The Big Head
An iconic, thought-provoking sculpture in downtown Canmore, inviting interpretation and offering stunning photo opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
The Big Head
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic, thought-provoking sculpture in downtown Canmore, inviting interpretation and offering stunning photo opportunities.
"Awesome giant head sculpture emerging from or sinking into the ground. It's open for you to decide."
📸 Photo Op Alert!
The Big Head is a must-see for photos. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk next to the sculpture for beautiful water and mountain views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enigmatic Big Head
Downtown Canmore
A giant, striking sculpture that appears to emerge from or sink into the ground, inviting interpretation and awe.
Scenic Boardwalk
Adjacent to The Big Head
A pleasant pathway beside clear, pristine water, perfect for a leisurely stroll with mountain views.
Charming Main Street
Canmore Downtown
Adorned with flowers and offering a delightful atmosphere with coffee shops and eateries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art Installation
Capture the Moment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Op Alert!
The Big Head is a must-see for photos. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk next to the sculpture for beautiful water and mountain views.
☕ Explore Downtown
Wander down Main Street for charming shops, cafes, and a delightful atmosphere.
🤔 Interpret the Art
The sculpture's meaning is open to interpretation – enjoy pondering its message!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Op Alert!
The Big Head is a must-see for photos. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk next to the sculpture for beautiful water and mountain views.
☕ Explore Downtown
Wander down Main Street for charming shops, cafes, and a delightful atmosphere.
🤔 Interpret the Art
The sculpture's meaning is open to interpretation – enjoy pondering its message!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Big Head to be a 'very cool' and 'must-see' artistic installation, appreciating its unique design and the imaginative possibilities it offers. The surrounding boardwalk and charming downtown Canmore further enhance the experience, making it a pleasant stop for leisurely walks and exploration.
"from this spot you can enjoy a lot of thing from walking to photography. not to far, nice and clean for walking."
Thanh Pham
"This was our second trip to Canmore. With snow covered peaks on all 4 sides, the town is straight out of a fairy tale. Plus the stone and wood houses/ buildings lend it an altogether different charm."
rahul agarwal
"Located in core downtown. Pleasant place. It just beside the busy road . The side is like 4 - 5 feet"
Ganesh purushothaman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Head sculpture is located in downtown Canmore, making it easily accessible. Parking is available in the downtown area, though it can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Parking in downtown Canmore can be challenging, similar to other popular mountain towns like Banff. Arriving early or on weekdays can help secure a spot.
Yes, if you are staying in or near downtown Canmore, The Big Head is within walking distance and is part of a pleasant downtown stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Big Head is an outdoor public art installation and is free to view and photograph.
As an outdoor sculpture, The Big Head is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding downtown area and shops have their own operating hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, which is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most beautiful lighting for photographs of The Big Head.
Experiment with different angles to capture the sculpture's scale and its interaction with the surrounding environment. Getting low can emphasize its size.
Absolutely! Many visitors take photos interacting with the sculpture, creating fun and memorable shots.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Adjacent to the sculpture is a scenic boardwalk, and it's located in the heart of downtown Canmore, offering shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
Yes, The Big Head is a fun and engaging art piece for all ages. The surrounding boardwalk and downtown area are also family-friendly.
You can enjoy a quick photo stop in about 15-30 minutes, or spend longer exploring the boardwalk and downtown area for an hour or more.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent boardwalk, where kids can enjoy the open space and scenic views. Downtown Canmore itself offers a pleasant environment with flower-lined streets and various cafes that can be a nice break for families. The overall experience is relaxed and accessible, making it an easy addition to any family itinerary.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim to visit during the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon – when the natural light casts a warm glow and creates interesting shadows, enhancing the sculpture's texture and form. Experiment with different perspectives, from wide shots capturing its integration with the landscape to close-ups highlighting its details. The surrounding boardwalk and downtown streetscapes also offer complementary photographic subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of The Big Head
Created to add artistic flair to the urban landscape, The Big Head is more than just a sculpture; it's a conversation starter and a unique photo opportunity. Its presence enhances the visual appeal of downtown Canmore, drawing attention and encouraging exploration of the surrounding area. The sculpture's scale and dramatic form make it a memorable stop for anyone visiting the town.
Many visitors find the sculpture to be 'very cool' and a 'must-see,' appreciating its originality and the way it integrates with its environment. The artistic choice to leave its purpose open-ended allows each person to connect with it in their own way, making it a truly engaging piece of public art.
Exploring Downtown Canmore
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk adjacent to the sculpture, which offers views of clear, pristine water. This pathway leads directly to Main Street, where a variety of coffee shops, eateries, and boutiques await. The town's architecture, featuring stone and wood buildings, adds to its fairy-tale charm, making it a picturesque destination.
The downtown area is a hub of activity, with the smells of sizzling foods and brewing coffee filling the air. It's a perfect place to relax, shop, and soak in the local culture. Many visitors express their love for the town's unique character and the welcoming environment it offers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit