Giants of the Prairies Alberta: A Road Trip to Remember

Discover the quirky Giants of the Prairies Alberta offers, from giant sausages to pierogi. Plan your Alberta road trip to see these oversized landmarks.

Standing under Vegreville's Giant Pysanka Egg. Photo by Marina Fata.

Travelling across Alberta sometimes feels like flipping through the most eccentric photo album of the Canadian Prairies. The wide-open skies, the fields that stretch on forever, and then, right in the middle of a quiet small town, you stumble upon a giant sausage or a massive perogy balancing on a fork.

These aren’t fever dreams from a road trip nap; they’re the famous Giants of the Prairies Alberta, Canada offers. They’re the quirky roadside attractions that beg for a detour, the giant statues in Alberta that double as landmarks and conversation starters.

After my Albertan cousins told me about them, I couldn’t resist the call of these enormous oddities. Piling into the car for afternoons of exploring, we set out on a loop through central Alberta to track down these towering treasures. What I discovered was more than photo ops; each giant came with its own slice of local history, small-town pride, and good-natured humour.

This wasn’t just about seeing statues; it was about experiencing Alberta’s personality on the open road.

World’s Largest Western Boot and Giant Baseball Bat: Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is a city that knows how to surprise. It’s not every day that you expect to see a Western boot taller than a two-storey house, but here it is, proudly calling itself one of the best Alberta road trip attractions.

World’s Largest Western Boot in Edmonton, Alberta. Photo by Cassandra Fata.

The World’s Largest Western Boot stands as a tribute to the city’s cowboy culture, crafted with all the detail you’d expect from a traditional pair of boots (but on a scale that demands your camera lens stretch as far as it can).

Nearby, the Giant Baseball Bat looks like it could have been swung by Paul Bunyan himself. Edmonton’s connection to baseball goes deep, and this oversized tribute is a reminder that prairie cities love their sports. It’s also one of those roadside photo spots Alberta travellers can’t pass by without staging a silly pose or two.

What makes these giants even better is their accessibility to Canadians and tourists alike. They’re right in the city, so you don’t have to stray far from hotels, restaurants, or Edmonton’s other attractions to find them. If you’re beginning your Prairie giants loop here, it’s the perfect launch point, with all the urban comforts before you hit the rural roads.

Edmonton’s contributions to the Giants of the Prairies in Alberta set the tone for what’s to come: quirky roadside attractions in Alberta that draw you to towns you likely would have never thought to visit and encourage you to take in the culture with a light-hearted spirit.

They’re not only sculptures, they’re a way to connect with the communities that created them.

Giant Sausage: Mundare, Alberta

Leaving Edmonton behind and heading east to begin travelling through Alberta’s prairies, the scenery shifts into fields and farmland, with long roads that practically beg for a good playlist.

In Mundare, Alberta, you’ll meet the famous World’s Largest Kielbasa, also known locally as the Giant Sausage. At nearly ten metres tall, this glossy, towering statue is a proud nod to the community’s Ukrainian roots and its renowned sausage-making tradition.

You don’t need to be a meat-lover to appreciate the artistry. In fact, vegetarians with dirty minds such as myself will also have a fantastic time (HA!).

The sausage shines against the prairie sky, looking almost too perfect, like a photograph frozen in time. For anyone craving a laugh, it’s hard not to crack a smile when posing beside it, for very obvious reasons. It’s one of the most quirky roadside attractions in Alberta, and it’s one of the best ways to kick off the rural leg of your road trip.

My cousins and I at the Giant Sausage in Mundare, Alberta, who apparently cannot be taken out unattended in public places. Photos by Marina Fata.

In all seriousness, Mundare itself has a welcoming charm. It’s one of the small prairie towns that holds its traditions close, and the kielbasa statue celebrates not just food, but heritage. Families who immigrated here brought recipes that became part of the community’s fabric, and seeing the sausage up close makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a story about culture, perseverance, and pride.

