If you’re like me and find joy in the unexpected, you’re in for a treat. Ontario, Canada, isn’t just about stunning landscapes and bustling cities; it’s also home to some of the quirkiest and most colossal roadside attractions you’ll ever encounter. From the iconic Big Nickel towering over Sudbury to the tempting delights of The Big Apple along Highway 401, I’ve rounded up a list of the best big roadside attractions in Ontario.
As a seasoned explorer of Ontario, I’ve made it my mission to seek out these larger-than-life landmarks. In this post, I’m excited to share the top outdoor large statues and sculptures in Ontario.
Join me as we explore where to find these mammoth marvels, discover nearby attractions and activities, and embark on the ultimate road trip to see Ontario’s biggest roadside attractions. Get ready to hit the road with my handy road trip map of Ontario’s oversized treasures, because we’re about to embark on a journey unlike any other!
The Best Big Roadside Attractions in Ontario
The Big Apple
One of Ontario’s sweetest oversized wonders is the Big Apple. Set along highway 401, the Big Apple makes for an ideal stop on a Toronto to Ottawa drive.
The Big Apple stands 35 feet tall and has a 38-foot diameter. It’s incredibly adorable and offers a fun spot for a selfie!
Along with the Big Apple is another attraction, the Big Apple bakery and shop. Inside you’ll find a variety of fresh baked items, maple syrup, a gift shop and more.
Best known for their apple pies, my favourite thing to buy is their apple bread. I grab a loaf every time I visit. Other things I recommend trying are the freshly-pressed cider and apple fritters.
The area is considered one of the largest apple producing areas in the province. So, it’s no surprise their apple goodies are always bursting with fresh flavours.
This is a fun road trip stop for foodies and families. The grounds are home to a number of activities that the kids will love. There’s mini golf, a petting zoo and little train.
Address: 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Big Nickel
Sitting out front of Dynamic Earth is one of the biggest attractions in Sudbury, the Big Nickel! This exact replica a 1951 Canadian nickel, is 30 feet high and weighs a whopping 14 tons.
The Big Nickel is one of the most famous big roadside attractions in Ontario. Built in 1964, it pays homage to the city’s contribution to the Canada’s nickel production. So, it has the perfect home in Sudbury.
Accessing the Big Nickel is easy as there’s a paved path that lets visitors walk around it. But I recommend standing down near the first signage, near the parking lot, and pose with the gigantic nickel behind you.
If you’re looking for things to do nearby, a visit to Dynamic Earth is fun for kids and adults alike. This science museum offers unique ways to learn about the mining industry, rocks and get hands on with exhibits.
My favourite part of the museum is the guided tour of their demonstration mine that’s located 7 stories below ground.
Address: 122 Big Nickel Rd, Greater Sudbury, ON P3C 5T7
Giant Toonie
Along with the Big Nickel, there’s a Giant Toonie too! The Giant $2 coin is located along the Trent River in Campbellford.
Located in the scenic Old Mill Park, the Giant Toonie stands 27 feet high and has a diameter of 18 feet. Built in 2001 by a local metalsmith, this big attraction is actually the second one. The first was built in 1996.
Visitors will find a number of fun things to do in Campbellford beyond checking out the giant $2 coin. The park that it’s in is a short walk from downtown Campbellford. There’s a variety of interesting shops and places to eat.
One of my favourite stops in Campbellford is Dooher’s! This epic bakery makes one of the best donuts in Ontario. I highly recommend grabbing one of their cream-filled donuts.
Address: 55 Grand Rd #1, Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0
Jumbo the Elephant
As a big animal lover, I knew I had to visit the roadside attraction in St. Thomas that pays homage to a beloved elephant. That attraction is the life-sized statue of Jumbo the Elephant.
Jumbo the Elephant was a part of P.T. Barnum’s “Greatest Show on Earth” that travelled the world. At the time, Jumbo was the most popular animal in the world. Sadly, he was hit by a train when being led to his cage.
