • Gratuities for your guide

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

  • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump admission≈ $15 CAD / person
  • Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park day-use fee≈ $14 CAD / vehicle

Cancellation Policy

CancelledRefund
21+ days before departureFull refund
7–20 days before departure50% refund
Less than 7 days before departureNo refund

Good to Know

  • Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
  • Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
  • Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
  • Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this trip more about history than scenery?

Both — Head-Smashed-In and Writing-on-Stone are significant Indigenous heritage sites, and Writing-on-Stone's hoodoo badlands are also visually striking.

How long is the drive?

Roughly 3 hours from Calgary Airport to Fort Macleod, continuing on to Lethbridge for the night — which is why this route is built around an overnight rather than a single long day.

Is one night enough?

Yes, this route is paced to cover both sites over two days without rushing either one.

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From $400 CADper person, CAD
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