|
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park |
Dry Island Buffalo Jump is so-named because of the unusual land formation; a flat-topped mesa called a "dry island" rises 200 metres above the Red Deer River. In the distance you can see the grassy cliff-top of an ancient buffalo jump. Cree Indians hunted bison here by stampeding them over the high cliffs, providing enough meat, skins and other products to sustain them. More than 150 bird species have been spotted in this park, including turkey vultures, golden eagles, red-tailed & Swainson's hawks, prairie falcons, mountain bluebirds, belted kingfishers and several varieties of warblers; the shady river banks are good places to view ducks and wading birds such as great blue herons, marbled godwits & willets. The steep entrance road to the river valley becomes impassable during wet periods. Gate is up in the winter season.
NOTE: Camping permitted at Tolman East & West campgrounds only (located 10 km south of the park's day use area). Located 50 km east of Innisfail on SH 590, 10 km south on Hwy. 21, then 15 km east on access road; Tolman campgrounds located nearby, 22 km east of Trochu along SH 585Tel: 403 823-1749.
|