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The amount large, enormous, and even humungous roadside attractions in Alberta can seem endless. You are bound to run into a neat and unique ‘big item’ worth of a stop, rest, or photo op across Alberta. Completing a quintessential ‘big Alberta’ road trip can mean multiple day trips, or weekend and week-long provincial staycations.
And as you drive through the various small towns of northern Alberta, take this as an opportunity to explore. You can explore nature via the multiple provincial parks, lakes, and forests, or you can explore the towns themselves through local dining, shopping, and visiting of parks. Add any one of these items to your next northern Alberta road trip, and it is sure to be a memorable one.
Dunvegan Bridge (Dunvegan Provincial Park)
The Peace River runs through the middle of Peace Country, and if you follow Highway 2, you’ll cross over the river on the awe-inspiring Dunvegan Suspension Bridge, Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge. The Bridge is next to the Dunvegan Historic Site and PP, which sits on “the traditional lands of the Dunne-za (Beaver) people. It was an important gathering spot for Indigenous people and the fur trade and is now a Provincial Park and designated historic site.
Trip Planning:
What is it: Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge over the Peace River
Things to Do at Dunvegan Provincial Park: Camping, canoeing, fishing, explore Dunvegan Historic Site, hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing
When to go: summer
Cost: Bridge: Free
Historic Site Admission: Adults: $5; Seniors: $4; Youth 7-17: $2; 6 and younger: Free; Canadian Military and Family (with CFOne Card): Free; Cultural Access Pass Holders: Free
Address: 26 km south of Fairview on AB-2
Sulphur Gates (Grande Cache)
The magnificent and dramatic views at the Sulphur Gates Recreational Area are easily accessed by a short walk through forest and boardwalk trails. There are a few places from which you can get a good vantage point of the Smoky and Sulphur River crossing, but none will make you feel higher in the air than steel boardwalk which takes you out almost right over the cliff. The photo opportunities are endless and breathtaking. Pack a picnic or spend the night at the park’s quiet and secluded campground!
Trip Planning:
What is it: Viewpoint over the Smoky River and Sulphur River crossing
Things to Do: short hikes, camping, equestrian riding, picnics
When to go: camping open year-round
Cost: Free (Alberta Parks site)
Address: Sulphur Gates Rd. Via Ab-40 (near Grande Cache)
Details
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Crack of Doom (Grande Cache)
Don’t be afraid, this Crack of Doom is not quite as scary as it sounds; although, it is an impressive natural wonder to see in north western Alberta. The geographical feature is near the entrance to Sulphur Gates, allowing you to see two large natural wonders within minutes of one another. The Grande Cache area is home to all kinds of outdoor activities like camping, horseback riding, and is famous for its annual Death Race: a mountain marathon which takes place each summer.
Trip Planning:
What is it: geographical formation
Things to Do: camping, equestrian riding, hiking, sightseeing, quadding
When to go: spring or summer
Cost: free
Address: Sulphur Gates Rd. via AB-40
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Kleskun Hill Natural Area Hill Formation (Bezanson, Grande Prairie Co.)
Within the county of Grande Prairie, and just east of town near Bezanson, is Kleskun Hill Park and Natural Area. Noticeable features include Dinosaur Hill and Garrett Hill which are the eroded remains of an old river delta-similar (just like southern Alberta’s badlands). The rocks rise 100m above rolling hills and planes. Kleskun Hill is well known for the large hills, but also for the immense variety of over 160 wildflowers and plants you can spot on a spring or summer hike, including cacti!
Trip Planning:
What is it: large rock formation and historic site
Things to Do: hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, picnics
When to go: summer
Cost: free
Address: 41060 TWP RD 724, Grande Prairie
Website
Credit: Alberta Parks
Kakwa Falls
Head to the western edge of Alberta to enjoy the Kakwa Falls Wildland Provincial Park. From the campground and parking lot inside the park, it is only a 1.2 km walk to the beautiful Kakwa Falls. The waterfall drapes over a 30m-tall cliff overhang and are surrounded by towering pines. There is a day-use area with picnic tables and firepits, and a smaller set of waterfalls to see a little further in on the hiking trails called the Francis Peak Creek Falls.
Trip Planning:
What is it: Alberta’s tallest waterfalls at 30 m high
Things to Do: picnicking, quadding, hiking, equestrian riding
When to go: summer
Cost: free
Address: Access to the Falls beyond Lick Creek requires 4×4 or 4-wheel drive. The falls are 20 km from the park’s northern boundary.