That event occurred in 1885 and to mark the 100th anniversary a statue of Jumbo was unveiled. The massive statue, created by Canadian artist Winston Bronnum, is made of concrete and weighs 38 tons.
I highly recommend climbing up on the platform that the Jumbo statue stands on to grab a cool photo!
If you’re looking for other fun things to do in St. Thomas, one of my favourites is the Elevated Park. It’s the only one of its kind in Canada. Plus, downtown is one of the best places to see murals in Ontario!
Address: 76 Talbot, St Thomas, ON
The Big Dipper
Nature lovers looking for outdoor large statues and sculptures in Ontario will love a visit to the Big Dipper. This massive paddle is located next to Killarney Mountain Lodge, which is just outside Killarney Provincial Park.
The Big Dipper is considered the largest paddle in the world. It’s 107 feet long with the blade of the paddle spanning 17-feet wide and it weighs 22,000 pounds.
Fun Fact: The paddle is made out of Eastern White Cedar, which is native to the area.
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Killarney’s founding, in 2020, a local artist built the paddle. A cool addition to the big attraction is that there’s a time capsule inside it.
Killarney Provincial Park is one of the best parks in Ontario. This massive park is known for its diverse landscapes and canoeing routes.
So, if you’re looking for things to do when visiting the Big Dipper, consider taking a hike in the park. The most popular hike in Killarney is the Crack. This 6 km hike is challenging and takes 5 to 6 hours.
However, if you’re looking for a shorter and less difficult hike, I highly recommend the Granite Ridge Trail. This 2 km trail is one of my favourites for its incredible views of both the La Cloche Mountains and Georgian Bay.
Address: 3 Commissioner St, Killarney, ON P0M 2A0
The Big Yellow Chair
This massive outdoor structure is considered the largest Muskoka chair in the world. It’s big and it’s yellow and sits in the parking lot of the Sawdust City Brewery in Gravenhurst.
I remember the first time I climbed onto the big yellow Muskoka chair. I walked around it trying to figure out how me, at short 5’2’’, was going to get up on it. Thankfully, there’s a set of stairs at the back to help get on it for a fun selfie.
The current Muskoka chair replaced a smaller one that was sadly destroyed during a tornado. The largest Muskoka chair stands 21 feet tall and is 16 feet wide.
If you’re looking for what to do in Gravenhurst while visiting the chair, you can enjoy a pint or flight at Sawdust Brewery. There’s also plenty of great shops further down the street.
I highly recommend heading down to the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. Here, you can enjoy one of the best Muskoka boat tours aboard a steamship.
Address: 397 Muskoka Rd N, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3
Mammoth Cheese
One of the weird attractions in Ontario is the Mammoth Cheese in Perth. This is a replica of an actual big block of cheese that was made by a local in 1893.
The real cheese weighed 22,000 pounds and was made for the World’s Fair in Chicago. After it’s success in Chicago it was sent to England to be used by local chefs. But one tasty piece was sent back to Perth and is in the collection of the Perth Museum.
To see the replica Mammoth Cheese, which is one of the most popular sights in Perth, you can find it behind the Crystal Palace. It’s sitting under a bright red barn.
Address: 28 Drummond St E, Perth, ON K7H 1E9
World’s Biggest Golf Bag
On the back roads north of Orangeville, in Amaranth, is one of the funniest roadside attractions in Ontario, a giant golf bag.
This big golf bag is a great marker for the golf course, Lynbrook Family Golf Centre, that it stands on. Standing 30 feet high and 13 feet wide, the Amaranth golf bag is made from an old grain silo.
The family that owns Lynbrook Family Golf Centre were inspired after a visit to Disney to create it. And when I stopped to show my dad, an avid golfer, he loved it!
If you’re looking for something fun to do in the area, the 9-hole golf course also features an 18-hole mini golf course.
Address: 285316 County Rd 10, Amaranth, ON L9W 0Z1
White Squirrel
Exeter, a small town on the Huron Coast of Ontario, has some offbeat tourist attractions. Those attractions are white squirrels.
Just like the white squirrels that have been seen in Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto, the Exeter ones are illusive.
