Big Coke Can

Portage May Lose Landmark

chazm — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:39:14 +0000

July 13, 2009 Article outlining the possible painting or non-painting of the World’s Largest Coke CanPortage Daily Graphic Article

Coke Can Video in Portage

chazm — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:48:25 +0000

Here’s a video of me driving up to the World’s Biggest Coke Can in Portage la Prairie Manitoba Canada.

Google Maps View of Portage Coke Can

chazm — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:43:18 +0000

View Larger Map

You can see the World’s Largest Coke Can in Portage on the Google Maps satellite and hybrid maps. You can’t see the Coke logo, but you can see the shadow quite clearly.

I’m not sure how to link directly, but here’s the directions:

go to: http://maps.google.com

cut and paste this address:
2499 saskatchewan avenue portage la prairie manitoba

Even though this is not the correct address, this will get you the closest to the actual location. Now look about 1000 feet to the left of that location, and you will see a dark can shaped shadow. It’s hard to miss.

Coke Can Next to Canad Inns Portage

chazm — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:58:31 +0000

The big coke can in Portage la Prairie is next to the 2 Diamond hotel Canad Inns. Their link is available for reservations and bookings here. http://www.canadinns.com/portage/index.php?
Canad Inns is Manitoba’s largest hotel chain.

Night Time Viewing in Portage la Prairie

chazm — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 23:57:21 +0000

The world’s largest coke can is visible at night time in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. It is lit up by a variety of lights. In fact, the next door motel Canad Inns has a rotating sky search light that can be seen for 10 miles around Portage, at night. The coke can is located approximately at the base of this light, so this international roadside attraction, may actually be easier to find at night, than during the day.

Portage History as I Recall

chazm — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 20:28:48 +0000

I remember the day that they moved the old water tower from the location near the Portage Diversion south of Highway 1, along the country roads near the Cemetery, and over its second location between the old Westward Inn (now Canad Inns) and the bar Club West. Club West was located near the west end of the parking lot in the new Canadian Tire big box store. I recall some debate in the community whether sponsorship for the tower, was to go to a Beer manufacturer, since the location of the can was to be next to the bar.

The first location for the water tower was right next to the City of Portage water treatment facility on Yellowquill trail, near the Portage Diversion. A similar water tower remains, and can be seen in the Google satellite maps, about 2 miles straight south of the current can location. I remember driving by as a young man, and seeing the old partially rusted water tower. I vaguely recollect a ladder and enclosure up the side, but my memory may be failing me.

The second location for the tower was between Club West and the Westward Inn and Mall, that was locally owned. I don’t remember the exact dates of the painting, but I do recall scaffolding and tarps covering the exterior as the prep work, probably sand blasting, and painting were going on. It seems to me that it was spring or fall, when there needed to be some control of the temperature or moisture.

The third and present location for the tower was several hundred feet further back from the highway, with the construction of the new Canadian Tire big box store.

An American’s Guide to Canada

chazm — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 19:57:39 +0000

Emily Way has an interesting piece on her travels across Canada. It includes a mention of the Coke can in Portage la Prairie and a photo of the the Can in its second location near the highway. She also has an informative and interesting page called, “How to Tell if you’re in Canada.” Be sure to send it to all your American cousins.

Roadside Attractions Page