Kew Gardens Flagpole

Dimensions: 4.9m x 1.8m (16’ x 6’)

Best Viewed: Across the street from Back to Britain Pubs on Chemainus Road.

“Historical Series #43: Kew Gardens Flagpole”

In 1958, a towering 250-foot Douglas fir began an arduous trek down Copper Canyon on two logging trucks, in what was the start of an 8,829-mile journey from Chemainus to the River Thames in London. You will note that a man stands in the open passenger door of the rear truck. He is keeping watch on the chain between the trucks, to ensure the proper distance between them is maintained.

The tree, felled by MacMillan Bloedel employees, was originally 265 feet, but was topped to 250 feet for the trip to Chemainus, where another 25 feet were removed prior to shipping. Cates Towing transported the log to Vancouver. The world’s tallest flagpole, erected in 1959, was a gift from the Province of British Columbia and the BC Loggers Association to Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, celebrating both BC’s centenary, as well as the bicentenary of Kew Gardens. The flagpole was removed in 2007 due to rot.

(Please drop by the Chemainus Visitors Centre to buy your Official Mural Guide. Proceeds from the sale go to the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society).

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Where to Find This Mural

Location: 9776 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus BC. V0R1K0 Get Directions