Drive northeast of Edmonton to see 7 of Alberta’s Lakeland giants—outrageous landmarks that reveal something special beyond Alberta’s sense of humour. “Eat the perogy” or #pickupthepysanka and share your pics as you engage with landmarks, that are outrageous or big or both–but also meaningful. Tag us and we may share your pics on Travel Lakeland’s Instagram feed. #openforadventure 

Mundare  

Sausage is in the air—literally—in Mundare. Stop in at Stawnichy’s family-owned and original company store to pick up world-famous sausage—and many other authentic Ukrainian foods—for the road and you’ll know why the world’s largest garlic sausage ring was chosen for this town’s 42-foot fiberglass landmark. It cost $120,000, which is a long stretch more than the real thing, at $8.50 a pound. 

Vegreville  

The world’s largest pysanka—a decorated Ukrainian easter egg—weighs 5000 lbs, and stands 31 ft. high, in Vegreville, Alberta. Its 500-plus stars and 2208 triangles make up a geometric egg shape, something that excites math whizzes. A mathematical, architectural, and engineering marvel it is, but, perhaps more importantly, the egg symbolizes Vegreville’s rich Ukrainian culture. Come to #pickupthepysanka. Stay for the Vegreville Pysanka Festival .  

St. Paul 

Before man walked on the moon, St. Paul’s UFO Landing Pad was built in 1967 for Canada’s 100^th birthday. During that time, in North America, people were hopeful about the future of space travel and, though far-fetched, contemplated the possibility of coming into contact with aliens. That pad, for St. Paulites, represented St. Paul’s multicultural town ideal – all are welcome, even extraterrestrials. That’s heart. 

Glendon 

Glendon’s perogy weighs 6000 pounds and is 27 feet high, and is, of course, the world’s largest. Pierced by a fork, added later to show perplexed viewers it replicated an edible treat, the perogy is a nod to the Ukrainian culture and food in Alberta. Perogies are a delicious staple of eastern European—and now Western Canadian—cuisine. Stop in Perogy on a Fork for Perogy Jalapeno Poppers.

Lac La Biche 

A 12-foot-long statue of David Thompson in a canoe stands on the shores of Lac La Biche, which translates to Deer Lake. Famous explorer and mapmaker, David Thompson, was the first European to reach the shores of Lac La Biche. The statue commemorates Thompson’s landing in 1798, which led to the establishment of a Hudson’s Bay Company post and, eventually, the town of Lac La Biche.  

Vilna

Mushroom pickers never reveal their secret spots. The real tricholoma uspale, mushrooms in this region may be harder to find than the 20-foot mushrooms throwing shade in the village of Vilna. 

Smoky Lake

Smoky Lake’s pumpkin fair is a spectacle that draws people and producers from miles around. Often, a small forklift is used to lift the winning gourd. Nothing outshines the concrete orange pumpkins in downtown Smoky Lake. Pumpkin pie is the treat of choice here.   

Visit this link to see more Lakeland giants.