Website
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Beaver (Beaverlodge)
Beaverlodge is a small town in northwestern Alberta and is right on the way to the Alaska Highway. The town is named after one of the area’s most ecologically important inhabitants: the beaver! And in an homage to this all-Albertan and all-Canadian animal, the town greets visitors with a larger-than-life beaver statue. You can find the beaver-on-a-log statue at the south entrance to town where you can begin exploring all that Beaverlodge has to offer like their Cultural Centre, Museum, and the scenic Saskatoon Mountain. Planning on spending the night? The Pioneer Campground is located on the north side of town.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 4.6m-tall beaver on a log (polyurethane-coated foam)
Things to Do: Beaverlodge Cultural Centre, visit Saskatoon Mountain, South Peace Centennial Museum, camping
When to go: year-round
Cost: free
Address: 506 5 Ave, Beaverlodge
Website
Bull and Bull Rider (Brownvale)
Located halfway between Fairview and Peace River (on Highway 2) is the town of Brownvale. If you’re just passing through, you will not miss the largest bull (and cowboy) you have ever seen. The Brownvale Bull Rider is actually meant to resemble Brian Mulroney, who was the Prime Minister during the 1986 Vancouver Expo, where the statue was first presented. Brian on the bull was then auctioned, sold, and donated to the town’s museum. Figure Eight Lake Provincial Park is also only a 15-minute drive from Brownvale.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 4.6m statue of a Brian Mulroney riding a bull
Things to Do: historical walking tours, camping, canoeing, fishing
When to go: July-August (Brownvale Agricultural Museum is open)
Cost: free
Address: AB-2 and Sec. 737 (36 km east of Fairview)
Website
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World’s Largest Bee (Falher)
It is fitting that you can find the World’s Largest Bee in Falher, Alberta, as this is the ‘honey capital of Canada.’ This small northern town once produced over 10% of Canada’s honey and celebrate their thriving industry with a 7m x 6m ode to the honeybee. There is a small park surrounding the bee with picnic tables and benches where you can pose and photograph around the bee. Falher is only a 45-minute drive from Winagami Lake Provincial Park.
Trip Planning:
What is it: Wire Mesh Bee sculpture
Things to Do: sightsee, camping, hiking
When to go: year-round
Cost: free
Address: 1 3 Ave SE, Falher (north of Spirit River Highway)
Website
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Trumpeter Swan (Grande Prairie)
This may not be the largest item on your big Alberta road trip, but it is a significant symbol for the town of Grande Prairie and is as much of a must see as the swans themselves. If you visit in the fall, you have the chance of seeing 800-100 trumpeter swans stop at the area’s lakes (like Saskatoon) for staging and breeding. The swan sculpture is in Jubilee Park with ponds and walking trails. Visit Grande Prairie Trumpeter Swan Important Bird and Biodiversity Area located in Saskatoon Island Provincial Park.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 3 m-tall trumpeter swan
Things to Do: birding/wildlife viewing, Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village, Nitehawk Year-round Adventure Park
When to go: Fall to see the swan migration
Cost: free
Address: Jubilee Park – 100 St. & 103 Ave.
Website
David Thompson Monument (Lac la Biche)
Overlooking the shores of Lac La Biche is a 4.6 m-long statue commemorating the first map-marking explorer in to reach the region: David Thompson. The Lac La Biche region is a great summer stop with beaches, campgrounds, shops, and local food to try.
Trip Planning:
What is it: Statue of David Thompson and his two guides
Things to Do: visit local shops/restaurants, camping, swimming, fishing, boating
When to go: year-round
Cost: free
Address: 10419 Churchill Dr., Lac la Biche
Website
World’s Largest Ukrainian Sausage (Mundare)
Just north of the Trans Canada Highway is the town of Mundare: famous for their kielbasa sausage, beef jerky, and more. While some towns create monuments for people and nature, Mundare has created a monument to industry- specifically sausage. It is also a monument to the Stawnichy Meat Processing Plant. The massive link is found on main street, and across from this park is the Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage House Restaurant and Deli. This makes Mundare a perfect pit stop on your way to your campsite, or a wonderful place to #shoplocalAB.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 12.8m, 5443kg Ukrainian Sausage sculpture made of Fibreglass, installed in April 2001.
Things to Do: sightsee, golfing, Basilian Fathers Museum, shop (Darvonda Nursuries and Stawnichy’s), camping
When to go: Year Round
Cost: Free
Address: 4916 53 Ave, Mundare
Website
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12 ft. Davis (Peace River)
This legendary Peace River monument to Henry Fuller Davis stands at an impressive 4.6m above the town’s Riverfront Park. Davis was an important member of the Peace River fur trade, but also made a name for himself after earning $12000 on a gold claim in northern BC. The Mighty Peace region can be experienced year-round with the nearby Misery Mountain, or with snowmobiling being popular in the area. Explore the region’s wilderness through hiking or spend a weekend camping.
