8 Unusual Roadside Wonders To Discover On Your Next Ontario Road Trip

It's about the journey not the destination.
Contributor

Travelling doesn’t have to be extravagant in order to be fun. So if your good-times budget is a little drier than normal right now, don’t fret. There are tons of roadside monuments in Ontario that make for exciting pitstops on your next provincial road trip.

From donuts that tower in the sky like the sun to some seriously whimsical animal statues, there’s plenty to stop and see in Ontario.  

And some of these sites double as a bathroom break or a place to stock up on snacks after you admire the monuments, as well. 

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even follow this map and hit up every stop on this list in one trip.

Though, you’ll want to buckle in, because that’s one long drive.

Of course, you don’t necessarily need a destination to go touring around the province after all life is all about the journey.

So if you want to brighten up your journey with some roadside attractions, take a peek at the list below.

Now, all that’s left to do is gas up and go exploring.

Dr. James Naismith

Price: Free

Address: Almonte, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can visit the inventor of basketball in this impossibly charming small town in Ontario. It's not uncommon to see James rocking some Raptors merch throughout the year as well. Particularly not these days.

Muddy The Mudcat

Price: Free

Address: Dunnville, ON

Why You Need To Go: This 50-foot fishy statue is a mascot for the town of Dunnville and a must-see on your next road trip.

Toonie Monument

Price: Free

Address: Campbellford, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can be a real toonie loon here and feel rich standing under this massive $2 coin by the water.

Jumbo The Elephant

Price: Free

Address: St. Thomas, ON

Why You Need To Go: Jumbo the Elephant has a tear-jerking backstory, but now his statue lives on bringing joy to road trippers from all around the world.

Unconventional Moose 

Price: Free

Address: Tweed, ON

Why You Need To Go: It's hard to miss the moose when you're driving along Highway 7. Around the holidays, you can expect to see the moose decked out in festive costumes.

Sunshine Doughnuts

Price: Donut prices vary

Address: Burlington, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can channel your inner Homer Simpson at this giant pink donut statue. And while you're there, why not order a dozen smaller doughy treats for a little road trip fuel?

The Chicken Coop

Price: Free

Address: Tweed, ON

Why You Need To Go: This little hen is so clucking cute, how could you not stop for a photo?

The Wawa Goose

Price: Free

Address: Wawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: A classic staple in Wawa, this enormous goose statue will have you feeling super Canadian.

  • Amber Van Wort was a writer at Narcity Canada. She studied journalism at Durham College in Oshawa and holds a special place in her heart for the Toronto Maple Leafs. She continues to be published in the Chicago Tribune, Best Reviews, and previously, The Belleville Intelligencer, totaling up to 9+ years of experience.

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