Coombs BC – More than just Goats on the Roof

Nestled along Highway 4A, just outside of Parksville, Coombs Market is one of Vancouver Island’s most unique and beloved attractions.

Famous for its Goats on the Roof, this quirky destination draws visitors from around the world who come to see the playful goats grazing atop the market’s sod-covered roof.

But Coombs Market is much more than its furry rooftop residents—inside, you'll find an eclectic mix of stores offering everything from international foods and artisan gifts to fresh-baked goods and locally made treasures.

Whether you're here for the goats, the food, or the one-of-a-kind shopping experience, Coombs Market is a must-visit stop on any Vancouver Island adventure.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Goats on the Roof, the best Coombs Market stores to visit, and insider tips to make the most of your trip.

Key Takeaways About Coombs Market

• A One-of-a-Kind Attraction – The Goats on the Roof at Coombs Market have been delighting visitors for decades, making this a must-see stop on Vancouver Island.

• Eclectic Shopping & Dining – The market is home to a variety of Coombs Market stores, offering everything from international foods and gourmet treats to artisan gifts and home décor.

• Rich History – Originally established in 1973, Coombs Market was inspired by Norwegian architecture, with a grass-covered roof that has since become the perfect grazing spot for its famous goats.

• Family-Friendly Destination – Beyond shopping, Coombs offers a fun and welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages, with delicious eateries, sweet treats, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

• More Than Just the Market – The surrounding area is packed with hidden gems, including local farm markets, scenic parks, and charming roadside attractions, making it a great place for a day trip.

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.

The goats head onto the roof each year from the May long weekend 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's Restaurant.

No matter what draws you to this little country corner of Vancouver Island, stopping here is a must!

A Bit of History

During the Salvation Army's immigration period, nearly 250,000 Welsh and English civilians immigrated to Canada early in the twentieth century.

Some of these immigrant families settled in the Coombs area around 1910 under the leadership of the Salvation Army's Ensign Cargo. 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.

Up on the rooftop today, you can find Pip & Penny.

Insider Tips for Visiting the Coombs Market

To make the most of your trip to Coombs Market, here are some key insider tips to help you avoid crowds, find the best parking, and enjoy a seamless experience.

Best Time to Visit

Coombs Market is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Here’s when to visit for the best experience:

✅ Weekdays are ideal – Weekends, especially Saturdays, can be extremely busy. Arriving on a weekday will help you avoid large crowds.

✅ Morning visits are best – Arriving before 11:00 AM ensures you get first pick of fresh-baked goods and a quieter shopping experience.

✅ Shoulder season (Spring or Fall) offers a relaxed vibe – While summer is the busiest, visiting in May, September, or early October allows you to enjoy the market with fewer people while still seeing the Goats on the Roof.

✅ Avoid peak lunch hours (12 PM – 2 PM) – This is when restaurants and the parking lot are at their fullest. If you plan to dine at Cuckoo’s Italian Trattoria, an early lunch or late afternoon meal is your best bet.

Parking

There are several areas to park in 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 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 these options, especially during July and August!

Family-Friendly Tips

If you're visiting with children, here’s how to make the trip enjoyable:

👶 Stroller-Friendly? Yes, but… – The market itself is stroller-friendly, but it can be crowded during peak hours. A baby carrier might be easier for navigating tight spaces.

🐐 Let kids see the goats up close – There’s a viewing area where children can safely watch the goats munching on the roof!

🍦 Don’t miss the ice cream shop – The Coombs Ice Cream Parlour serves massive scoops of delicious, locally made ice cream—perfect for a treat after shopping.

🚻 Restrooms are available – There are public washrooms on-site, but expect lineups during busy times.

Bringing Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the market grounds; however, they aren't allowed inside any of the stores unless they are service dogs. You can, however, bring your dog onto the patio of Billy Gruff Creamery to enjoy your ice cream.

The Coombs Market Stores

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 on-site 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) all year long.

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. (They have better produce pricing than many leading grocery stores around town.)

Plus, the Root Cellar supports many local farmers, producers, and 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.

Shops Outside the Market Area

There are other equally enticing 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. Plus, if the line is too long at Billy Gruff Creamery, you can get ice cream and food here, too.

Among the Emporium grounds 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.

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

This little area has a surprisingly great selection of eateries to choose from.

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. The Taqueria Cantina, Coomb's own Mexican menu offerings, are now offered at the Market Cafe. 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.

Other Coombs Attractions

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. 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).

Insider 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 Worth Visiting 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. Make sure to stop and take the short walk to these falls.

During the summer, the crystal-clear pools along the Englishman River turn into some 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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Why a Visit to Coombs is a Must

A trip to Coombs is more than just a quick stop—it's an experience that captures the charm and character of Vancouver Island.

Whether you're here to see the Goats on the Roof, explore the diverse Coombs Market stores, or indulge in delicious food, there's something for everyone at this iconic destination. It's the perfect stop on any Vancouver Island road trip.

So, pack your shopping bags, bring your camera, and get ready for a memorable visit to Coombs Market—where the goats are always watching from above!

Have I missed any of your favourite attractions in the Coombs area? Let us know in the comments below.

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