As the “Home of the Giant”, Willow Bunch goes big with things to do in a small town

An aerial view of Willow Bunch.

The statue of Edouard Beaupre -- one of history’s tallest men — outside of the museum.

When you have the nickname Home of the Giant, you better have an outsized reputation for offering interesting things to see and do in your community.

Fortunately for the Town of Willow Bunch, that’s exactly how it is. The Giant in this case is none other than Édoard Beaupré, the legend who at 8-foot-3 is still the fifth-tallest person to ever live. Born in Willow Bunch in 1881, he travelled the world showing off his height and strength, bringing fame to his small hometown and Saskatchewan in general.

You can learn more about Beaupré in one of Willow Bunch’s main attractions, the stylish and impressively designed Willow Bunch Museum. Built in the former Sisters of the Cross Convent, the museum features two full floors of artifacts donated over the years, covering a host of history dating back to the town’s founding. The museum is open May 15 through Sept. 15, seven days a week from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. You can call Nichole at 306-6407785 for more information or offseason inquiries. That’s just one attraction Willow Bunch — a town of 286 located an hour and 15 minutes south of Moose Jaw on Highway 36 — has to offer.

Jean Louis Légaré Regional

Park is located two kilometres south of the community and features a full range of camping and fun outdoor activity options, including hikes through the coulees of the Big Muddy Valley. Be sure to bring the golf clubs, too, as the Willow Bunch Golf Course is a nifty little nine-hole layout that offers scenic views and plenty of challenge. If you’re looking to stay in town, the Jolly Giant Pub and Motel is a prime option (306-473-2345 or jollygiantpubandmotel.com) and you can get some delicious eats at the Break.ery restaurant (306473-3330). The community itself has all the amenities one would expect, including a library and wellness centre, curling and skating rink, plenty of parks and their wildly popular outdoor swimming pool — a venue so enjoyed by the community that over $500,000 was raised in order to upgrade it. Willow Bunch is also happy to promote nearby attractions, including the St. Victor Petroglyphs and Castle Butte, both located about a half hour drive away. This is also a historic year for the community — Willow Bunch was founded in 1870 and plans to celebrate their 150th anniversary during the July 30 weekend. For more information on Willow Bunch and all they have to offer, visit their website at www.willowbunch.ca, send an e-mail off to willowbunch.town@sasktel. net or give them a call at (306) 473-2450.

The Willow Bunch Museum has become a popular attraction since opening in 1985.