Step inside one of Vancouver Island's most beloved and eccentric attractions, where rooftop goats, artisan food, and decades of history create an experience unlike anywhere else near Parksville.
Drive ten minutes west from downtown Parksville along Highway 4A toward Port Alberni, and you will encounter one of the most photographed, most shared, and most genuinely delightful roadside attractions on Vancouver Island. The Coombs Old Country Market is a sprawling country emporium where you can buy imported cheeses, sample handmade gelato, browse artisan pottery, stock up on organic produce, and watch live goats grazing contentedly on a grass-covered roof overhead. It sounds improbable. It is entirely real. And it has been drawing visitors from around the world since 1973.
The Coombs Old Country Market is far more than a novelty. Behind the famous rooftop goats lies a genuinely excellent market and a vibrant cluster of independent shops, galleries, and eateries that together form one of the most enjoyable things to do near Parksville BC. Whether you are a foodie hunting for artisan ingredients, a family looking for a memorable outing, or a curious traveller who simply has to see those goats for yourself, a visit to Coombs belongs on every Parksville itinerary.
The story of the Coombs Old Country Market begins in 1973, when a modest fruit and vegetable stand opened along the highway in the small community of Coombs, a rural settlement nestled in the fertile valley between Parksville and the mountains of Vancouver Island's interior. The stand served the local farming community and passing travellers heading to and from Port Alberni and the west coast.
The original owners were drawn to the Coombs area by its mild climate, rich soil, and the independent spirit of its residents, many of whom were back-to-the-land settlers who had arrived in the 1960s and early 1970s seeking a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life. The market reflected this ethos from the start, emphasizing locally grown produce, homemade preserves, and a personal, community-oriented shopping experience that stood in sharp contrast to the supermarket chains expanding across the island.
The grass roof came early in the market's history, inspired by the traditional sod-roof buildings of Scandinavia. The thick layer of soil and grass planted atop the main building provided natural insulation, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. It also gave the market a distinctive, storybook appearance that caught the eye of every passing motorist. And then, at some point in the mid-1970s, someone had the inspired idea of putting goats on it.
The goats were an instant sensation. Word spread quickly, first through local conversation, then through newspaper articles, and eventually through the travel guides, television features, and social media posts that have made the Coombs Old Country Market one of the most recognizable images associated with Vancouver Island tourism. Today, the market welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and "goats on the roof" has become a phrase that is virtually synonymous with the Parksville-Coombs area.
The goats are, of course, the stars of the show. Every spring, a small herd of domestic goats is introduced to the grass-covered roof of the main market building, where they spend the warmer months grazing, lounging, and observing the crowds below with the serene indifference that only goats can truly master. The sight of a goat perched on the roofline, silhouetted against the sky and calmly chewing a mouthful of grass, never fails to produce delighted laughter, pointed cameras, and a profound sense that the world is perhaps more wonderful than we usually give it credit for.
The goats are well cared for, with access to shade, fresh water, and supplemental feed in addition to the grass growing on the roof. They are brought down from the roof at the end of the season and spend the winter months in comfortable ground-level quarters. The breed varies from year to year but has typically included friendly, docile varieties that are comfortable with the attention and noise of the crowds below.
For visitors, the goats are best viewed from the parking lot in front of the market, where you can look up at the roof and see them going about their contented, grass-munching business. Binoculars are not necessary, as the roof is low enough to see the goats clearly, and on busy days they tend to come to the edges of the roof to investigate the commotion below. It is one of the most genuinely joyful and family-friendly spectacles on Vancouver Island, and it is completely free to enjoy.
The rooftop goats are typically on the roof from late March or early April through late October or early November, depending on weather conditions. The grass needs to be sufficiently grown before the goats are introduced each spring. For the best chance of seeing them, visit between May and September when they are reliably present and most active.
While the goats may be what draws you in, it is the market itself that keeps you browsing for far longer than you originally planned. The Coombs Old Country Market has grown over the decades from that original fruit stand into a vast, maze-like emporium packed with an astonishing variety of goods, foods, and discoveries.
