Alberta Tourist Attractions: Your Guide to Big Things Along AIHT

Tourists who visit Alberta, are always delighted by the Alberta tourist attractions and big things that they can see while here. However, if you are looking for something that is a little more casual and exciting on your next vacation; you may opt to take a trip down Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail.

There are people who venture along the trail by riding bikes, ATVs, and even walking. Either way, you will have the ability to touch an actual part of history while you are there. This makes it one of the best Alberta tourist attractions around!

To make your trip even more enjoyable, we have put together a guide to some big things you will want to see along the trail.

The History of the Trail

The history behind Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail is interesting. This trail is only a portion that early fur traders would travel from Buckingham House and Fort George to other areas in order to sell their fur. It has been proven that this railroad track was influential in helping people in the more rural areas achieve economic growth and expansion.

As more settlers travelled along the trail, history was taking place. This section of the Trans Canada Trail is the longest completed section and it has remained in its relatively natural state since 1927. When you travel along this trail now, you will have the opportunity to see historic train stations and literally take a step back into Canadian history. You will also get to see aspen groves, spruce and pine forests, huge trestles, and small communities that people call home.

Alberta Tourist Attractions: Big Things to See

The trail winds through the woods, but just off the trail, there are accommodations and interesting things to see. Here are just a few places you may want to add to your list of things to do when you visit this historic trail.

Glendon Giant Perogy

In the small community of Glendon, you will discover a unique statue that stands out proudly on Main Street. This outstanding sculpture has been given the title of not only a little wacky but of being the World’s Largest Perogy. It measures 27 feet (8 metres) tall and 12 feet (3.66 metres) wide. It weighs a massive 6,000 pounds (2,722 kilograms).

The perogy is positioned on a fork, waiting for a giant to take a bite. It is also situated in a park that has swings and other things for kids who may have become weary travellers.

Elk Point Statue of Peter Fidler

You simply cannot think about the history of Alberta without remembering the fur traders that struggled to survive in the past. For that reason, we suggest that you consider stopping by to see a wooden statue that was built in honour of Peter Fidler. It is a 2-D statue that was carved out with a chainsaw from wooden beams. It stands 32 feet (10 metres) tall, and he stands in front of an equally large stockade fence.

The significance behind this man is important because he was both a fur trader and a Hudson Bay surveyor who was once a district manager at Brandon House. During the time that he was there, the post was plundered by a nasty group of men. Those men later played a role in the Battle of Seven Oaks (Pemmican War). This war was between the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company.

Heinsburg Water Tower

This 60,000-gallon (272,000 litres) water tank was built between the years of 1928-1930 by the Canadian National Railway (CNR). It was one of eight water towers, but it is the only one remaining of its size. In 1999, it was designated as a Provincial Historic Resource by and added to the Canadian Register of Historic Places. It was built so that steam locomotives could get water along the route and it provided water for a few businesses as well.

UFO Landing Pad in St. Paul

This monument, which was built in 1967, is truly something to see. It is the World’s First UFO Landing Pad and weighs 130 tons. It is 40 feet (12 metres) in diameter. The statue was built as a symbol of faith in all mankind and as proof that all visitors, no matter where they may come from, are welcome to visit the town of St. Paul, and its surrounding areas.

The Landing Pad has a floating stairway leading up to it and there are multiple flags soaring over it. Whether you love dreaming of the extraterrestrial or not, you will be impressed by this large “invitation”.

Even More Things to Do

There are so many more big things in Alberta that you can see along Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail. From the giant pumpkins in Smoky Lake to giant mushrooms in Vilna — there’s so much to see!

You can stay at campsites on the trail or visit one of the small communities along it for food and a warm bed to sleep in. There are many things to see, and you will be delighted by all of them.

To learn more about Alberta Tourist Attractions and what to explore on Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail, you can join our Facebook group. There is always up-to-date trail stories, weather updates and conditions along the AIHT, and much more.

If you have questions about the best time of year to visit, simply contact us, and we will do our best to help you plan your vacation.