Six landmarks to visit in Manitoba

It's tourism week across Canada, so we're going to celebrate by listing some of Manitoba's best landmarks! You aren't Manitoban until you've visited all of them.

A landmark is an object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance. Often they are used to establish your location. If you're planning on visiting Manitoba in the near future, you'll probably run into these landmarks somewhere on your drive.

Happy Rock

In the 1970s, the Manitoba government was looking to increase tourism in Gladstone, Manitoba. After contests and fundraisers, Happy Rock was erected on the side of Highway 16. The giant, smiling rock, which stands on top of another rock, waves at drivers as they round the corner on their way to Riding Mountain National Park.

The tourist booth created as part of the landmark is now closed, but the rock still serves an important purpose. It lets drivers know they are one hour from Clear Lake!

Halfway Tree

Manitoba is flat. Very flat. Landmarks are important for Manitoban travellers as they help us figure out where we are. One of the most famous landmarks is the Halfway Tree.

Less than 10 kilometres east of MacGregor, Manitoba, a large tree sits just off the eastbound lane of the Trans-Canada Highway. The tree marks the halfway point between Brandon and Winnipeg. The landmark is so important to Manitobans that they have repeatedly protested when thoughts of cutting it down to improve highway safety arise. It's had songs written about it and it's an actual, searchable place on Google Maps.

Big Mosquito

Komarno, Manitoba sits just off Highway 7, north of Stonewall and west of Winnipeg Beach. The town hosts a Perogy Fest every November and a close drive away from the world famous Narcisse Snake Dens. Kids are also regularly carried away by giant mosquito.

That doesn't actually happen, but Komarno (which means "mosquito infested" in Ukrainian) is home to the world's largest mosquito. The statue (shown above) was built in 1984 to honor Canada's real national bird. They also secretly hope that this will please the mosquitoes and the town will be left alone.

If you're heading out that way, bring a lot of mosquito spray!

The Golden Boy

Originally purchased from France, The Golden Boy been a major landmark of Downtown Winnipeg since 1919. In 2002, it was taken down to be refurbished, but once again stands there every day, holding a torch in one hand and some wheat in the other.

Until more recent construction in the downtown area, the Golden Boy was actually the tallest structure in Winnipeg. 77 metres at it's tip, the Golden Boy sits on top of the Manitoba Legislative building. This landmark lets you know that you've made it to downtown Winnipeg. You'll probably get plenty of time to stare at it as well, since you're now caught in rush hour traffic.

The Longitudinal Centre of Canada

Manitoba likes to know when they are halfway to their destination.

A sign, stating the Longitudinal Centre of Canada, is posted on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway, southeast of Winnipeg. It marks the halfway point for those travelling across the country. The exact coordinates are 96 degrees, 48 minutes, 35 seconds. Soon, there will be an entire park to visit.

Landmark, Manitoba

Technically, the only landmark that Manitoba has is the small town of Landmark. Oddly, the town also lies on the longitudinal centre of Canada. Double landmark.

This must-see landmark is a tourist destination. Learn about the exciting history of the town, which was established in 1907 with just four homes. Get invited in for some homemade wereneka and schmaunfat. Or catch a local hockey game at the Landmark Arena, with prime bench seating for probably 200 people. Standing room for another 50.

What's your favorite landmark in Manitoba? Let us know on Facebook!