The heart of the operation is the main market building, a cavernous space overflowing with products sourced from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and around the world. The produce section features locally grown fruits and vegetables in season, including the famous Vancouver Island berries, sweet corn, and orchard fruits that thrive in the region's temperate climate. Beyond produce, you will find an extensive selection of imported cheeses, cured meats, European chocolates, specialty oils and vinegars, bulk spices, dried fruits, organic grains, and an impressive wall of hot sauces that could occupy a dedicated enthusiast for the better part of an afternoon.
The market's deli counter is a destination in its own right, offering house-made sausages, smoked salmon, pates, and prepared salads that are perfect for assembling a gourmet picnic to enjoy at one of the nearby parks. The bakery turns out fresh bread, pastries, and pies daily, and the aroma of cinnamon buns and sourdough loaves wafting through the market is one of the great olfactory pleasures of a Coombs visit.
Adjacent to the main market, a charming Italian trattoria serves wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and classic Italian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The trattoria has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike for its generous portions, authentic flavours, and the simple pleasure of eating excellent Italian food in a setting that could not be further from the streets of Rome. On warm days, the outdoor seating area fills quickly, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table during peak season.
No visit to the Coombs Old Country Market is complete without a stop at the ice cream parlour, which serves scoops of rich, creamy ice cream in an array of flavours ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like lavender honey, blackberry cheesecake, and salted caramel made with Vancouver Island sea salt. On a hot summer day, the queue for ice cream can stretch out the door, but the wait is always worthwhile. Children will find it difficult to choose just one flavour, and adults will find it difficult to stop at a single scoop.
Gardening enthusiasts should not miss the Coombs market garden centre, which stocks an impressive range of plants, seeds, garden tools, and supplies. The selection reflects the unique growing conditions of Vancouver Island's east coast, with a strong emphasis on plants that thrive in the region's mild, maritime climate. Whether you are looking for heritage tomato starts, native wildflower seeds, ornamental shrubs, or simply a beautiful hanging basket to brighten your vacation rental, the garden centre is a treasure trove.
Located within the Coombs market complex, Coombs Country Candy is a dedicated confectionery that produces handmade fudge, brittles, caramels, and chocolates on site. Watching the candymakers work through the shop windows is entertainment in itself, as they stir enormous copper kettles of bubbling sugar and pour molten caramel onto marble slabs with practiced precision. The fudge comes in dozens of varieties, from traditional chocolate walnut to creative seasonal flavours, and the samples are generously offered. Coombs Country Candy makes an excellent source of gifts and souvenirs, and their products ship well if you want to bring a taste of Vancouver Island home to friends and family.
The area surrounding the main market building has blossomed into a small village of independent shops, galleries, and studios that collectively offer one of the best artisan shopping experiences near Parksville BC. Among the highlights:
The artisan character of the Coombs shopping village reflects the broader creative community that has flourished in the Parksville-Coombs-Errington area, where a concentration of artists, craftspeople, and makers has established one of Vancouver Island's most vibrant studio districts.
The Coombs Old Country Market operates seasonally, typically opening in March and running through December. The busiest months are July and August, when summer tourists swell the crowds and the goats are at their most active on the roof. Spring and fall offer a more relaxed visiting experience, with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures that make browsing the outdoor shops especially pleasant. Some of the smaller satellite shops in the Coombs village may have shorter seasons or limited winter hours, so it is worth checking ahead if you are visiting outside of the peak summer months.
During the holiday season in November and December, the market takes on a festive atmosphere with seasonal products, gift baskets, and holiday baking supplies. It is a popular destination for Christmas shopping among Vancouver Island residents who prefer locally made and artisan gifts over mass-produced alternatives.
Season: Approximately March through December (check current year dates on their website).
Summer hours (July-August): Typically 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.
Shoulder season hours: Typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. daily.
