Coombs is a charming gem nestled on Vancouver Island that beckons travellers with its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and countryside charm. Tucked away just a stone's throw from Parksville and Qualicum Beach, this quaint village is more than just a pit stop; it's an experience waiting to be discovered.
The Most Unique Tourist Attraction
Famous for its iconic market, this is where you can find goats grazing nonchalantly atop the sod roof, adding a whimsical touch to the landscape. It's a sight you won't find anywhere else, and it's just the beginning of the eclectic charm this little area exudes.
It's also why the area is synonymously known as Goats on the Roof Coombs. These furry friends are so famous that people often ask, “Where's Goats on the Roof BC?”. (Like that's the name of the town!).
More than a million visitors arrive each year to see these goats on top of the sod roof. While some visitors stop only to marvel at the permanent four-legged tenants, others stay to immerse themselves in the many unique galleries, studios and shops that share the area with the famous furry friends.
Each year, on the May long weekend, the goats head up onto the roof and stay up until late October. During this time, they are up there 24/7, tending to the grass and entertaining visitors. During the off-season, they call a nearby farm their home, but they can also be seen in the grassy field beside Cuckoo Restaurant.
No matter what draws you to this little country corner of Vancouver Island, stopping here is a must!
A Bit of History
As part of the Salvation Army's immigration period, nearly 250,000 Welsh and English civilians immigrated to Canada early in the twentieth century. Under the leadership of the Salvation Army's Ensign Cargo, some of these immigrant families settled in the Coombs area around 1910. The community is named after the Army's Canadian Commissioner, Captain Thomas Coombs.
The Market
The original Market was created by Kristian Graaten, who, along with his wife Solveig and children, emigrated to Vancouver Island from Norway in the 1950s. Inspired by the many Norwegian homes and farm structures built directly into the hillside, Kristian decided to design the Market with a sod roof. With the help of his two sons, Svein and Andy, and son-in-law, Larry, he unwittingly began to build what would become perhaps one of the most famous sod-roof buildings in the world!
The Goats
The Goats first appeared approximately 40 years ago.
It was the Coombs Country Fair weekend, and the grass on the roof was higher than Kristian liked. Legend says that after a few drinks, Larry suggested they borrow some goats to mow the grass and perhaps entertain passing cars.
Needless to say, the goats became permanent tenants that day.
Insider Tips
Parking
There are several areas to park to enjoy the local attractions.
Premium parking spots are available in front of and behind the main market and can be accessed by turning into the market area from the highway. If you can't find a spot near the main buildings, a large gravel lot is located at the very end of this road. It's forested and provides some shade.
Another large gravel parking area is near the Coombs Emporium (where the large statues are). I typically park here because it's easier to get to and has fewer pedestrians to worry about. It's also an ideal location for RVs and large vehicles.
If either of those locations is full, you can park along the highway (which is what many people choose to do, especially during the busy summer months). Just be mindful when crossing the highway on foot, as there is no crosswalk!
Finding parking can be tricky despite all of these options, especially during July and August!
Bringing Dogs
Dogs are allowed on the market grounds, however, unless they are service dogs, they aren't allowed inside any of the stores. You can, however, bring your dog onto the patio of Billy Gruff Creamery to enjoy your ice cream.
Things to do in Coombs
Another great reason to visit this quirky attraction is the eclectic mix of unique retail shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Coombs Country Market
Yes, it's well known for the grazers on the grass rooftop, but this special shop is famous for what's inside the store, too! They carry international foods, fresh-baked goods, imported gifts from the far reaches of the world, and a superb delicatessen specializing in a variety of international meats and cheeses. (Make sure to try the candied salmon). There is also an onsite Restaurant (see details below).
Whether you're hunting for one-of-a-kind trinkets or gourmet treats to take back home, this place has something for everyone.
The Coombs Market and grounds are open every day (including holidays) from early March to the end of December.
Root Cellar Produce
Whether it is due to top-quality products or great prices, this open-air produce shop is one of the best places in the area for fruits and veggies. The Root Cellar supports many local farmers and producers along with top-quality wholesalers.
The Garden Center
The Garden Center is located behind the Root Cellar. This store offers a wide variety of bamboo fencing, posts and polls, garden pots, and other garden décor. Their pricing on large pots is extremely reasonable.
Zolena Home
This lovely store offers an eclectic collection of items designed to bring comfort and inspiration to your home. From bedding and luxurious bathrobes to indoor plants and candles, you can find it here.
Wabisabi Boardwear
This is the largest board shop in the area, and it carries all the top surf and skate brands, including Roxy, Rip Curl, Quicksilver, Billabong, Sitka, and Toms (to name just a few). The prices are not cheap, but the name-brand products are popular. Always check the sales rack for the best deals.