For travellers seeking unique things to see on Alberta road trips, this giant sausage in Mundare, Alberta, checks every box. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s completely unforgettable. You won’t drive away without at least one photo that will make your friends back home ask, “Did you seriously drive out of your way to see a giant kielbasa?”

Yes. Yes, I did…and it was worth every kilometre.

Giant Pysanka Egg: Vegreville, Alberta

Driving only a short distance from Mundare, the horizon greets you with something that looks like it hatched straight out of an artist’s imagination.

My cousins and I at the Giant Pysanka Egg in Vegreville, Alberta. Photo by a nice stranger.

Vegreville is home to the Giant Pysanka Egg, a massive Ukrainian Easter egg that gleams in the sunlight. This isn’t any ordinary egg; it’s a carefully engineered geometric marvel, pieced together with thousands of metallic tiles that shimmer gold, bronze, and silver.

The egg celebrates the Ukrainian heritage that, like Mundare, also runs deep in Vegreville. Families here proudly trace their roots back to those who carried traditions like pysanka-making across the ocean. Seeing it on such a scale is a reminder of how cultural practices can be both preserved and elevated into something monumental.

It’s a cultural statement as much as it is one of the most famous giant statues in Alberta.

The scale is jaw-dropping when you stand beneath it. The egg rests on a pedestal, tilting slightly as if it could roll away at any moment. Kids love darting around it, while adults angle their cameras to take advantage of that perfect roadside photo spot in Alberta. It’s playful yet powerful, and whimsical, but rooted in heritage.

As one of the most unique things to see on Alberta road trips, the Vegreville egg feels like more than a roadside attraction. It’s a bridge between history and the present, a glittering reminder that Alberta’s communities know how to honour their past in spectacular style.

World’s Largest Mallard Duck: Andrew, Alberta

Not far down the road, another surprise awaits in Andrew, a town that decided the best way to be noticed was to build a duck you can’t miss.

At the World’s Largest Mallard Duck in Andrew, Alberta. Photo by Jessica Pongratz.

The World’s Largest Mallard Duck stretches its wings in mid-flight, poised to take off across the prairie sky. It’s an enormous bird,yes, but it’s also a symbol of the region’s wetlands and the wildlife that call them home.

Standing underneath this giant mallard feels almost like being a character in a storybook, shrunk down while the animals grew up big enough to rule the land. The sheer scale makes it one of the most impressive giant statues these small prairie towns have produced.

Andrew’s duck is also a testament to the importance of local ecosystems. The town has long been associated with birdwatching, and the giant duck doubles as both a cute mascot and a proud nod to conservation. It’s the kind of thing that nudges you to think about the natural beauty that surrounds these prairies, past the fields that stretch beyond what the eye can see.

If you’re collecting photos of the must-see quirky roadside attractions in the province of Alberta, the mallard earns its place easily. It’s a little bizarre, totally charming, and an excellent excuse to stretch your legs before moving along to the next giant.

Giant Mushrooms: Vilna, Alberta

Twenty minutes further north and you’ll find yourself in Vilna, where fungi have been transformed into something extraordinary.

At the Giant Mushrooms in Vilna, Alberta. Photo by Cassandra Fata.

The Giant Mushrooms tower above the town’s park, two colossal stalks capped with rich brown tops that look almost real enough to eat (okay, not really good enough to eat, but I’m trying to tell a good story). These mushrooms aren’t plucked from a fairy tale forest; they’re tributes to the area’s rich foraging history and the significance of mushrooms in local culture.

Vilna’s community holds mushroom festivals, making these statues more than random decorations. They’re part of a tradition that celebrates what the land has to offer, as well as the tight-knit spirit of a small prairie town. By building them, the locals cemented their identity with humour and creativity, making the site one of the most talked-about Alberta roadside attractions.

Visitors often can’t help but gawk when they see them up close. The mushrooms look like they belong in a fantastical video game, scaled up to comical proportions. Somehow, though, they’re surprisingly elegant, crafted with detail that makes you appreciate them as both art and symbol. For many, they’re one of the most memorable of the Giants in Alberta.

