Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park

Dry Island Buffalo Jump is a provincial park in Alberta that covers about 34.5 square kilometers of badlands terrain stretching along the Red Deer River. A high plateau rises roughly 200 meters above the water and creates striking layers of rock, grasslands, and steep drop-offs.

Cree peoples hunted bison at this location by driving herds off the cliffs, establishing an important hunting tradition in the region. This method was practiced over many generations and left a deep mark on the area's history.

The name comes from an ancient hunting method where bison herds were driven over the cliffs, reflecting the deep connection between people and the land. The landscape itself serves as a reminder of when large herds roamed freely across this river valley.

The park has two maintained campgrounds called Tolman East and Tolman West, plus a boat launch for river access that operates from May through September. The best time to visit is during warmer months when all facilities and water routes are fully available.

An Albertosaurus bone bed was found in 1910 and remained undisturbed for nearly a century until it was rediscovered in 1997. This important fossil site shows how many paleontological secrets still lie hidden in the badlands landscape.

Location: Kneehill County

Location: Starland County

Location: County of Stettler No. 6

Inception: December 15, 1970

Website: http://albertaparks.ca/siteinformation.aspx?id=39

GPS coordinates: 51.94390,-112.96400

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45