Trip Planning:
What is it: a 3.7m wooden statue of Henry Fuller Davis
Things to Do: skiing/snowboarding in Winter, Camping and hiking in summer
When to go: year-round
Cost: free
Address: Riverfront Park, 100 Ave., Peace River
Website
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World’s Largest Badminton Racket (St. Albert)
St. Albert holds claim to the world’s largest Badminton Racket, which sits outside the Red Will Badminton Club. It is a unique sight to see and a popular spot to stop and take photos. If you stop by in the summer, you can experience western Canada’s largest outdoor farmer’s market, located in the centre of the city.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 4.3m-tall Badminton Racket
Things to Do: Explore the city of St. Albert
When to go: summer
Cost: free
Address: 80 Boudreau Rd., St. Albert
Website
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UFO Landing Pad (St. Paul)
We’re not sure if this is the world’s only UFO landing pad, or the world’s largest, but we know it is the only monument of its kind in Canada. In the centre of St. Paul on Main St., there is a large concrete structure which poses some questions; the main question being, what is it? In celebration of Canada’s centennial, the town erected a large concrete UFO Landing Pad to help spread a welcoming message to the rest of the world. The idea is that everyone is welcome in St. Paul, even our extraterrestrial friends. There is much to see in terms of local art around the Landing Pad and adjacent Visitor’s centre.
Trip Planning:
What is it: concrete UFO Landing Pad and Visitor’s Centre.
Things to Do: sightsee, art walks, dining, shopping, camping, explore Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail
When to go: year-round
Cost: free
Address: 4844-5012 53 St, St. Paul
Website
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Pumpkin Park and CN Rail Museum (Smoky Lake)
The town of Smoky Lake, like many other small Alberta towns, was built around the CN rail line which previously ran through town. And in Smoky Lake, there has been a lot of work done in preserving this area of local history, especially through the CN Rail Museum. This is also the home of the famous Smoky Lake Pumpkins, a large patch of oversized gourds. The large park area around the museum and pumpkins make this a great place to not just stop and rest, but to stop and explore as well. Within walking distance of Pumpkin Park are great local restaurants and the Old-fashioned Bread Bakery.
Trip Planning:
What is it: giant artificial pumpkin patch
Things to Do: sightsee, shop, dining, explore history, camping, golfing
When to go: Fall, Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair
Cost: free
Address: 155-181 W Railway Dr., Smoky Lake
Website
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Elevator Sundial (Sangudo)
Just off Highway 43 you can find this uniquely Albertan Elevator Sundial which will tell you time, latitude, longitude, elevation, and true north. This makes for a short drive from Edmonton, or a great place to stop and sightsee if you’re heading north for camping or a road trip. There is a campground between town and the river which offers stunning bridge views, picnic tables, and annual summer events like car shows and tractor pulls.
Trip Planning:
What is it: grain elevator-shaped sundial that is one of the biggest sundials in existence that is 21 feet high
Things to Do: camping, Sangudo Speedway, hiking
When to go: summer
Cost: free
Address 50th St., Sangudo
Details
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World’s Largest Mushrooms (Vilna)
There is a good chance you have eaten a Vilna Mushroom before, especially if you’re from Alberta. This historic town begins off the highway with a restored yet historic main street and the Vilna Pool Hall. Just beyond the main road through town you’ll find Mushroom Park and the enormous mushroom statue which acts as a monument to the area’s populous and edible fungus. It is also an homage to the early Ukrainian settlers who have since passed down the tradition of mushroom hunting in the area.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 6.1 m-tall steel mushrooms
Things to Do: berry-picking, camping, mushroom hunting
When to go: spring and summer
Cost: Free
Address 51 Ave. and 46 St., Vilna
Website
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World’s Largest Pysanka (Vegreville)
The Vegreville Pysanka (an intricately decorated Ukrainian style Easter egg), near the Trans Canada Highway, could be one of the most well-known of Alberta’s roadside attractions. Upon entering the parking lot, the egg towers over you at an incredible 9.5 m-tall and 7.8 m-long. The intricate patterns will make you want to see it from every angle, and the nearby park provides numerous photo ops. It is conveniently located beside Vegreville’s Visitor Centre.
Trip Planning:
What is it: Giant Easter egg measuring 25.7’ long and 31’ high
Things to Do: cycling, Elks Pond, dining, camping
When to go: spring or summer (Easter seems fitting!)
