Spanish version here.
One of my favourite things to check out wherever I go is the “oddities”—the biggest, the smallest, the most unique, the first of its kind. I particularly enjoy exploring quirky and unusual attractions wherever I have the opportunity.
It was the year 2020 and having just wrapped up a lengthy work assignment in South America, I found myself back in Alberta. With COVID travel restrictions still in place worldwide, it was the right time to start exploring the surroundings and oddities near home in Calgary.
So, I made a family getaway to central Alberta towns: Red Deer, Lacombe, and Sylvan Lake.
Two attractions in Lacombe were in my plan: the world’s largest fish lure and the heritage murals in the downtown district.
The fishing lure
Sorry, my dear friends from Texas, but the world’s largest fishing lure is here in Lacombe, Alberta.
This massive lure stands at a striking 40.5 feet tall and weighs about 2.5 tons. It was unveiled in 2019 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Len Thompson brand, which has been a community landmark since its founding in 1929.
The construction of the “world’s largest fishing lure” took nine months and six prototypes, but it finally produced the brand’s iconic yellow and red five-of-diamond pattern.
It is a 100 x larger replica of the actual size No. 2 Len Thompson lure. As of 2019, nearly 55 million lures have been manufactured in Canada.
It’s situated in Len Thompson’s hometown of Lacombe, next to the company’s manufacturing plant.
This giant lure has become an eye-catching landmark and a popular attraction for locals and tourists. It is a must-see when visiting Lacombe.
Len Thompson Company
Although I’ve done fishing in the old and primitive style, I’m far from an avid angler. However, I’ve done my homework by reading about the Len Thompson Company.
Len Thompson started making lures in 1929 in Abernethy, Saskatchewan, Canada. Today, the company is known for producing high-quality fishing lures.
The company is best known for its innovative and effective fishing lures, particularly the “Len Thompson Spoon“, which has become iconic among anglers. These lures are designed to attract a variety of fish species and are known for their vibrant colors and durable construction. They are widely used in Canada and internationally.
The company has remained a family-owned business for four generations, continuing the tradition of Len Thompson.
I understand there is a showroom to learn more about the company’s history, but it was closed since our visit took place on a Holiday during the COVID-19 times.
The “world’s largest lure” is located outdoors next to the Len Thompson Pond. Its convenient location and ample parking made our visit easy.
Lacombe, Alberta
Many years ago, during occasional work trips, I used to pass near Lacombe on my way to Edmonton but never stopped there.
Lacombe is a town in central Alberta, Canada, 175 km north of Calgary and 125 km south of Edmonton. It is part of the Edmonton–Calgary Corridor.
This area boasts numerous parks and trails for walking, biking, and outdoor activities. Red Deer is a larger city 20 minutes south of Lacombe. Several lakes nearby, like Sylvan Lake, are popular spots for water activities and camping.
Murals in downtown district Lacombe
After visiting the “World’s Largest Fishing Lure,” we explored Lacombe’s downtown streets. We were incredibly impressed at the murals depicting life in the town from 1890 to 1910. I plan to write a separate blog about the murals in the streets of Lacombe.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I appreciate your opinions, comments, likes, and shares.
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I also invite you to read the previous post “Exploring a Cheesy Trail. My trip along Oxford County, Canada’s Dairy Capital”
Thank you and have a great day!
EO
