We heard you, parks (and roadside attraction) lovers!
After highlighting 6 roadside attractions in Ontario’s north, we had to share the love with some of the iconic roadside stops that can be found in central and southern Ontario. To extend the road trip experience stop in at a nearby park and experience all that central/southern Ontario has to offer.
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, Steve Redden a local metalsmith built the coin in 2001 to celebrate the town’s connection to the toonie’s design.
Located a short drive or walk across the Raney River Suspension bridge is Ferris Provincial Park. 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.
Leaping Muskie Fish Statue in Gananoque
Nearby park: Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Rest easily southern Ontario based fish statue lovers (I know you’re out there), Gananoque has you covered. The large replica of a muskellunge was built to commemorate a world-record muskie catch made by H.A. “Dooley” McCarney who reeled in a 69 lb fish in the area. While there’s plenty to do in the Gananoque area, we recommend you don’t miss the Leaping Muskie.
If you’ve got a hankering for angling after your visit, head on up to Charleston Lake Provincial Park. The titular lake is home to many different species of fish including bass and Lake Trout. Beyond the lake, the park has a variety of trails on offer ranging from 2km boardwalk trails to 10km steep trails through rocky outcrops. The park has over 250 campsites including backcountry sites, yurts, and a water access cabin.
Muddy the Mudcat in Dunnville
Nearby park: Rock Point Provincial Park
If you liked the Leaping Muskie, you’re going to love Muddy the Mudcat. Muddy is the World’s largest mudcat at over 50 feet long and 27 feet high. The mudcat has been Dunnville’s unofficial mascot for year but this larger-than-life recreation found in Centennial Park solidifies the fish’s place in the town.
Just a short away from Muddy you’ll find Rock Point Provincial Park. The park is nestled on the coast of Lake Erie and offers 1km of Sandy Beaches surrounded by a limestone shelf embedded with 350-million-year-old fossils from a coral reef. Rock Point is also home to 5 km of scenic walking trails surrounding the park leading to a lookout platform over the lake. The park has 4 campgrounds with Kinsey and Niece offering larger electrical sites and Minor and Lookout great for those with tents and small trailers.
Trumpeter Swan in Midland
Nearby park: Awenda Provincial Park
While we can never guarantee wildlife viewing in our parks, we can guarantee if you head up to Midland you’ll see a 25-foot trumpeter swan statue. The statue was created by Ron Hunt in 2001 and 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 on heading north from Midland and you’ll find yourself in Awenda Provincial Park. This sprawling park has several sandy and rocky beaches along the iconic Georgian Bay shoreline.
The park is great for hikers with 31 km’s of trails exploring the various landscapes of the park from sand dunes to lush forests. Awenda is a great camping destination, especially in the fall with fall colours extending later into the fall season.
The Screaming Heads in Burks Falls
Nearby park: Mikisew Provincial Park
For those looking for a little spookiness in their roadside attractions, head up to the Screaming Heads in Burks Falls. While not a traditional roadside attraction, The Screaming Heads are definitely worth a short detour off HWY 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’ve been thoroughly awed at 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 two distinct campgrounds with Pines Campground surrounded with towering pines and Hardwoods Campground nestled in a lush forest. The park has plenty of rentals available for those looking to try something new including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s also a great fall destination featuring exquisite fall colours without the crowds.
Big Joe Mufferaw in Mattawa
Nearby park: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
There’s not many Canadian icons that can claim multiple wood carved statues of themselves as well as a Stompin’ Tom Connor’s song, but Big Joe Mufferaw is one of the famous few. This carving dedicated to the logger and folk legend Joseph Montferrand can be found outside the Mattawa Museum. The 20-foot-tall “Big Joe” was erected in 2017 and carved 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 does have 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 foot canoe reminiscent of the ones that French and Metis voyageurs would have used in the late 1700’s. If you missed it be sure to check out the Northern Roadside Attractions blog and be sure to plan your midweek trip to these roadside attractions and parks.
