If there’s one Alberta roadside attraction that will make you do a double-take, it’s the giant sausage standing in the town of Mundare. Located about an hour east of Edmonton and a few hours from Calgary, this small Alberta community has become famous for its 42-foot-tall sausage statue, which celebrates one of the town’s most well-known traditions.
And while the landmark might be the first thing that catches your eye, there’s actually a lot more to this little town than just its giant sausage. Mundare is full of Ukrainian history, local traditions and a community that has kept its roots alive for generations.
Let’s take a look at why this quirky Alberta town is worth the detour.
The story behind Mundare’s giant sausage statue
For anyone unfamiliar with Mundare sausage, it has deep roots in Ukrainian cooking traditions. Known as kovbasa, this type of sausage is typically smoked and seasoned, with recipes passed down through generations. In Mundare, that tradition is carried on by Stawnichy’s Ukrainian Sausage, a family-owned business that has been making its famous sausage in the community since 1959. Over time, the company’s connection to the town became so iconic that it led to the creation of one of Alberta’s most unusual landmarks.
According to the Town of Mundare, the giant 42-foot-tall sausage was built in 2001 to celebrate Stawnichy’s 40th anniversary. The massive landmark weighs around 12,000 pounds and has since become a must-stop photo attraction for visitors passing through.
Mundare’s Ukrainian history and landmarks
And while the sausage might be Mundare’s biggest claim to fame, there’s plenty of history behind this tiny Alberta town. According to the Town of Mundare, Ukrainian settlers began arriving in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s, bringing their traditions, culture, and faith with them.
Today, that Ukrainian influence can still be found throughout Mundare. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Basilian Father Museum, which shares the story of Ukrainian Catholic history, or take a walk through the town to see the traditions and community pride that have been kept alive over the years.
So, if a giant sausage wasn’t already enough of a reason to add Mundare to your road trip list, the story behind it makes the stop even better. Next time you’re exploring Alberta, take the detour and spend some time exploring the town behind the famous landmark.
Where: Directions
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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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