Larger Than Life Roadside Attractions In Alberta
I propose the ultimate roadtrip idea—a trip with the sole purpose of seeing all of the roadside attractions in Alberta. Alberta has a wacky reputation for it’s giant roadside markers. Some are outside city limits, on the highway and some are right in the heart of the city. Sadly, Alberta is no longer home to the largest aluminium baseball bat, but all the other greats should suffice:
Aaron The World’s Largest Blue Heron – Barrhead, Alberta
The town of Barrhead has adopted the Blue Heron as the town mascot. Blue Heron sculptures line the streets of the town, leading up to the big guy—Aaron. This bird rises 12 feet high with a four-foot pedestal. Aaron can be found on Mainstreet and Hwy 33.
World’s Largest Dinosaur – Drumheller, Alberta
The World’s Largest Dinosaur was presented to the public in October 2001. For sixteen- years she has stood tall at 86 ft., with 106 stairs for visitors to climb to the top. She is 4.5 times bigger than a real T-Rex. Drumheller is widely recognized as the Dinosaur Capital of the World. It’s fitting, this is where she stakes her claim at the Visitor Centre.
World’s Largest Beaver – Beaverlodge, Alberta
The grandest tree muncher is 15 feet tall, 18 feet long and is perched on a 20-foot log. This unique landmark was built in 2004 and weighs a whopping 3000 pounds. A plaque celebrating the town’s 75th anniversary stands next to the sculpture. His permanent residence is at the Beaverlodge Cultural Centre.
World’s Largest Mallard Duck – Andrew, Alberta
In 1992 the World’s Largest Mallard duck was built to commemorate Andrew’s surrounding wetlands. The Mallard can be found at the intersection of Hwy 855 & 50th avenue in the Village of Andrew. Weighing 1 tonne with a wingspan of 23 feet
World’s Largest Mushroom – Vilna, Alberta
Mushrooms are important in Vilna, Alberta. It has been a tradition to collect mushrooms since Ukrainian settlers arrived in the early 1900’s. Located 1 block east of Main Street, stands the site of the World’s Largest Mushrooms—a giant sculpture of the tricholoma upsale mushroom. The mushroom grows wild in Ilna, making it the ideal home for this giant.
World’s Largest Piggy Bank – Coleman, Alberta
In Coleman, Alberta in Crowsnest Pass sits a small underground mining locomotive with a sign proclaiming it to be the World’s Largest Piggy Bank. Ten Ton Toots is a tiny 0-4-0 locomotive, which spent its working life underground, hauling coal to the service. This odd ‘giant’ is used to collect donations for the local Lions Club.
Giant Pumpkins – Smoky Lake, Alberta
Smoky Lake is home to the Great White North Pumpkin Fair and Weigh Off—of course their giant is a pumpkin. In downtown Pumpkin Park, 7 large pumpkins stand erect with the tallest over 9 feet high and all weighing over 32,000 lbs.
World’s First UFO Landing Pad – St. Paul, Alberta
St. Paul is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the Landing Plan. After implementing the Landing Pad, St. Paul was declared the Centennial Capital of Canada. Adjacent to the landing Pad is a UFO tourist information centre. Downstairs is a museum dedicated to sharing UFO images and research.
Giant Perogy – Glendon, Alberta
Located right on main street, stands the Giant Perogy and Fork. The Perogy reflects on Glendon’s Ukrainian heritage and traditions.
Vegreville Egg – Vegreville, Alberta
The Vegreville Egg is a giant sculpture of a Ukrainian-style Easter egg. The sculpture was commissioned by the town Vegreville as respect for it’s high Ukrainian population. The egg is one of the main attractions along the Yellowhead Highway, it is located at the north side of Alberta Highway 16A in Elk’s Park.
Fun fact: The Giants of the Prairies have inspired a song of the same name.
Lisa Loves Words 