Admission: Free. You pay only for what you purchase.
The Coombs Old Country Market is located at the junction of Highway 4A and Highway 4, approximately 10 kilometres west of downtown Parksville. The drive takes roughly 10 minutes along a scenic route that passes through the pastoral farmland of the Errington area. From Highway 19 (the Island Highway), take the Highway 4 exit westbound toward Port Alberni and follow the signs to Coombs. The market is prominently signed and impossible to miss once you are in the village.
Parking is available in a large free lot directly in front of the market, though during peak summer weekends it can fill up quickly. Overflow parking is available in adjacent lots, and the walk to the market entrance is short and easy. Cyclists can reach Coombs from Parksville via a scenic route along Highway 4A, though the road does not have dedicated bike lanes and caution is advised during busy periods.
One of the great advantages of the Coombs Old Country Market's location is its proximity to several other outstanding attractions in the Parksville area. A visit to Coombs can easily be combined with one or more of the following to create a full and memorable day trip:
Just 15 minutes from Coombs, Englishman River Falls features two stunning waterfalls and a network of easy to moderate hiking trails through old-growth forest. The swimming hole beneath the lower falls is a perfect way to cool off after a morning of browsing at the market. Pack a picnic from the Coombs deli and enjoy lunch at one of the park's riverside picnic tables.
Located approximately 15 minutes west of Coombs along Highway 4, Little Qualicum Falls offers another pair of spectacular waterfalls connected by a beautiful riverside trail. The park is less crowded than Englishman River Falls and makes an excellent complement to a Coombs visit, particularly for visitors who enjoy waterfall hikes.
Continue west on Highway 4 past Coombs for about 20 minutes and you will reach Cathedral Grove, home to some of the most magnificent old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar trees remaining on Vancouver Island. Some of these ancient trees are over 800 years old and reach heights exceeding 75 metres. The short, accessible loop trails through the grove are awe-inspiring and require only 30 to 60 minutes to explore.
Coombs sits at the edge of a broader rural community that includes the village of Errington and the surrounding farmland, all of which contribute to the distinctive character of the area. Errington is known for its tight-knit community of artists, organic farmers, and independent thinkers who have shaped a local culture that values creativity, sustainability, and self-reliance.
The Errington Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings during the growing season, is a wonderful complement to a Coombs visit, featuring organic produce, farm-fresh eggs, local honey, handmade bread, and artisan crafts from the surrounding area. Several small farms in the Errington area offer seasonal u-pick experiences, particularly for berries and apples, and a handful of farm-gate wineries and cideries have begun to emerge in recent years, adding to the area's growing culinary reputation.
The back roads between Coombs, Errington, and Parksville wind through some of the most beautiful pastoral scenery on eastern Vancouver Island, with views of green fields, grazing livestock, heritage barns, and the snow-dusted summit of Mount Arrowsmith rising above the treeline to the west. It is cycling and driving country of the highest order, and exploring these quiet lanes at a leisurely pace is one of the genuine pleasures of visiting the Parksville area.
The main market building and parking lot are accessible to wheelchair users, with a level entrance and paved surfaces throughout the main shopping area. The interior aisles are generally wide enough for wheelchair navigation, though they can become congested during peak hours. Some of the outdoor artisan shops have gravel or uneven surfaces that may present challenges for wheelchair users. The Italian trattoria has accessible outdoor seating. Accessible washrooms are available on site. For the most comfortable experience, wheelchair users may wish to visit during quieter weekday periods when the aisles are less crowded.
The Coombs Old Country Market fits beautifully into a variety of Parksville itineraries. Here are a few suggested combinations:
The Coombs Old Country Market is located at 2326 Alberni Highway, Coombs BC. It is approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown Parksville. For current hours, seasonal updates, and event information, visit the market's website or contact the Parksville Visitor Centre on Highway 19A.
From rooftop goats to hidden waterfalls, the Parksville area is full of unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored.
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