If you’re plotting your route for unique Albertan gems, don’t miss Vilna. The mushrooms capture everything this loop is about: small towns using big imagination to leave an oversized impression on travellers passing through.

World’s Largest Perogy: Glendon, Alberta

By the time you reach Glendon, you’ll already be used to seeing unusual things pop up against the prairie skyline, but nothing prepares you for the world’s largest perogy, or varenyky. Balancing proudly on a fork, this colossal dumpling towers over the park, a tribute to one of the most comforting foods in Ukrainian culture. (Are you understanding the beautiful, strong sense of Ukrainian pride in the province yet?)

It’s creamy white, slightly golden at the edges, and designed to look so delicious that it makes you crave the real thing. I mean, it doesn’t take much; I feel like I always have perogy on the mind.

My cousin Cassie and I at the World’s Largest Perogy in Glendon, Alberta. Photo by Matteo Talarico.

Glendon celebrates its heritage through this statue and through its community spirit. The town hosts events centred around perogy, reminding visitors that these roadside giants in Alberta are about more than laughs. Really, they’re about food, family, and the traditions that have shaped prairie communities for generations.

For travellers, the perogy is an irresistible stop. It’s one of those roadside photo spots Alberta is famous for, with visitors lining up to pose beneath it, fork pointing skyward as if inviting everyone to dinner. Whether you grew up eating perogy or you’ve only ever admired them from afar, standing beside this statue will make you hungry in the best way possible.

This perogy is easily one of the best Alberta road trip attractions and was one of my personal favourites. It’s not only super cool to see, but also a reminder of how small towns transform their cultural touchstones into unforgettable landmarks.

Remember: When people talk about the world’s largest perogy Alberta delivers right on a giant fork, they’re talking about Glendon.

World’s Biggest UFO Landing Pad: St. Paul, Alberta

From dumplings to outer space, the journey continues to St. Paul, where the town proudly claims the world’s biggest UFO landing pad.

Built in the 1960s, this massive concrete platform is shaped like a flying saucer itself, complete with an information centre that leans into the extraterrestrial theme. It’s the definition of unique things to see on Alberta road trips.

The UFO pad is a tourist attraction, sure, but it’s also a symbol of welcome. The town built it to show hospitality not only to travellers on Earth, but to any potential visitors from beyond the stars. After all, this town and the immediate area have been rumoured to have quite a lot of alien activity.

World’s Biggest UFO Landing Pad in St. Paul, Alberta. Photo by Emily Fata.

That sense of humour and openness is what makes Alberta’s roadside attractions so memorable. Small prairie towns have a way of combining pride with playfulness, and St. Paul nails it.

Standing on the platform feels surreal. You can imagine what it might be like if little green aliens did descend here, greeted with friendly curiosity.  It’s one of those giant statues in Alberta that sparks a bit of creativity in your thinking, encouraging people to take silly photos and come up with outlandish stories in their heads.

St. Paul’s UFO landing pad proves that the best Alberta road trip attractions aren’t limited to celebrating heritage or wildlife. In fact, sometimes they’re about looking up at the sky and wondering what else might be out there. Honestly, it doesn’t get more unique than this.

World’s Largest Dinosaur: Drumheller, Alberta

To wrap up the tour, you’ll need to veer off the main loop and head south to do a separate visit to Drumheller, Alberta. This detour takes you into the heart of the Canadian Badlands, where hoodoos rise from the earth and prehistoric history comes alive.

Here stands the world’s largest dinosaur, a giant Tyrannosaurus rex that you can climb inside for an unforgettable view of the town.

The World's Largest Dinosaur in Drumheller, Alberta, from below and inside! Photos by Emily Fata.

At over 25 metres tall, this dinosaur dwarfs nearly everything else on the list. It’s not only a statue, it’s an experience. For a small fee, you can walk up inside the structure, climb the stairs, and peek out through the dinosaur’s mouth for a view that’s equal parts breathtaking and hilarious. Few roadside photo spots in Alberta can compete with this.