However, if you want to see a big white squirrel then head over to the White Squirrel Golf Club. Located along the scenic Bluewater highway between Grand Bend and Bayfield, this mascot stands just off the highway.
The fun big white squirrel statue on the Lake Huron coast is ready to golf, with a golf ball in hand.
Address: 72538 ON-21, Zurich, ON N0M 2T0
Big Bruce the Bull
Another fun big animal roadside attraction is Big Bruce the Bull. Located just north of the small town of Chelsey, on Bruce Road 10, the big bull has been standing proud since 1980.
The big bull stands in memory of Harvey Davis, who was a beloved member of the community and was the director of Ontario’s Cattlemen’s Association.
Standing in from of Arran-Elderslie headquarters, this 15-foot-tall bull, which is made out of fiberglass, makes for a fun road trip stop in the area.
In 2021, Big Bruce beat out many of the other big tourist attractions and named Ontario’s Greatest Roadside attraction.
Address: 1925 Bruce Rd 10, Chesley, ON N0G 1L0
Muddy the Mudcat
During one of the coolest road trips in Ontario I’ve done, I met one another big sculpture, Muddy the Mudcat. This massive mudcat is in Centennial Park in Dunnville.
In 2009, Muddy the Mudcat was revealed. Along with being the town’s mascot, it’s the largest mudcat sculpture in the world!
Muddy is 50 feet long and 27 feet high. And I think it’s one of the best large sculptures in Ontario.
The mudcat is a mascot of the town for a number of reasons. One is that it’s known for being close to prime fishing and another is that the nearby Grand River is full of them. Plus, there’s even a Mudcat Festival!
Address: 731 Main St W, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W1
Leaping Muskie Fish Statue
The Leaping Muskie Fish Statue in Gananoque is much smaller than the mighty mudcat, but it’s totally worth a stop.
You’ll find the statue in front of the Ramada by Wyndham hotel on the east side of downtown Gananoque. It stands on a pillar and appears to be jumping out of the water.
Also known as the 1000 Islands Muskie, it’s one of the many must-see things in Gananoque. The statue is said to honor the muskie fishing in the Thousand Islands as well as a record muskie catch that topped the scales of 69 lbs.
Address: 846 King St E, Gananoque, ON K7G 1H3
Giant Rocking Horse
Sitting on one of the main roads in Innisfil is a Giant Rocking Horse. When constructed over 15 years ago, it held the record for size at 23 feet long and 20 feet high.
Many things have changed for the Innisfil Giant Rocking Horse. It originally stood in front of the Pine by Monroe building and factory at the corner of Innisfil Beach Road and Highway 400.
After the company left, the Giant Rocking Horse found a new home down the road at Spring Tree Farm. It’s stood as a fun attraction to the farm for nearly a decade.
Sadly, the fate of the Giant Rocking Horse is in jeopardy. Because it is made out of pine, generally an indoor wood, it is in bad condition. Reports say that its weight is more than doubled it was when built because of the water that the wood is retaining. And it will cost too much money to move and repair it.
So, if you’re keen to see it before it is gone, plan a day trip to see it soon.
Address: 2475 Innisfil Beach Rd, Innisfil, ON L9S 4C1
Inuksuk
Standing along the shores of Georgian Bay in Sunset Point Park is a towering Inuksuk. This scenic spot in Collingwood offers incredible views over the water and the grain elevators downtown.
In the early 2000s, the Inuksuk at Sunset Point Park was donated by a local family in memory of their son who passed. After discussions with local Indigenous People, there is now a plaque encouraging visitors to learn more about the Inuksuk and the Inuit people.
The Inuksuk is a pile of rocks that has been historically used by Indigenous people, including the Inuit. Inuit have many uses for the inuksuk, that include being used to aid in navigation.
A visit to the Inuksuk in Collingwood is one of the many great places to visit in the South Georgian Bay area. Another great spot with ties to the First Nations people is Awen’ Gathering Place. It’s located in the Optimist Harbourview Park along the waterfront, just north of downtown.
