If you think Northern Ontario is just endless trees and lakes, buckle up — the roadside attractions alone are worth the drive. This stretch of Canada is sprinkled with giant animals, UFOs, historic boats, and one very famous oversized coin. And the best part? Every oddball landmark sits just minutes from a provincial park where you can camp, paddle, hike, or simply breathe in that sweet northern air.
Let’s kick things off with the legend of Sudbury: The Big Nickel. This gleaming, larger‑than‑life coin has been towering over the city since the 1960s, celebrating Sudbury’s mining roots with unapologetic flair. Snap your photo, soak in the shine, then roll over to Fairbank Provincial Park, where the ancient Sudbury Basin cradles a sparkling lake perfect for swimming, paddling, and lazy beach afternoons. It’s a geological double‑feature you didn’t know you needed.
Fairbank Provincial Park
Fairbank Provincial Park is close to the Big Nickel.
From shiny metal to freshwater monsters, your next stop is the wonderfully bizarre Muskie‑head fountain in Sioux Narrows. Yes, you can literally drink from a giant fish face. Once you’ve quenched your thirst (or your curiosity), drift five minutes down the road to Sioux Narrows Provincial Park. With Lake of the Woods stretching out like a watery wilderness kingdom, you’ll find quiet campsites, scenic trails, and enough fishing opportunities to make any angler grin.
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Ready for something even stranger? Head to Moonbeam, where a full‑on UFO statue hovers beside the highway. The town leans into its extraterrestrial lore with pride — you can even buy your own Martian mascot. After your intergalactic photo‑op, glide over to René Brunelle Provincial Park, a peaceful escape with floatplane history, secluded campsites, and the La Vigilance Trail, which tells the story of a 1922 bush‑plane crash. It’s a perfect landing spot after your cosmic detour.
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Township of Moonbeam
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Township of Moonbeam
Shoreline of Remi Lake from cabin at Rene Brunelle, 2017 Photographer: Dave Sproule
Next up: a piece of northern history with serious charm — Patricia the Tugboat. This hardworking vessel once hauled freight across remote waterways and now stands proudly in Ear Falls as a tribute to the region’s past. When you’re done admiring this steel matriarch, head to Pakwash Provincial Park, a quiet gateway to canoe routes, fishing hotspots, and serene forested campsites. Bring your rod — the Walleye and Pike are waiting.
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Visit Sunset County - Ontario Parks
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Visit Sunset County - Ontario Parks
Of course, no Canadian road trip is complete without a cow cameo. Enter Ms. Claybelt, the 12‑foot dairy queen of Temiskaming Shores. She’s big, she’s bold, and she’s ready for her close‑up. After your bovine bonding session, unwind at Kap‑Kig‑Iwan Provincial Park, where waterfalls tumble through rugged terrain and quiet trails wind through the Boreal Forest. It’s a peaceful, photogenic retreat with excellent fishing and year‑round birdlife.
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P. James Franks - Ontario PP
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P. James Franks - Ontario PP
Kap-Kig-Iwan, Tomoki
And finally, the superstar of Dryden: Max the Moose. At over 18 feet tall and weighing in at two tons, Max is the roadside celebrity you didn’t know you were missing. Once you’ve admired this antlered icon, cruise over to Aaron Provincial Park, perched on the shores of Thunder Lake. With sandy beaches, canoe rentals, and Boreal Forest trails alive with warblers, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and settle in for the night.
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Visit Sunset County - Ontario Parks
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Visit Sunset County - Ontario Parks
Whether you’re chasing UFOs, giant fish, historic boats, or oversized wildlife, Northern Ontario’s roadside attractions turn every mile into a mini‑adventure. Pick a few, pack your camera, and let the north surprise you.