Canada is home to some of the most unusual and memorable roadside attractions. From oversized statues to quirky monuments, these stops capture attention and imagination. Many of these sites celebrate local culture, history, or industry, while others reflect folklore or community pride. Whether you are road-tripping across provinces or exploring a small town, these attractions add a fun and unexpected twist to the journey. Here are 19 roadside attractions that are weirdly majestic.
The Big Nickel – Sudbury, Ontario
The Big Nickel is one of Canada’s most recognizable roadside landmarks and stands as a tribute to Sudbury’s historic mining industry. Built in 1964, the massive nine-metre replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel represents the economic and cultural role nickel mining played in the region. The attraction sits beside Dynamic Earth, where visitors can explore mining exhibits and underground tours. Its scale, simplicity, and national symbolism make it a surprising and impressive stop, especially for road-trippers travelling through Northern Ontario. It is one of those roadside icons that feels both playful and strangely meaningful.
Mac the Moose – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Mac the Moose stands over 32 feet tall and welcomes travellers with one of the quirkiest symbols in Canada. Built in 1984, the statue originally held the title of the world’s tallest moose before briefly losing that record to Norway. After public pressure and friendly rivalry, Mac received new antlers in 2019 and reclaimed the title. The statue represents Prairie pride and has become a photo and road-trip tradition for many. Mac may look humorous at first, but its size and connection to community spirit make it a surprisingly majestic stop in Moose Jaw.
The Giant Lobster – Shediac, New Brunswick
The Giant Lobster in Shediac is one of the most photographed roadside attractions in Atlantic Canada. Standing over 35 feet long and weighing several tonnes, the sculpture celebrates Shediac’s reputation as the Lobster Capital of the World. Built in 1989, the statue quickly became a symbolic stop for travellers heading toward beaches, seafood restaurants, and summer tourism destinations in the region. Its realistic detail and scale make it impressive rather than silly, and visitors often climb its base for photos. The lobster represents the deep connection between Atlantic communities and the fishing industry.
The Wawa Goose – Wawa, Ontario
The Wawa Goose welcomes travellers near the Trans-Canada Highway and has become one of Northern Ontario’s most iconic landmarks. Installed in 1960, this giant goose statue was originally created to draw tourism when a new highway bypassed the town. The strategy worked, and the statue is now one of the most visited roadside stops in Canada. A newer version was installed in 2017 to replace the aging original, preserving the beloved symbol. Surrounded by wilderness and rugged scenery, the Wawa Goose feels grand and fitting for its remote setting.
The World’s Largest Hockey Stick – Duncan, British Columbia
The World’s Largest Hockey Stick stands in Duncan as a tribute to Canada’s most celebrated sport. Originally constructed for Expo 86 in Vancouver, the massive steel and wooden stick measures more than 62 metres long and weighs over 28 tonnes. After the event, it was relocated to Duncan, where it now sits beside a community arena. The statue is both playful and symbolic, representing national identity and the importance of community sports culture. Its impressive scale and unique history make it a surprising and memorable roadside stop on Vancouver Island.
The Giant Canada Goose – Gimli, Manitoba
The Giant Canada Goose statue in Gimli stands as a tribute to the many migratory geese that pass through the region each year. Installed in the 1970s, it has become a recognizable landmark along Lake Winnipeg. The statue represents both wildlife pride and the Icelandic heritage of the community, which celebrates cultural festivals throughout the year. Travellers often stop to take photos, stretch their legs, or explore nearby walking paths and waterfront views. Its simplicity and connection to the landscape give it a quiet but impressive presence.
The Drumheller Tyrannosaurus Rex – Drumheller, Alberta
Standing at 26 metres tall, the Drumheller Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of the largest dinosaur statues in the world. Located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, it reflects Drumheller’s identity as a major paleontology hub and home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Visitors can climb inside the structure to reach a viewing platform inside the dinosaur’s mouth. The scale and surroundings make the statue dramatic and unique, drawing thousands of travellers every year. Its size and connection to natural history give it a surprisingly majestic feel.
The Giant Perogy – Glendon, Alberta
The Giant Perogy in Glendon is a quirky yet beloved roadside attraction celebrating Ukrainian culture in Alberta. Installed in 1993, the statue stands nearly 30 feet tall and sits beside a large fork, making it a humorous and memorable photo stop. The monument highlights the strong Ukrainian influence in Prairie communities and has become a symbol of regional identity. Though funny at first glance, it represents cultural pride and local food heritage, making it both meaningful and entertaining for road-trippers.
The Big Apple – Colborne, Ontario
The Big Apple sits along Highway 401 and has become one of Ontario’s most well-known roadside destinations. Built in the late 1980s, the massive smiling apple is home to a bakery and lookout tower, creating a stop that is part attraction, part rest point, and part food destination. Visitors often stop for pies, snacks, or photos before continuing their road trip. While playful in design, its scale and long-standing presence make it feel iconic rather than gimmicky. It is a familiar sight for travellers crossing Eastern Ontario.
