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Aug 25, 2022

6 min. read

Canada’s a big country, so it’s no surprise that we have some of the largest roadside attractions in the world. Here are eight of our favourites.

The World’s Tallest Totem Pole

Led by carver Jimmy Dick with contributions by many Indigenous artists, this 52.7-metre totem pole in Alert Bay, B.C. was raised in 1973.

It includes such figures as the sun god, whale, thunderbird, bear and the salmon and raven holding copper, which represent some of the Kwakwaka’wakw tribes.

The Giant Beaver

An iconic Canadian symbol featured on coins and stamps, this huge statue in Beaverlodge, Alta., showcases our deep connection with the water-loving animal.

Learn about its history, habitat and behaviour alongside the 5.5-metre long beaver who surveys the prairies from a 4.5-metre vantage point atop his log.

Mo the Plesiosaur

In Ponteix, Sask., there’s a likeness of a friendly marine reptile that lived more than 70 million years ago in the Cretaceous Period, which stretches about seven-metres in length.

The real Mo’s skull and flipper bones were discovered near the city in 1992, followed by the rest of his body—minus the tail—in 1993.

Gimli Viking Statue

Nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, this 4.6-metre sculpture commemorates Gimli’s status as the heart of New Iceland, with the largest Icelandic population outside of the country.

The Viking Park surrounding the monument was unveiled in 2017 in recognition of the 125th anniversary of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.

The World’s Largest Coke Can

This 26-metre-tall can of pop is a kitschy must-visit in Portage la Prairie, Man.

Built by Manitoba Iron Works Limited in 1905 as a water tower, it was transported from Winnipeg to its current home, where Coca-Cola transformed it into the pop homage that we know and love today.

The Big Nickel

Weighing in at 13,000 kg, this statue in Sudbury, Ont. is a super-sized replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel.

Why that particular coin? According to Dynamic Earth, the science centre that houses the coin, it was “minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the isolation and naming of the element Nickel.”

The Giant Squid

Our country’s coastline is the longest in the world, so we have a strong showing of marine-themed roadside attractions too.

In Glovers Harbour, Nfld., you’ll find a huge squid with its longest tentacle stretching 16.7 metres. It’s a life-sized replica of one caught along the shore here in 1878.

The Giant Lobster

This gigantic crustacean in Shediac, N.B., pays tribute to the town’s lobster fishing industry.

Sculpted by Canadian artist Winston Bronnum using concrete, steel and rebar, it’s 11 metres long and it took over three years to complete.

Whether you’re planning a road trip across the country or within the province, these fun stops are sure to provide the perfect photo-op moment.

Plan your trip

Before you hit the road, connect with a CAA Travel Consultant for expert travel advice and helpful tips. Ensure you’re prepared with the right travel insurance coverage too. CAA Members also receive exclusive discounts on hotel stays, dining and car rentals with CAA Rewards® partners. Visit caasco.com/rewardpartners for a complete list.

Image credit: Travel Manitoba

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