Bigger Than Life

Bigger than Life: Finding Great Roadside Attractions

By Tim Johnson

The two robots tower, the bigger one standing more than two stories tall, the sun glinting off his silvery armour and weapons, his massive legs seeming poised to carry the thing forward, with much rattle and clang. Resembling another robot that famously transforms into a fast car (officially, they never say the name of that one here), the two are simply known as “the big robots.” Standing guard just north of the 401, they’ve become popular roadside attractions near Port Hope, a place to pop in, get a memorable photo, and maybe do a little shopping at Primitive Designs. 

“We said, ‘build it, and they will come—and they’ve just kept coming,’” notes co-founder Rhonda Cook, as we walk past the rest of their collection of outsized attractions—a fierce-looking T-Rex, a metallic moose, a pirate ship with an octopus in the middle, and more. Cook says that they work closely with welders to create these curiosities, giving them exact specifications to convert their vision into fantastical reality. But their rambling retail and gift shop is the real attraction, a place with the feel of a covered market in a faraway country—which is kind of the goal. Importing from seven countries, including Nepal, Thailand, Morocco and Indonesia, you can pick up anything from yak wool throws to carved elephants (and check out the 6.6-million-year-old dinosaur teeth, while you’re at it).

But these aren’t the only bigger than life roadside attractions in Northumberland — here are three more worth stopping for.

Canada’s Giant $2 Coin (Campbellford, Ontario)

Canada’s two-dollar coin (famously dubbed the “toonie”) is more than currency—it’s become a national icon. And it was designed in Campbellford, a charming riverside community, in the studio of nature artist Brent Townsend. Take a little walk in Old Mill Park in the heart of town and you’ll find this 27-foot-tall (8 m) tribute to his seminal work, a pleasant place to admire it with a breeze rolling in off the water, and families picnicking all around. Take a look on one side, where Queen Elizabeth II looks gigantic, and then the other side, where the polar bear could be life-sized.

Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse (Presqu’ile Provincial Park)                                  

While it’s not exactly next to a major highway—you’ll reach this octagonal stone tower by driving on a pleasant, curving road through forest and meadow, deep into Presqu'ile Provincial Park. It’s definitely an impressive sight. Standing more than six stories tall, this, the second-oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the north shore of Lake Ontario, was also once essential for the safe passage of ships in the area. These vessels battled gales from the northwest, navigating through a narrow channel—eight ships alone were lost in the last half of the 1880s. Now, in the age of GPS, Presqu’ile Point is simply a handsome reminder of the past, a white beacon in New England shingles, perfect for a photo. Then, take a walk on the beach, or the park’s Marsh Trail, which includes two lookouts to spot deer, foxes and abundant bird life.  

The Big Apple (Colborne) 

Perhaps the largest apple-shaped structure in the world, the smiling visage of Mr. Applehead will welcome you to Colborne and The Big Apple, his grin beaming out from the front of the 35-foot-tall (11 m), red fruit perched on the south side of the 401. Drive around back, and you’ll find an orchard of fun, including a miniature golf course and a petting zoo. And inside the rambling group of shops behind the attraction itself, the sweet smell of apple pie hits you immediately, more than seven million baked in the kitchen, visible from windows on three sides. Indulge all your apple dreams, by picking up all sorts of items featuring the fruit, from hard cider brewed on site, to apple churros, dumplings, turnovers, chips, pancake mix, and much more.

If you’re arriving from Toronto by car, and want to do this as a road trip:

Stop first at Primitive Designs, just north of Port Hope, along the west side of County Rd. 28—once you pull into the parking lot, you’ll see the robots immediately. After this, continue along the 401, making a pit stop at the Big Apple about 20 minutes to the east—you may want to time your visit to arrive around lunch time, to enjoy ribs or pulled pork at the on-site smokehouse restaurant. 

From there, continue toward the shores of Lake Ontario along the scenic curves of County Rd. 2, ensuring you get at least a whole afternoon to explore Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Here, you’ll find a broad beach lining aquamarine waters, a nice network of trails, and, of course, the shimmering lighthouse. Finally, head north along County Rd. 66 (through Brighton) and County Rd. 30, and finish your visit by standing for a money shot at the base of the Giant Toonie in Campbellford.