The big picture

Would it be an exaggeration to say the giant mosquito in Komarno is life-size? Perhaps, but I suggest you find out for yourself.

Big things on the side of the highway are as Canadian as the ox cart, the beaver and the Canada goose—all of which can be seen along the highways and byways of Manitoba. I’ve compiled a 12-hour, 750-kilometre circle tour that will introduce you to some of the most amazing big things on the prairies. As a bonus, the roads will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery the plains have to offer. Rev up, and let’s go.

Winnipeg

Because everything starts in Winnipeg.

Selkirk

Start off the tour of big things in a big way by seeing the giant Red River ox cart—used during the fur trade in the 19th century—and Chuck the Channel Catfish in Selkirk.

Winnipeg Beach

Here you’ll find a giant head carved from cedar representing the Ojibwa, Assiniboine and Cree First Nations of Manitoba.

Gimli

Gimli’s Icelandic population is recognized with the distinctive Viking statue.

Komarno

Legend has it that the word komarno means “full of mosquitos” in the Ukrainian language. I?have to wonder what the first letters home said to encourage further settlement (“You should see this place—it’s totally komarno!”). Regardless, Komarno has one of the most intriguing big things—a giant mosquito that some say is life-size.

Inwood

Even better than mosquitos are garter snakes. You think I’m kidding; I’m not. Garter snakes from all over come to Inwood to get their groove on, and Inwood welcomes them like Las Vegas welcomes gamblers. Definitely worth seeing.

Lundar

What’s more Canadian that the Canada goose? The village of Lundar salutes this distinctive waterfowl with a gargantuan goose that is ready to take flight. Added bonus—no droppings.

The Narrows

Get ready for some incredible sight seeing on the next leg of your journey. From Lundar, you’re going to travel through some of the most beautiful terrain in Manitoba—the Narrows. Twisting, turning roads along Lake Manitoba will delight riders, and if you’ve brought your fishing gear along, you’re in one of the favourite places for anglers in the province. Give yourself lots of time here.

Dauphin

In Dauphin, you’ll find a larger-than-life castor canadensis. (I refuse to be responsible for inappropriate snickers, thank you very much.)

Minnedosa

The road to Minnedosa cuts through Riding Mountain National Park. This forested area is home to wildlife such as wolves, moose, elk, black bear and bison. Give yourself lots of time to pull over and enjoy the park before heading on to Minnedosa to see the colossal canvasback duck. The Minnedosa region is to the canvasback duck what Inwood is to garter snakes.