Address: 79 St Lawrence St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4Y3
Unfeasibly Large Binoculars
Atop the hill where one of the best lookouts in Muskoka is you’ll find a giant set of binoculars. The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is one of the most famous places to visit in the fall for its epic views.
In addition to the views from the Dorset Tower, the hilltop offers a few great lookouts. And what pairs perfectly with views, binoculars. Known as the Unfeasibly Large Binoculars, it’s a fun big roadside attraction to get a funny photo of you trying them.
There are a few things to be aware of when visiting the Dorset Tower. It’s said that over 600 cars line up daily in the peak fall season to visit. So, try visiting early in the morning and during the week. Also, be aware that there’s a fee to visit.
Address: 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd, Dwight, ON P0A 1H0
The Best Big Northern Ontario Roadside Attractions
The Big Loonie
One of the best stops on a Toronto to Thunder Bay road trip is in Echo Bay. This rural community is 25 minutes east of Sault Ste. Marie and is best known for being home to the Big Loonie!
Also known as the Loon Dollar Monument, it was built in 1992. You can find it on the old section of highway that’s now 17B.
Why is the Big Loonie in the small village of Echo Bay, you might ask. Robert R. Carmichael, the artist behind the loon design on the Loonie was a resident of the Echo Bay.
Insider Tip: If you want to stretch your legs while visiting this iconic roadside attraction, you’re in luck! There’s a boardwalk trail behind the Loonie that’s called the Lake George Marsh Boardwalk
Address: 3159 ON-17B, Echo Bay, ON P0S 1C0
Moonbeam UFO Monument
An hour and a half north of Timmins is one of the weirdest roadside attractions in Ontario, it’s a UFO. Perched above the ground in front of the small town of Moonbeam’s tourist office is where you’ll find the UFO.
The Moonbeam UFO monument, erected in 1991, stands nearly 9 feet high and has a diameter of 18 feet. Visitors will find it along Highway 11.
Why a UFO? The fun flying saucer was chosen as the town’s symbol as it was unique, just like the town’s name.
Address: 66 Leonard Ave, Moonbeam, ON P0L 1V0
Husky the Muskie
The Trans Canada Highway is lined with many big roadside attractions in Ontario. And in the Northern Ontario city of Kenora you’ll find Husky the Muskie.
Huskie the Muskie is a 40-foot-tall fish statue that’s located in Kenor’s McLeod Park. This big outdoor sculpture has a great location overlooking the water.
Originally built in 1967 as part of the Canadian Centennial celebrations, it was rebuilt in 1995.
Address: 21 Sylvan St, Kenora, ON P9N 1S4
Winnie the Pooh Memorial
Of all the big Northern Ontario roadside attractions, my favourite is the Winnie the Pooh statue. This memorial statue celebrates the beloved bear that many don’t realize is from White River.
The Winnie the Pooh Memorial is located in White River, just off Highway 17. It’s standing among flower beds and is steps away from the Tourist Information Centre.
Winnie the Pooh has a lot of connection to Canada. Beyond the fact that the black bear cub that was found in White River, the bear was named about Winnipeg.
Along with the statue, the park that it stands in also has a playground, making it a great stop for families travelling with kids. Plus, there’s an annual Winnie Festival that takes place every August.
Address: 555 Elgin St, White River, ON P0M 3G0
Chimo the Polar Bear
Best known for the Polar Bear Habitat, the town of Cochrane is home to one of the world’s largest hand carved bears. The polar bear statue is named Chimo, which means friend or friendship in Inuit.
The original Chimo statue was unveiled in 1970 and stood on Highway 11, welcoming visitors to the town for nearly 50 years. This polar bear statue serves as a fitting mascot to the polar bear town.
A new polar bear statue took over in 2018. The new statue is hand carved out of a cedar tree that’s 1,000 years old from British Columbia. And it’s said to be one of the largest in the world!
The cool part about the Cochrane polar bear statue is that they kept the old one. Visitors can now see the original polar bear statue at the Polar Bear Habitat.