The Drumheller dinosaur celebrates the region’s fossil-rich landscape. This area is one of the world’s most important sites for paleontology, and the giant T. rex serves as both mascot and invitation to explore the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the surrounding badlands. It blends fun with education, making it an easy favourite for visitors and well worth its own full-day trip.

All in All

Road trips through Alberta are about more than highways and pit stops. They’re about discovering the personality of small prairie towns, where imagination takes physical form in the shape of a giant mushroom or a towering perogy. Travelling this route gave me a glimpse into the heart of Alberta’s communities, and each giant statue became a marker of local pride and creativity.

The Giants of the Prairies aren’t tucked away in galleries or behind ropes; they’re out in the open, waiting for anyone with a curious eye and a tank of gas.

These Alberta roadside attractions make you slow down, laugh at the unexpected, and learn about traditions you may never have otherwise encountered. They transform fields and crossroads into destinations, and every stop along the way feels like a new story added to your trip.

One of the best parts of chasing down giant statues in Alberta is the spontaneity it inspires. You never know who you’ll meet in a nearby coffee shop while asking for directions to a sausage, or how many times you’ll laugh while angling your camera at a massive mushroom.

These quirky roadside attractions in Alberta remind us that travel doesn’t need to be grand or glamorous to be unforgettable. Sometimes, it’s about standing under a giant duck and feeling completely delighted by how wonderfully weird the world can be, all while striking an equally wonderfully weird pose.

If you’re looking for unique things to see on an Alberta road trip, set your GPS to include these giants. From Edmonton’s western boot to Drumheller’s towering dinosaur, each one is a chance to experience Alberta in a way that’s playful, cultural, and entirely memorable.

Bonus: Full List of the Giants of the Prairies Alberta Has

• Animated Bear (Innisfail)

• Badminton Racket (St. Albert)

• Baseball Bat (Edmonton)

• Baseball Glove (Heisler)

• Bear (Jasper)

• Bear vs. Swan (Swan Hills)

• Beaver (Beaverlodge)

• Bee (Falher)

• Big Head (Canmore)

• Big Horn Ram (Grande Cache)

• Bison (Wainwright)

• Black Diamond (Black Diamond)

• Blue Heron (Barrhead)

• Brown Eyed Susan flower (Hughenden)

• Bucking Saddle Bronc (Ponoka)

• Bull and Rider (Brownvale)

• Border Markers (Lloyminster)

• Cheeto (Cheadle)

• Chuckwagon (Dewberry)

• Corn Stalk (Taber)

• Cowboy Boot (Edmonton)

• Crown (Coronation)

• Dove of Peace (Edmonton)

• Dragonfly (Wabamum)

• Easter Egg (Vegreville)

• Fishing Lure (Lacombe)

• Geese (Hanna)

• Giants of Mining (Fort McMurray)

• Golf Putter (Bow Island)

• Golf Tee (Trochu)

• Gopher (Torrington)

• Horse (Irricana)

• Korean Totem Poles (Airdrie)

• Kubasa (Mundare)

• Labatt Beer Can (Edmonton)

• Lamp (Donalda)

• Mallard Duck (Andrew)

• Mushrooms (Vilna)

• Old Pilsner Beer Can (Lethbridge)

• Oil Derrick (Redwater)

• Piggy Bank (Coleman)

• Pinto Bean (Bow Island)

• Potatoes (Vanxhall)

• Pumpkins (Smoky Lake)

• Pyrogy (Glendon)

• Railroad Spike (Hines Creek)

• Ring (Calgary)

• Skunk (Beiseker)

• Softball (Chauvin)

• Squirrel (Edson)

• Starship Enterprise (Vulcan)

• Sunflower (Thorhild)

• Swan (Grande Prairie)

• T. Rex (Drumheller)

• Teepee (Medicine Hat)

• UFO Landing Pad (St. Paul)

• Wagon Wheel (Fort Assiniboine)

• Wind Gauge (Lethbridge)

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