Eye Candy: Vancouver Island Roadside Attractions
Standing 205 feet tall, and built out of Douglas Fir, this sculpture is 40 times larger than its life-size specimen.By Darci Friesen
The World's Largest Hockey Stick... and Puck, Duncan BC
Built in 1985, originally commissioned by the Government of Canada as part of the '1986 World's Fair Exposition' (Expo '86), this 28,118 kg (61,000 pound) replica of a hockey stick and puck now resides at the Cowichan Community Centre. Standing 205 feet tall, and built out of Douglas Fir, this sculpture is 40 times larger than its life-size specimen.
The World's Largest (in diameter) Totem Pole, Duncan BC
Referred to a “The Cedarman”, this totem pole – built out of an old, thick cedar tree - spans 6'7” in diameter. Built in the traditional Kwakiutl style in 1988 by Richard Hunt, the carving represents the 'Cedarman' transforming into his human form. Along with 80 other totem poles in Duncan, this girthy totem is part of the “Totem Walk of Duncan”; just follow the painted yellow footprints that form the scenic walking path.
The World Famous Gnome, Nanoose Bay BC
Originally built in the 1990's by Ron Hale for a junk art show, this gnome was constructed out of scrap metals and junk. At over 29 feet tall, this relic of refuse can be see along Highway 19 at the Esso Gas station.
Goats of the Roof? Coombs, BC
A building/store, created after recollections of its Norwegian owners' of their former home land, this structure boasts a sod roof – complete with a gaggle of goats (or is that 'gaggle of geese?'....hmmm). For more than 30 years the goats, and the business below, have been flourishing.
The Cadborosaurus, Victoria BC
Located near the children's playground at Gyro Park on Cadboro Bay, Victoria, is a giant replica of the Cadborosaurus sea serpent – believed to live in the waters off the Pacific Coast of North America. A thing of legends, Victoria's own 'Loch Ness Monster' was said to have first been sighted more than 100 years ago. The 'real life' mesozoic relic is now the subject of the eighth annual 'Caddy Sighting Event”. This event was first held in May 20, 2003.
World's Tallest Totem Pole (from a single tree), Victoria BC
This 38.862 m ( 127.5 f) tall totem resides in Beacon Hill Park, Victoria. This amazing feat of prowess was created in 1955 by noted Kwakiutl artist, Chief Mungo Martin (with help from his son David and Henry Hunt), from a single cedar tree. The carving – commissioned by the City of Victoria and paid for by private donations – was dedicated by the 76 year old on June 30, 1965.