Outside the Market Area
There are other equally tantalizing stores just outside the central point that you should check out while in the area. Here are a few of my favourites:
Coombs Emporium
Located next to the Old Country Market, the Coombs Emporium features giant stone sculptures and an even more quirky shop. You need to check this place out for incredibly unique items. If the line is just too long at Billy Gruff Creamery, you can also get ice cream and food here. Among the grounds of the Emporium, there is a great used book store, a comic shop, and a few unique clothing stores.
Red Door Treasures
With over eight years of experience, the staff here specializes in helping customers find sought-after collectibles. It's a treasure trove for those passionate about collecting unique items.
Coombstock (Coombaya)
Locally known as “the hippie store,” this shop offers a huge selection of tie-dye clothing, unique and ‘groovy' clothing, and many other collectibles.
Coombs Wooden Shoe Dutch Import Store
They offer a great selection of imported cheese, meat, candies, hot sauces, jams, and, of course, wooden shoes! A favourite of many is the wine gums and/or licorice.
The Other Side Artisan Collective
Across the road from the Market, you will find this great store, which features handmade island goods crafted by local artisans.
Coastal Carvings Fine Arts Gallery
Beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces created by talented artists. They specialize in Indigenous artwork from various mediums. You can find traditional, contemporary and historical pieces along with functional art.
The art gallery is within walking distance and next door to the Coombs Market, further along Highway 4.
Pyromania Pottery
This shop showcases the work of talented local potters. Visitors can explore a variety of ceramic pieces crafted by these artisans at reasonable prices. The store offers a delightful experience for those interested in pottery.
Karma Coffee
Great coffee can be found here! It's not a coffee shop (where you can drink coffee) but a shop where you can purchase coffee beans. Their claim to fame is being BC's (and possibly Canada's) first organic, ethically sourced coffee roasters. Karma Coffee is found further along Highway 4.
Demxx
Just down the road (towards Parksville), you will find this unique store full of deconstruction supplies, reclaimed lumber and building supplies, home decor, antique home furnishings, garden decor, and much more. Demxx has two locations in the area; the closest one to Coombs offers unique building materials and a small store with home decor. The second location, further along Highway 4A and closer to Parksville, is a huge store full of beautiful furniture and home decor.
Where to Eat and Drink in Coombs
Market Cafe
Located inside the Market, this restaurant offers menu options for the entire family. You will find everything from daily soups, salads, and sandwiches to chicken fingers and burgers. New for 2024, the Taqueria Cantina, Coomb's own Mexican menu offerings, are now offered at the Market Cafe. Definitely try their tortilla soup with handmade chips (delicious!).
After ordering your food, you can sit inside or out on the patio. If you choose to do so, you may just get a goat or two staring at you from the rooftop.
Billy Gruff Creamery
With over 70 flavour choices, this ice cream shop has one of the best selections of ice cream, gelato, and sorbet found on Vancouver Island.
Billy G's Doughnut Shop
The lineup to get into this shop is often quite long, but there's good reason for that. These doughnuts are delicious and offer unique flavourings not found anywhere else.
Cuckoo Tratorria & Pizzeria
For an authentic made-from-scratch Italian meal, a great atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings, head to this restaurant within the Market area. You can't go wrong with their pasta and/or pizzas. And make sure to try their Lavender Lemonade, too.
Open Thursday to Monday, from noon – late (kitchen closes at 8:00 pm).
James Island Grill
This little grill serves delicious burgers, wraps, hot dogs, sandwiches, and a Mexican menu of tacos and burritos. Its hours and days of operation are sporadic, especially during the off-season, but if it is open, I urge you to check it out. And, just like the rest of Coombs, the aesthetic is eclectic and fun.
You can find James Island Grill within walking distance from the Market, further along Highway 4.
Here's a short video I created to showcase this incredible location:
Other Attractions in the Area
Butterfly World
This tropical oasis will have you strolling among gardens filled with plants, flowers, and butterflies from around the world. The hundreds of butterflies of all shapes, colours, and sizes fly freely, and if you are lucky, they will mistake you for a flower and land on your shoulder or hat. You will also have the opportunity to gawk at turtles and beautiful birds.
Butterfly World is located on the Alberni Highway (Highway 4A) just north of the Market on your way to Port Alberni.
Hamilton Hobby Farm
Right across the street from Butterfly World, this hobby farm is full of a myriad of animals, including horses, goats, potbelly pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and many other critters. They also offer hayrides and horseback riding lessons.
Hamilton Marsh
Trails leading from the parking lot allow you to meander around this natural habitat for marsh birds, ducks and geese. While viewing platforms allow for closer observation of the inhabitants. This area is particularly active in the Spring and Fall.