The Giant Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka) – Vegreville, Alberta
The Giant Pysanka in Vegreville is a major cultural landmark built in 1975 to celebrate Ukrainian heritage and the RCMP’s role in settling the Prairies. The aluminum structure uses advanced geometric engineering and reflects light beautifully, making it one of the most architecturally impressive roadside attractions in Canada. More than just a novelty stop, it represents deep cultural roots and community pride. The pysanka’s intricate design and symbolic meaning give it a strong visual and emotional impact, making it feel both artistic and monumental.
The Giant Squid – Glovers Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Giant Squid statue commemorates a real preserved squid measuring over 55 feet that washed ashore in 1878. Built to honour that historic event, the statue has become a unique symbol of the region’s maritime heritage and connection to the ocean. Its remote coastal location adds to the atmosphere, making it feel mysterious and striking. Travellers stopping here often learn about the area’s fishing history and local legends. The statue combines storytelling, wildlife history, and regional pride in a way that feels unexpectedly impressive.
The Sasquatch Statue – Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
The Sasquatch Statue in Harrison Hot Springs reflects the region’s long-standing Indigenous stories and modern fascination with Bigfoot sightings. The statue stands prominently near the waterfront, becoming a symbolic part of the community’s identity. Visitors often stop for photos, learn about the legend, and explore nearby trails where sightings have been reported over the decades. The forested landscape surrounding the area adds to the mysterious atmosphere. While whimsical and rooted in folklore, the statue carries cultural depth and regional pride, making it both intriguing and unexpectedly impressive.
The Giant Nickel Replica Monument – Nickel Belt Region, Ontario
This replica monument honours Northern Ontario’s mining heritage and mirrors the famous Big Nickel from Sudbury. Built to recognize the role nickel played in regional and national development, the statue stands as a proud symbol of industry and community resilience. Travelers passing through the Nickel Belt often find it to be a striking reminder of Canada’s resource-driven history. Its size, polished metal appearance, and strong link to local identity give it significance beyond novelty. It is a meaningful stop for history enthusiasts and road trippers.
The Big Potato – O’Leary, Prince Edward Island
The Big Potato celebrates the essential role of potato farming in Prince Edward Island’s economy. Positioned near the Canadian Potato Museum, the statue draws curiosity and provides a fun photo opportunity for visitors exploring the province’s agricultural heritage. Although humorous at first glance, it represents community pride and a deep connection to local farming traditions. The simplicity and scale make it a charming roadside stop. The nearby museum adds educational context, reinforcing the importance of farming in shaping the region.
The Giant Puffin – Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador
Standing proudly near one of Canada’s best puffin-viewing spots, the Giant Puffin in Elliston celebrates the region’s wildlife and coastal culture. The bright colours and large size attract visitors from around the country. Many road trippers stop here before heading to the nearby cliffs where thousands of puffins nest each summer. The statue serves as both a playful symbol and a tribute to local ecology. Its location overlooking rugged Atlantic scenery enhances its presence, making it more striking and memorable than expected.
The Giant Polar Bear – Churchill, Manitoba
The Giant Polar Bear statue represents Churchill’s global reputation as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Positioned near major visitor routes, it welcomes travellers exploring Northern Manitoba’s wildlife tourism and tundra landscapes. The statue stands tall and imposing, symbolizing both the power of the Arctic environment and the fragile balance threatened by climate change. Many visitors stop for photos before heading out on guided wildlife tours. Its strong tie to identity and conservation makes it impactful rather than gimmicky.
The Friendly Giant Dinosaur Statue – Calgary, Alberta
Located near key parks and public spaces, this large dinosaur statue reflects Alberta’s deep paleontological roots and fascination with prehistoric life. Families and travellers often stop to take photos or enjoy the surrounding area. The statue’s playful presence appeals to both children and adults, yet its connection to Alberta’s fossil history gives it added meaning. While lighthearted in design, it quietly represents scientific discovery and regional pride. It stands out as a memorable and fun roadside feature.
The Giant Curling Rock – Arborg, Manitoba
The Giant Curling Rock celebrates Canada’s strong curling culture and the sport’s deep roots in Manitoba. Positioned near community recreation spaces, the statue honours both local teams and national achievements in curling. Its oversized design makes it humorous at first, but the craftsmanship and connection to a beloved Canadian pastime give it more significance. Visitors often stop for photos, especially during winter events or tournaments. The statue acts as a proud reminder of community spirit and sporting heritage.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
Food prices in Canada have been steadily climbing, and another spike could make your grocery bill feel like a mortgage payment. According to Statistics Canada, food inflation remains about 3.7% higher than last year, with essentials like bread, dairy, and fresh produce leading the surge. Some items are expected to rise even further due to transportation costs, droughts, and import tariffs. Here are 22 groceries to grab now before another price shock hits Canada.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
