This Giant Chess Set Is Alberta’s Most Unexpected Summer Photo Op

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Nerissa McNaughton

Medicine Hat is home to a giant claim to fame—the largest chess set in the world! Whether you love to play chess, are a curious traveller, or just looking for a unique destination to spice up your summer road trip, this record-breaking chessboard and its towering pieces promise an experience like no other.

What is the World’s Largest Chess Set?

Certified by Guinness World Records in 2009, the giant chess set in Medicine Hat is an outdoor, permanently surfaced board measuring an impressive 5.89 meters on each side. The hand-crafted teak wood pieces, built to be played with, include a king that stands a whopping 4 feet tall and weighs nearly 40 pounds. Altogether, the entire set weighs about 870 pounds!

This larger-than-life game was conceptualized and created by Dr. Bill Taylor and the Medicine Hat Chess Club. It was designed to promote chess as a fun, inclusive activity, the set adds a playful touch to the city’s downtown core while attracting both tourists and locals.

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Where to Find It

The World’s Largest Chess Set is centrally located in a courtyard between the Court of Queen’s Bench building and the Medicine Hat Public Library. The board is surrounded by green spaces and nearby local attractions, making it an ideal stop for families, couples, or even solo travelers. During the summer months, the massive chess pieces are brought out for public use, so you can reserve a time to play a game.

Fun Facts About the Giant Chess Set

The king piece, standing tall at 4 feet, is the largest piece on the board.
The chessboard was officially recognized by Guinness over four years after its completion, and its title as the largest chess set in the world remains unchallenged to this day.
The teak wood pieces were hand-crafted in Indonesia before being shipped to Medicine Hat.
The board and pieces combined weigh more than a baby elephant!

The Benefits of Playing Chess

Visiting the giant chessboard is fun, but there’s more to the game than meets the eye. Chess is known to boost mental sharpness, inspire creativity, and develop problem-solving skills. According to experts, playing chess can also improve focus, patience, and memory, making it beneficial for players of all ages.

Introduce your children to the game on this oversized board or spark a passion for chess while creating lasting road trip memories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned master, the experience of moving these life-sized pieces adds a whole new dimension to the game.

Why It’s a Must-Stop on Your Summer Road Trip

The World’s Largest Chess Set is a unique pit stop that promises fun and relaxation. Medicine Hat itself is a vibrant city, offering plenty to explore beyond the chessboard. After a match, you can visit the iconic Saamis Tepee (the World’s Largest Teepee), enjoy the city’s thriving arts and culture scene, or grab a bite at one of its local eateries.

Your Move!

Whether you’re a seasoned chess player or just starting out, the World’s Largest Chess Set in is a fun place to visit. Don’t forget to snap some photos! Have you already been here? Share your pics and adventure with us in the comments.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.