When you think about Alberta attractions, the world’s largest perogy or a giant cowboy boot probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. But scattered across the province are some seriously cool spots that hold impressive world records. And while many of them might seem a little unusual at first, each one has a story behind how it came to be.
Now let’s take a further look at some of the places that have earned Alberta a spot in the record books.
The Okotoks Erratic, also known as Big Rock, is a massive quartzite boulder that weighs approximately 16,500 tonnes. It is the largest known glacial erratic in the world and was carried hundreds of kilometres by a glacier during the last Ice Age before being left behind as the ice retreated. Today, visitors can stop by and stand right beside the massive boulder to see just how large it actually is.
Where: AB-7, Foothills County, Alta.
A teepee that stretches 215 feet into the sky is not something you see every day. The Saamis Tepee is located in Medicine Hat and holds the title of the world’s largest teepee. The massive structure was originally built for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary as a tribute to Indigenous culture and history before being relocated to Medicine Hat in 1991. The exterior features 10 large panels of artwork, each representing different stories and traditions connected to the surrounding Indigenous communities.
You can spot the towering teepee while driving into the city from the main highway, and visitors can stop by to walk around the base and see the record-breaking landmark up close.
Where: 32 Eagle Birth Rd. SW, Medicine Hat, Alta.
You might want to pack a snack before visiting this Alberta attraction because the Glendon Perogy is sure to get you thinking about your next meal. Standing at 25 feet tall, the giant perogy was built in 1991 and is a tribute to Ukrainian heritage within the community. The community also hosts an annual Perogy Festival, which brings the community together for a day of music and Ukrainian eats.
Where: Perogy Park – 60251 Hwy-882, Glendon, Alta.
Edmonton is home to a cowboy boot that is much bigger than anything you’d find in your closet. Built in 1978, the Big Western Boot stands at nearly 20 feet tall and was designed to promote a local western boot store. The structure is made of concrete, steel and fibreglass and has become a popular photo stop for visitors wanting to see a piece of western history up close.
Where: 10007 167th St., Edmonton, Alta.
A giant sausage might seem like an unusual way to celebrate a community’s history, but for Mundare, it tells quite an important story. The 42-foot sausage was built in 2001 by the Stawnichy family, who wanted to celebrate the success of their sausage-making business and the Ukrainian traditions that inspired it.
Where: Directions
So the next time you’re hitting the road through Alberta, keep your eye out for some of these giant landmarks you might pass along the way. And who knows, now you might have a few new facts to pull out the best time you want to impress your friends with some of the province’s most unusual world records.
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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