7 Outrageous Alberta Landmarks
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Drive northeast of Edmonton to see 7 of Alberta’s Lakeland giants—outrageous landmarks that reveal something special beyond Alberta’s sense of humour. We challenge you to share your pics “eating the perogy” or “welcoming aliens” as you engage with these meaningful landmarks.
Mundare
Sausage is in the air—literally—in Mundare. Stop in at Stawnichy’s family owned and original company store to pick up world famous sausage—and many other authentic Ukrainian foods—for the road and you’ll know why the world’s largest garlic sausage ring was chosen for this town’s 42 foot fibreglass landmark. It cost $120,000, which is a long stretch more than the real thing, at $8.50 a pound.
Vegreville
The world’s largest pysanka—a decorated Ukrainian easter egg—weighs 5000 lbs, stands 31 ft. high, in Vegreville, Alberta. Its 500-plus stars and 2208 triangles make up a geometric egg shape, something that excites math whizzes. A mathematical, architectural and engineering marvel it is, but, perhaps more importantly, the egg symbolizes Vegreville’s rich Ukrainian culture. Come to pose under the pysanka. Stay for the Vegreville Pysanka Festival.
St. Paul
Before man walked on the moon, St. Paul’s UFO Landing Pad was built in 1967 for Canada’s 100th birthday. During that time, in North America, people were hopeful about the future of space travel and, though far-fetched, contemplated the possibility of coming into contact with aliens. That pad, for St. Paulites, represented St. Paul’s multicultural town ideal – all are welcome, even extraterrestrials. That’s heart.
Glendon
Glendon’s perogy weighs 6000 pounds and is 27 feet high, and is, of course, the world’s largest. Take a bite. Pierced by a fork, added later to show perplexed viewers it replicated an edible treat, the perogy is a nod to the Ukrainian culture and food in Alberta. Perogies are a delicious staple of eastern European—and now Western Canadian—cuisine. Stop in at nearby food truck or cafe in town to try some. Use a fork.
@Travel Alberta
Lac La Biche
A 12 foot long statue of David Thompson in a canoe stands on the shores of Lac La Biche, which translates to Deer Lake. Famous explorer and mapmaker, David Thompson, was the first European to reach the shores of Lac La Biche. The statue commemorates Thompson’s landing in 1798, which led to the establishment of a Hudson’s Bay Company post and, eventually, the town of Lac La Biche.
Vilna
Mushroom pickers never reveal their secret spots. The real tricholoma uspale, mushrooms in this region may be harder to find than the 20 foot mushroom throwing shade in the village of Vilna.
@historicVilna
Smoky Lake
Smoky Lake’s Pumpkin Fair including the Great White North Pumpkin Weigh Off is a spectacle that draws people and producers from miles around. Often, a small forklift is used to lift the winning gourd. Nothing outshines the concrete orange pumpkins in downtown Smoky Lake. Pumpkin Pie is the treat of choice here.
