We heard you, O lovers of parks and roadside attractions!
After highlighting 6 roadside attractions in northern Ontario, we had to share the love with some of the iconic roadside stops that can be found in central and southern Ontario.
Have you ever visited…
Giant Toonie in Campbellford
Nearby park: Ferris Provincial Park
The Big Nickel isn’t the only famous currency in Ontario!
Folks who head to Old Mill Park in Campbellford will be treated to a view of the town’s big $2 coin.
With oversight from the Royal Canadian Mint, local metalsmith Steve Redden built the coin in 2001 to celebrate the town’s connection to the toonie’s design.
After you’ve snapped a pic with the Giant Toonie, head to Ferris Provincial Park and cross the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge!
Staying overnight? Ferris is a great family destination with large private sites just a short walk to the playground and day-use picnic areas.
The park even has a fenced-in, off-leash pet exercise area for the four-legged family members!
If you’re looking to explore the wider Northumberland area, Ferris makes for a great basecamp.
Muddy the Mudcat in Dunnville
Nearby park: Rock Point Provincial Park
If we had it our way, David Wilcox’s eponymous song would be renamed “Do the Mudcat” in honour of this gilled goliath. Muddy is the World’s largest mudcat at over 15 m long and 8 m high.
This larger-than-life re-creation has been Dunnville’s unofficial mascot for years. Stop by Centennial Park to say hello!
Just a short away from Muddy is Rock Point Provincial Park.
Nestled on the coast of Lake Erie, Rock Point offers long, sandy beaches surrounded by limestone shelf, embedded with 350-million-year-old fossils.
The park is also home to 5 km of scenic walking trails, leading to a lookout platform over the lake.
Kinsey and Niece campgrounds offer larger electrical sites, while Minor and Lookout campgrounds are great for tents and small trailers.
Trumpeter Swan in Midland
Nearby park: Awenda Provincial Park
While we can never guarantee wildlife viewing in parks, if you head over to Midland, we guarantee you’ll see a Trumpeter Swan! Birders, dedicate a full page on your life list to this one!
The 25 ft statue was created by Ron Hunt in 2001. It recognizes the successful reintroduction of Trumpeter Swans to the Wye Marsh. After being brought back from the verge of extinction, the Wye marsh is now home to one third of Ontario’s Trumpeter Swans.
Keep heading north from Midland and you’ll find yourself at Awenda Provincial Park. This sprawling park has sandy and rocky beaches along the iconic Georgian Bay shoreline.
Awenda is great for hikers. The park’s 31 km of trails wind through the various landscapes, from sand dunes to lush forests.
Awenda is a great camping destination too. The park’s burst of fall colours make it a great autumnal destination.
The Screaming Heads in Burks Falls
Nearby park: Mikisew Provincial Park
For those looking for a healthy dose of spookiness in their roadside attractions, the Screaming Heads in Burks Falls are a must-visit.
While not a traditional roadside attraction, The Screaming Heads are definitely worth a short detour off Highway 11 around Burks Falls. The attraction has over 100 concrete Screaming Head statues forming the shape of a dragon when viewed from above.
The statues were created by local high school teacher and artist Peter Camani, who turned his property into a 310 acre sculpture garden. If you’re headed up to see the art yourself, be sure to build in lots of time to explore.
Once you’re thoroughly awed by the Screaming Heads, continue your journey north and stop in at Mikisew Provincial Park.
Mikisew is an adventurer’s playground with plenty of hiking, biking, paddling, and even disc golf on offer!
The park has plenty of rentals available, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboarding.
It’s also a great fall destination featuring exquisite fall colours without big crowds.
Big Joe Mufferaw in Mattawa
Nearby park: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Hey-Hi, Hey-Hi-Ho, the best man in Ottawa was Mufferaw Joe!
Many wooden statues and even a Stompin’ Tom Song have been dedicated to the iconic Big Joe Mufferaw.
This carving dedicated to the logger and folk legend Joseph Montferrand can be found outside the Mattawa Museum. The 20 ft. “Big Joe” was erected in 2017, carved from pine by Clermont and Costel Duval.
Another icon of the Mattawa area is Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.
While still recovering from a devastating storm in 2025, the park has limited overnight and day-use availability.
The park’s Big Canoe Tour is on offer this summer giving visitors the chance to paddle a 30 ft canoe reminiscent of the ones that French and Métis voyageurs would have used in the late 1700s.
Let’s hit the road… again!
Which attraction is your must-visit?
