5 Quirky Canadian Roadside Attractions Worth the Detour
If you read our last blog about Tilly’s 18 stops across Canada, you already know she’s a wanderer at heart - suitcase packed, snacks ready, and not a single straight line on her map.
So today, we’re taking things a little… quirkier. Because Canada isn’t just lakes, prairie fields and mountains (though we love those too). It’s also giant lobsters, flying saucers, and a goose the size of your garage. And honestly? It feels very on-brand for Tilly. She’s tiny, curious, and somehow always ends up next to something oversized and hilarious … like a giant moose on a coffee break looking for a doughnut.
So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s explore five of Canada’s most delightfully weird roadside attractions - the ones that make you pull over, grab your phone, and ask out loud: “Who thought this was a good idea?” (And then immediately take a photo, because of course you do.)
1. The Big Lobster – Shediac, New Brunswick
If you’ve ever driven through Shediac, you’ve seen it — the lobster that looks like it could star in its own action movie.
Tilly climbed up beside it, paused dramatically, then she checked if the lobster liked snacks. (It didn’t.)
But the real joy? Watching families pose like the lobster is chasing them. Canadians are fun like that.
2. The Giant Nickel – Sudbury, Ontario
Nine metres tall. Shiny. Iconic.
And deeply confusing if you don’t know the story.
Tilly stood under it, squinted up, and asked: “If that’s the nickel … how big is the vending machine?”
She considered trying to “cash it in,” but even she knows that’s above her pay grade.
Still - it’s a perfect pull-over moment if you like your history served life-sized.
3. The Wawa Goose – Wawa, Ontario
This goose guards the highway like a feathered superhero. Every Canadian who’s done a long road trip knows exactly what I’m talking about.
Tilly waved. The goose didn’t wave back. Classic goose energy.
But if you’re the type who loves quirky photos, it’s a must-stop.
Bonus: Wawa has snacks. Tilly approves.
4. Mac the Moose – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
If you’ve never taken a picture beside Mac the Moose, are you even Canadian?
Mac is huge, proud, and very serious about being the world’s tallest.
Tilly marched right up, introduced herself, and asked if he was on his break - and if he wanted to share a doughnut.
Mac didn’t react, but Tilly left the doughnut anyway - just in case.
This is one of those stops that turns a “let’s stretch our legs” break into a full family photo shoot.
5. The UFO Landing Pad – St. Paul, Alberta
Yes, it exists. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. And yes, Tilly checked for aliens.
She found a snack kiosk instead, which honestly might be better.
Built in the ’60s as a symbol of hospitality toward anyone “out there,” this place is peak Canadian quirky. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and if Tilly ever does meet an alien, this is probably where it’ll happen.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of the Unexpected
Canada has its famous places - the mountains, the coasts, the cities we all recognize. But it also has these small, strange, unforgettable roadside treasures that make a simple road trip feel like a little adventure.
And Tilly? She loves them. Probably because she understands what it’s like to surprise people - she’s a baby polar bear wearing a red toque and her suitcase full of snacks, after all.
If you have a favourite quirky Canadian stop - or if you think Tilly should visit one next - tell us in the comments or reach out on Instagram at @PolarBoutiqueCA. We’re always on the lookout for the next oddball adventure to send her on.
Thanks for reading and wandering Canada with us today.
Tilly & Friends
& Paulette & Jemma
Co-Founders, PolarBoutique
If you’d like to follow along with Tilly’s adventures (or send her ideas for new ones), you can always find us here:
Website: PolarBoutique.ca
Instagram: @PolarBoutiqueCA
Email: connect@polarboutique.ca
Tilly says… “Pack snacks. Always pack snacks.”
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