Hamilton Marsh is located approximately 4 km north of Coombs on South Hilliers Road, just off the Alberni Highway (Highway 4A) on the way to Port Alberni.
The Rail Trail
The RailTrail follows along the south side of the tracks (which are no longer in operation) between Coombs and Parksville. This 7 km hard-packed gravel trail is a great place for kids and adults alike to walk, run, or ride bikes. The trailhead in Coombs starts across from Station Road (just south of the Market), while the Parksville end starts at Springwood Park on Despard Avenue – (The trailhead is near the Springwood Park dog park area).
Tip: If you have little ones who won't make it there and back, park one vehicle in Parksville and the other in Coombs.
Location of Coombs BC
Coombs is located on Highway 4A (Alberni Highway), approximately 9 km west of Parksville on Vancouver Island. Highway 4A is the main highway across the Island, connecting the east and west coasts, which is why Coombs is such a popular stop on the long drive to Tofino and Ucluelet.
Attractions Near Coombs
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Tucked in the small farming community of Errington, you will find a world-class wildlife recovery centre. Since 1986, this eight-acre rehabilitation facility has cared for ill, injured, or orphaned cougars, bears, wolves, and birds. In addition to caring for these creatures, the centre takes great pride in providing the public with extensive education programs.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Located near Errington, Englishman River Falls features a great campground and two beautiful waterfalls to view. Even if you aren't interested in camping, make sure to stop and take a short walk to the falls. During the summer, a crystal clear pool at the base of the lower falls turns into one of the best swimming holes in the area. In the Fall, the park becomes a prime viewing area for the return of spawning salmon.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
This is by far one of the most beautiful parks on Vancouver Island. At Little Qualicum Falls, impressive waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forest setting. Walking trails around the park offer picturesque river views and provide access to the upper and lower falls.
Cathedral Grove
When you come to a mass congestion of cars along Highway 4A (towards Port Alberni), you know you will have arrived at Cathedral Grove. Located in MacMillan Provincial Park, Cathedral Grove is one of the most easily accessible stands of old-growth forest on Vancouver Island. Trails on either side of the highway lead visitors through paths lined with giant Douglas Fir trees, some of which are over 800 years old.
Where to Stay
There are no accommodations available in Coombs. So, if you wish to spend a few days in the area, your best bet is to find a hotel in Parksville. My top recommendation is at the Beach Club Resort.
This 5-star resort offers guest rooms and suites featuring private balconies and indulgent soaking tubs. Access top-tier amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, and spa, ensuring a perfect balance of relaxation and luxury during your stay.
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Conclusion: Coombs Awaits Your Discovery
Coombs invites you to embark on a journey of exploration and enchantment that promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a foodie seeking culinary delights, a shopper looking for a unique gift, or you are just looking for the quirky side of Vancouver Island, Coombs offers a little something for everyone. So, why wait? Add Coombs to your Vancouver Island itinerary and prepare to be charmed by its undeniable allure.
Have I missed any of your favourite attractions in the Coombs area? Let us know in the comments below.
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We would like to do some kayaking. Is the best kayak trip out to Meares Island from Tofino or is it better from Telegraph Cove?
This would be a 1/2 day or a bit longer kayak.
Out of the two, I’ve only kayaked out of Telegraph Cove, so I can’t really compare them. Telegraph Cove is wonderful, though, if that helps.
Are the ‘goats on the roof’ visible year round, or is this seasonal?
I believe the goats (and the entire market) take a winter break during the months of January and February. After that, they can be seen on the roof and/or in their pasture behind Cuckoos Restaurant.
We were in Coombs over the holidays. I would like to know the history of the building housing the Cuckoo restaurant and the other buildings of similar design. They don’t seem to fit the country market. Would like to know their history. Thank you
Hi Frank, I do know that the building housing Cuckoos was opened in 2011, so it was a new build compared to the market, which was opened in 1973. Up until a few years ago (2, maybe 3 years) the rest of the buildings surrounding the market did, in fact, look just like the market. Old wooden buildings. They were all replaced with the new ones you see (Italian inspired architecture) to match Cuckoo’s. This was done, I believe, because the old buildings no longer passed fire code. I hope that helps! And if anyone reading this knows more details than what I’ve posted, please chime in.
There is a new Website documenting the history of Coombs. You can find it at http://www.coombshistory.com
Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Coombs is always close by for a little break from the norm or to meet friends for lunch. Really enjoy the little shops on the other side of the bridge next to the old school. The Best Little Junque Shop and the ladies consignment shop are always fun.
I must admit, other than the Other Side Artisan Collective, I haven’t checked out any of the stores on the other side of the bridge. I will have to do so now!