Address: 4 3rd Ave, Cochrane, ON P0L 1C0
Bigfoot
One of the most mysterious of the Northern Ontario roadside attractions is a giant Canadian bigfoot statue! The 20-foot-tall bigfoot statue is marked on Google maps as Monster Statue, which leads to its mystery.
Roughly a 4.5-hour drive northwest of Thunder Bay is where you’ll find the Vermillion Bay Bigfoot statue. The area is best known for its fishing, but it’s a fun road trip stop too.
There’s a lot of mystery around the history of the Bigfoot statue. But one thing is for sure, this weird giant statue appears to be giving those passing by a thumbs up or looking to hitchhike.
Address: 145 ON-17, Vermilion Bay, ON P0V 2V0
Wawa Goose
Representing a Canada goose, the Wawa Goose is another of one of the beloved Northern Ontario tourist attractions.
But why a goose? The original giant goose statue stood from 1963 was built to attract visitors to Wawa with the highway bypassing downtown. A goose was also chosen because Wawa means ‘wild goose’ in Ojibwe.
The Wawa Goose stands 28 feet tall and has a 20 foot wingspan. While the first statue was made of plaster and didn’t fare well with the weather, the new one is made of steel.
Wawa is one of the best day trips from Sault Ste. Marie for a number of reasons, including chasing waterfalls and paying a visit to the Wawa Goose.
Address: 93 Mission Rd, Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Ms. Claybelt
If you’re looking for one of the most utterly biggest cows in Ontario, head north to the town of New Liskeard. Out front of the Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum, just north of town, is a larger than life-sized cow called Ms. Claybelt.
The colossal Holstein cow is 12 foot high, 18 feet long, and made of fiberglass. The huge heifer represents the importance of agriculture in the area.
Address: 883356 Trans-Canada Hwy, New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0
World’s Largest Snowman
Known for their amount of snowfall, it’s no surprise that the biggest landmark in Beardmore is a snowman. Located an hour north of Nipigon, Beardmore is a fun detour on a Lake Superior road trip.
Standing on Highway 11 going into Beardmore, the World’s Largest Snowman stands 35 feet tall and looks like a jolly friendly fellow with his sunglasses and top hat.
Canada’s largest snowman was originally built in 1960 and had a hallow belly that acted as a tourist centre. However, after a fire, the old wooden statue was rebuilt.
The new large snowman was unveiled in 1998. This one is made out of steel and covered in stucco. And a fun reason to visit in different seasons is that the snowman’s accessories change.
In the summer, the snowman holds a fishing rod and, in the winter, he has a curling broom.
Address: ON-11, Beardmore, ON P0T 1G0
Big Ontario Roadside Attractions Map
Other Fun Big Roadside Attractions in Ontario
Primitive Designs – One of best attractions in Port Hope is Primitive Designs. This shop features some of the coolest outdoor large statues and sculptures in Ontario. Driving in the first one you’ll see is a massive Transformer. Plus, there’s others that include dinosaurs, a pirate ship, and more.
Spirit Catcher – Even as a local, one of my favourite things to do in Barrie is visit the Spirit Catcher. Standing one a hillside along the waterfront, the Spirit Catcher is a representation of the Thunderbird.
Maman – Standing outside the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is a massive spider sculpture. Known as Maman, this incredible sculpture is one of the largest spiders in the world.
Trumpeter Swan – At the town dock is one of the top attractions in Midland, a large stainless steel trumpeter swan statue. Built to pay respect to the reintroduction of the species that went nearly extinct in the province. It’s 20 feet high and has a wingspan of 25 feet.
So, if you’re looking stops at some of the biggest roadside attractions in Ontario to add to your next road trip, there are plenty to choose from. You can even create a road trip around these big sights. Break it up into sections, like northern or southern Ontario. Or plan a massive province-wide road trip to all of these larger-than-life tourist attractions. One thing is for sure, adding these massive outdoor statues and sculptures to your next road trip not only make for fun photo opportunities but will fill you with fond memories of your adventure.
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