Cost: free
Address: 4500 Pysanka Avenue, Vegreville
Website
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Wilderness Sculpture (Swan Hills)
Enter Swan Hills via AB-30 and you will be greeted by a scene pulled right out of wilderness. The beautiful Wilderness Sculpture at the entrance to town is a detailed and 2000 lb depiction of a mother swan protecting her five eggs from an incoming bear. It is meant to depict “strength and majesty that helps epitomize the natural and rugged beauty of the area.” Swan Hills is on the way to Lesser Slave Lake where there are two Provincial Parks and multiple campgrounds.
Trip Planning:
What is it: Steel sculpture of a bear and a mother swan protecting her eggs
Things to Do: camping, boating, fishing, swimming, picnics
When to go: summer
Cost: free
Address: 4635 Federated Rd, Swan Hills
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World’s Largest Wagon Wheel and Pickaxe (Fort Assiniboine)
The area of Woodlands County and Fort Assiniboine is rich with Hudson’s Bay trading and goldmining histories. The World’s Largest Wagon Wheel and Pickaxe serve as a monument to this bygone era, and the surrounding park contains preserved historic buildings to photograph or explore from the outside. The Fort sits over the Athabasca River where you can camp, hike, kayak, and canoe.
Trip Planning:
What is it: World’s largest wagon wheel and pickaxe (wood and metal)
Things to Do: camping, explore historical sites, boating, fishing, hiking
When to go: summer
Cost: free
Address: Sec. Highway 661, Woodlands County
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World’s Largest Perogy
Directly north of St. Paul you’ll find the smaller town of Glendon, known for the World’s Largest Perogy (with fork!). The giant perogy is a meaningful symbol to the town, who upon the perogy’s construction, was a dying town. This roadside attraction help put Glendon on the map, and also serves as a symbol for the area’s Ukrainian heritage.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 8.2 m fibreglass and metal framed perogy
Things to Do: camping, sightseeing, dining
When to go: year-round
Cost: free
Address: Sec. Highway 882
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Mallard Duck (Andrew)
Along with geese, Alberta is home to a large mallard duck population that you can witness in rural and urban areas. But if you’d like to see the World’s Largest Mallard duck up close, then head to Andrew in Lamont County. This oversized duck is even wearing a mask to help spread health and safety messages.
Trip Planning:
What is it: World’s largest mallard duck with a 7.5 m wingspan
Things to Do: museum and train station, Centennial Park Flower Gardens, shop at the Saturday Farmer’s Market, Babas and Borsch Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian Village
When to go: summer or fall
Cost: free
Address: 50 St. and 50 Ave., Andrew
Angus Shaw (Bonnyville)
The fur trade was an incredibly huge part of Alberta’s economic development in earlier days; to honour this, the town of Bonnyville invested in a huge statue of famous Scottish fur trader Angus Shaw. The statue sits near the town’s museum, and the town itself sits nestled between 3 different lakes. Bonnyville is also just a short drive from Moose Lake Provincial Park.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 7 m wooden statue of Angus Shaw
Things to Do: golfing, shopping, dining, camping, boating
When to go: summer
Cost: free (museum requires admission)
Address: 4401 54 Ave, Bonnyville
Peter Fiddler Statue (Elk Point)
As you enter Elk Point in eastern Alberta, you are greeted by an enormous (9.8 m!) statue of Peter Fiddler. This is a hand-carved wooden statue erected to commemorate the value and importance of the fur trade. It is a marvel to see as you come down the highway and is just as impressive when you get out of the car. Elk Point is a great destination for both dining and outdoor activities. The area surrounding the statue is also equipped with picnic benches, so you can take some of your local eats to go.
Trip Planning:
What is it: World’s largest wagon wheel and pickaxe (wood and metal)
Things to Do: dining, North Saskatchewan River Crossing, fishing, fishing tours, camping, hiking, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park, art walk in Mural Park
When to go: summer
Cost: free
Address: north end of AB-41
Credit: Town of Elk Point
BIG Red Chairs and Totem Pole
Mackenzie Crossroad’s Museum and Visitor’s Centre in High Level, Alberta is home to the famous red chairs and totem pole. Located on the side of the Mackenzie Highway this is a photo-worthy pit-stop! But there’s more, learn about local history in the museum and check out the gift shop filled with many locally made items.
Trip Planning:
What is it: 10ft tall, 6ft wide, 9ft long red chairs and 30ft tall totem pole
Things to Do: Ice fish, explore the wilderness surround High level, camp at Aspen Ridge Campground.
When to go: summer; winter
Cost: free
Address: Mackenzie Crossroads Museum & Visitor’s Centre, 10803 – 96 Street, High Level
Credit: Tourism High Level & Josh Lambert Photography
Just FYI the Aaron the Heron does not exist currently.
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