Canada’s Quirkiest Small Towns and Roadside Attractions

Canada’s Quirkiest Small Towns and Roadside Attractions

Canada is Calling, by Roamlii
May 30, 2025•4 min read

Looking to add a little weird and wonderful to your next Canadian road trip? Skip the usual stops and head for the strange, the charming, and the downright unforgettable. From giant potatoes to UFO landing pads, Canada is bursting with offbeat towns and roadside oddities that turn any drive into a full-blown adventure.

Here’s your guide to some of the quirkiest small towns and attractions coast to coast—perfect for curious travellers chasing something a little different.

1. Vulcan, Alberta – Boldly Go Where No Road Trip Has Gone Before

Welcome to Vulcan, the Star Trek-themed town in the heart of the Alberta prairies. With a replica of the Starship Enterprise, Spock statues, and a full-on Trek-themed visitor centre, this place is a must-see for sci-fi fans. Locals lean into the spacey vibes with Vulcan paraphernalia and themed festivals.

Don’t Miss:

  • The Trek Station museum

  • Photo op with the U.S.S. Enterprise FX6-1995-A

  • Annual Vul-Con convention

Plan your intergalactic detour: https://www.vulcantourism.com

2. Shediac, New Brunswick – Home of the Giant Lobster

If you’ve ever dreamed of posing with a lobster bigger than your car, Shediac’s your spot. This charming Acadian town bills itself as the Lobster Capital of the World and boasts a 35-foot-long crustacean statue that’s practically begging for a selfie.

While You’re There:

  • Feast on fresh seafood at Chez Linda or Le Moque-Tortue

  • Hit Parlee Beach, one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada

  • Check out the Shediac Lobster Festival in July

Learn more: https://www.shediac.ca

3. Watson Lake, Yukon – The Sign Post Forest

Driving the Alaska Highway? Make a pit stop in Watson Lake, where travellers have been adding signs from their hometowns since 1942. Today, the Sign Post Forest features over 90,000 signs from around the world—a visual feast of names, colours, and stories.

Don’t Miss:

  • Bring your own sign to leave behind!

  • Explore the Northern Lights Centre nearby

 Add it to your itinerary: https://yukon.ca/en/places/watson-lake

4. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan – Tunnels, Spies, and Giant Moose

Moose Jaw mixes quirky with cool. You’ve got Mac the Moose, the world’s largest moose statue (a title fiercely reclaimed from Norway in 2019), and a maze of underground tunnels rumoured to have been used by Al Capone during Prohibition.

Must-See:

  • Tunnels of Moose Jaw interactive tours

  • Mac the Moose selfie stop

  • Soak in the geothermal Temple Gardens Mineral Spa

Visit: https://www.tourismmoosejaw.ca

5. St. Paul, Alberta – Canada’s First UFO Landing Pad

Yes, you read that right. In 1967, St. Paul built the world’s first UFO landing pad as a symbol of peace and openness to other worlds. Today, the site includes a visitor info centre and a small UFO museum, complete with extraterrestrial sightings and tinfoil flair.

While You’re Beaming Up:

  • Visit the UFO Interpretive Display

  • Explore the region’s Métis and Indigenous culture offerings

 Land here: https://town.stpaul.ab.ca

6. Coombs, British Columbia – The Goats on the Roof

In the tiny Vancouver Island community of Coombs, you’ll find a country market that’s famous for… goats. On the roof. Seriously. The Old Country Market sports a sod-covered rooftop where goats graze throughout the summer.

Don’t Miss:

  • Grab a scoop from Billy Gruff Creamery

  • Shop for international foods and quirky souvenirs

  • Snap that perfect goat selfie

Go goat spotting: https://www.oldcountrymarket.com

7. Legal, Alberta – The Mural Capital of Canada

This little French town north of Edmonton boasts over 40 murals showcasing Franco-Albertan history and culture. Legal isn’t just artsy—it’s proudly unique, with a welcoming vibe and community festivals that bring its culture to life.

Worth a Stop:

  • Take a self-guided mural walking tour

  • Check out Fête au Village in July

  • Try local eats at Casse-Croûte Chez Réal

More info: https://www.legal.ca

Wawa, Ontario – Home of the Big Goose

You can’t miss it. The massive Wawa Goose statue stands proudly over the Trans-Canada Highway, waving you into the gateway of Lake Superior. This quirky Canadian icon is one of the most photographed roadside attractions in Ontario.

While You’re Here:

  • Hike in Lake Superior Provincial Park

  • Explore local shops and Indigenous art

  • Visit Scenic High Falls

Travel through Wawa: https://www.explorenorthalgoma.ca/communities/wawa

Churchill, Manitoba – Polar Bears and Northern Lights

Okay, Churchill isn’t “quirky” in a goofy way—but how many towns can say polar bears regularly walk through? This subarctic gem is remote, surreal, and completely unforgettable.

Arctic Wonders:

  • See polar bears up close in the fall

  • Watch the aurora dance overhead in winter

  • Learn about Inuit culture and the region’s natural history

Polar bear patrol? Learn more: https://www.travelmanitoba.com/churchill

Ready to Road Trip the Weird Side of Canada?

Canada’s backroads and small towns are bursting with character—and characters. Whether you're chasing UFO lore, petting rooftop goats, or posing with a crustacean the size of a bus, every stop adds a story to your adventure.

This isn’t just travel—it’s memory-making with a twist of the unexpected.

Travel Offbeat. Travel Local. Travel with Roamlii.

Ready to discover Canada’s quirkiest corners? Let Roamlii help you uncover the hidden gems, local stories, and weird wonders that make every journey unforgettable.

👉 Start your adventure at roamlii.com/travelwithroamlii

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