Saanich, British Columbia, Canada: Howard, World's Tallest Gnome
28 feet tall, stubby boots and giant hands, built over a period of four months in 1998 by Ron Hale to promote a go-cart track. Moved to current location in 2019.
Galey Farms
- Address:
- 4150 Blenkinsop Rd, Saanich, BC, Canada
- Directions:
- Galey Farms. North of McKenzie Ave.
- Hours:
- Oct. weekends only 10-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 250-477-5713
- Admission:
- Adults $12.
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Visitor Tips and News About Howard, World's Tallest Gnome
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The 28-foot-tall, big-booted giant-handed gnome named Howard has been saved from destruction, but with a few significant catches. New owner Rob Galey moved Howard to his agri-tourist farm and has restored and upgraded the gnome, giving him blinking eyes, a waving hand, and a less-terrifying smile. But to Galey's apparent surprise, Howard was found to be too tall for the town's signage regulations. There was alarming talk of standing the gnome in a pit or chopping off his legs. Then Galey and the town reached a compromise: Howard could stand at full height on level ground, but only during the Galey Farms fall festival. For giant gnome fans, this means that Howard will only be visible for four weekends a year in October, and you'll have to pay admission to see him. The rest of the year, Howard will be on his back, in storage.
[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 10/10/2019]Howard, World's Tallest Gnome
A report on CTV news hints that Howard the Gnome's move to his new home in Saanich is not going as smoothly as was hoped. Over 100 towns in the U.S. and Canada offered to take Howard when he had to leave his previous home in Nanoose Bay; Rob Galey in Saanich won the bidding because Howard's previous owner wanted the Gnome to remain on Vancouver Island, and because Galey has promised to restore and even mechanize the giant creature.
But it turns out that Saanich has a height restriction for outdoor displays, and Howard, the World's Tallest Gnome, is 17 inches too tall.
According to Galey, Saanich officials said, "just shorten him," but that would jeopardize his world record height, and what part of him would be lopped off? Some have suggested standing Howard in an 18-inch-deep hole, but Galey said that "stipulations" made that unlikely as well. It was hoped that Howard would stand again in time for the Island's pumpkin festival in October, but those plans may have to be changed.
[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 05/11/2019]Esso Gnome: Largest in Canada
The gnome had been repainted a rather bright blue as of November '14.
[Bruce Triggs, 12/01/2014]There used to be a go-cart track and private theme park here before they built the gas station. The gnome is all that's left.
[Paul, 03/24/2013]World Famous Nanoose Bay Gnome
A giant 29-foot-tall gnome stands next to an Esso service station just off of Nanoose Bay.
[David Kamada, 08/08/2012]The gnome was built in the 1990s for a "junk art" show by Nanoose Bay resident Ron Hale. Maybe the next visitor tipster can ask someone there how it wound up at the gas station.
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The self-described "World Famous Gnome" -- according to its sign -- has been standing on this spot since the 1990s.