Ridable Roadside Attractions – Go Big or Go Home
Voir en francais –
You can’t actually ride them, but they are the perfect spots to ride to with your crew. Bigger is better right? There’s just something about oversized things that grab our attention. Ontario’s Highlands isn’t short on these stops with big appeal, so we’ve made a short list of locations where you can pull over, stretch your legs and snap that pic:
We’ve all heard of “the big cheese,” but what about the Mammoth Cheese? Located in Perth, this full scale monument is a reconstruction of what Lanark County cheese makers created in 1893 for the Chicago World’s Fair. It weighed 22,000 pounds and was the world’s biggest cheese during it’s time. Make sure you stop for your cheesy Instagram photo with it when riding through, and tag #ridethehighlands.
Route: Rideau Ridge
Don’t fly past this historic monument in Barry’s Bay. It’s not the size of the actual Avro Arrow, but it’s still big enough for the books. This monument honours the work of renowned test pilot Janusz Zurakowski. After getting your photo, take a read through the plaques and learn about the history of this famous pilot and plane.
Originally a fire lookout tower that stood 25 metres tall, the Dorset Lookout has since been rebuilt to now stand at 30 metres tall. Getting a photo with this tower from the ground is similar to those awkward photos you see of people and the CN Tower. We suggest you make the climb to the observation deck which gives you a view 465 feet above the Lake of Bays for your epic photo. You will also get a different perspective on the unforgiving landscape the road builders worked through to craft the roads you are riding.
Route: The Highlands Loop, Dynamite Alley
What’s more exciting than ice cream? That would be getting ice cream from a giant ice cream cone. This oversized cone is located along the river in Minden, making it a great stop to cool off from riding and stretch your legs.
Route: The Highlands Loop, Dynamite Alley
It’s not every day you see a large scroll made out of birch bark. But before riding through Algonquin Park, you will. This iconic landmark is located at the entrance of the West Gate. The sign is nestled in some trees, and tells you the story of Algonquin Park. It became a landmark of the park shortly after the West Gate opened in 1953 and has been a favourite stop for many visitors. The contents of the scroll have changed throughout the years, so make sure you snap a photo with it, because the next time you ride by, it could be different.
Route: The Highlands Loop, Dynamite Alley
This war monument was erected in 1974 and is dedicated to all those who have served and are serving in the Canadian Forces. The CF – 100 Canuck is important because it was the first 100% Canadian designed and built all-weather interceptor, with its first flight in 1950. Make sure you stop in Haliburton to check out this cool piece of history, and snap that great pic of course.
Route: The Highlands Loop
Honourable Mentions:
Stanhope Museum Logger, Stanhope – Loggers were very important in Ontario’s Highlands as they cleared the path for roads to be laid. This larger than life size logger can be found at the front of the Stanhope Museum. Take your photo with him by holding the other end of the saw. **CLOSED FOR THE 20202 SEASON**
Lumberjack, Renfrew – Another tribute to those people who cleared the path for the roads you ride today and the historic logging town of Renfrew, this Lumberjack stands 10 feet tall and can be found by the Information Centre in Renfrew.
These are some of the oversized highlights you can find as you ride the Highlands. Share your larger than life visits by tagging @ridethehighlands on Facebook and Instagram, or using #ridethehighlands.
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