Coombs Old Country Market (Goats on the Roof)
A charming market famous for its resident goats grazing on the roof, offering unique gifts, international foods, and delicious donuts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Goats are active and crowds are smaller.
Coombs Old Country Market (Goats on the Roof)
Best Time
Goats are active and crowds are smaller.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming market famous for its resident goats grazing on the roof, offering unique gifts, international foods, and delicious donuts.
"This charming and cheerful place with a great vibe is a must-visit spot on Vancouver Island!"
🎯 Goats are seasonal!
See the famous goats on the roof from spring to fall. They're not there in winter!
🍩 Donut heaven awaits!
Don't miss the incredibly rich and delicious donuts from Billy G's. Worth the wait!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Goats on the Roof
Market Roof
Watch real goats graze on the grassy roof of the market – a quirky and unforgettable sight!
Billy G's Donuts
Connected to the Market
Indulge in rich, delicious donuts with a huge variety of flavors and textures.
Unique Market Finds
Inside the Market
Explore a treasure trove of international foods, local treats, gifts, and souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Goats on the Roof: Seasonal Schedule
Market Closure & Off-Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Goats are seasonal!
See the famous goats on the roof from spring to fall. They're not there in winter!
🍩 Donut heaven awaits!
Don't miss the incredibly rich and delicious donuts from Billy G's. Worth the wait! +1
🛍️ Treasure hunting fun
Wander through the market for unique gifts, international foods, and local souvenirs.
🚗 Easy roadside stop
A perfect, quirky stop on your Vancouver Island road trip, especially en route to Tofino.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Goats are seasonal!
See the famous goats on the roof from spring to fall. They're not there in winter!
🍩 Donut heaven awaits!
Don't miss the incredibly rich and delicious donuts from Billy G's. Worth the wait! +1
🛍️ Treasure hunting fun
Wander through the market for unique gifts, international foods, and local souvenirs.
🚗 Easy roadside stop
A perfect, quirky stop on your Vancouver Island road trip, especially en route to Tofino.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Coombs Old Country Market for its unique charm, especially the iconic goats on the roof. The market offers a delightful mix of quirky gifts, international foods, and the highly-rated donuts from Billy G's. It's considered a must-visit, memorable stop on Vancouver Island, though it can get busy.
"What a charming and unique stop! There's truly something for everyone here - shops, food, gifts, and of course, the famous goats on the roof! I loved wondering through the market and soaking up the rustic charm. Picked up some delicious coffee and a few treats to bring back home to Ontario. Definitely worth the visit if you're in the area!"
Susan Hitchcock
"Such a charming and cheerful place with a great vibe. The goats on the roof are so cute and make the whole experience unforgettable. Inside, there’s a wonderful selection of local treats, souvenirs, and delicious food — I especially loved the bakery! It’s the perfect little stop for both fun and relaxation. Definitely a must-visit spot on Vancouver Island!"
Valery Biliaieva
"This shop is super fun and creative — they sell all kinds of tasty food and souvenirs. And the goats on the roof are absolutely adorable! If you’re ever driving by, definitely stop and check it out.”"
Lily L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located at 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC. It's a popular stop on Vancouver Island, about a 40-minute drive from Nanaimo and a common detour for those traveling to Tofino.
Public transport options to Coombs are limited. It's best accessed by car, making it a convenient stop during a Vancouver Island road trip.
The market is easily visible from the highway. Look for the distinctive roof with goats! It's a straightforward drive from major Vancouver Island towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Coombs Old Country Market and viewing the goats on the roof is free. You only pay for any purchases you make inside the market or at the food vendors.
The market is typically open daily during its operating season, but it closes annually from January to March. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
The goats are on the roof from spring through fall. They are not present during the winter closure.
There is no separate admission fee for the goats. They are a natural part of the market's charm and are visible to all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can watch the goats on the roof, browse a wide variety of international foods, local treats, gifts, and souvenirs. There are also food vendors, including the famous donut shop.
Yes, kids (and adults!) love seeing the goats on the roof. The market also offers unique toys and treats that can be fun for children.
It can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season and on weekends. Visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day can help avoid the largest crowds.
You'll find a diverse selection including international groceries, spices, baked goods, coffee, toys, gifts, and local souvenirs.
Absolutely! Taking photos and videos of the goats on the roof is a popular activity for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market offers a variety of food options, most notably the highly-praised donuts from Billy G's. You can also find international foods, baked goods, and coffee.
Reviews consistently rave about the donuts being rich, delicious, and worth the wait, despite being on the pricier side. +1
While specific options aren't detailed, the market offers a range of international foods and baked goods, so there's a good chance of finding something suitable. It's best to inquire directly at the food stalls.
Yes, there's a produce market nearby that offers fresh apples and other local produce, complementing the market's offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic goats on the roof are the primary photo subject. The quirky market stalls and the colorful donuts also make for great shots.
Morning light can be lovely for capturing the goats and the market's exterior. Midday can be busy, but the vibrant market interior offers plenty of photo ops.
Visitors often capture photos from the ground looking up at the roof, or from slightly elevated positions if available. Getting a clear shot of the goats requires patience as they move around.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a fun, visual experience that breaks up a road trip nicely. Beyond the goats, the market offers a variety of interesting items, including toys and unique snacks, that can delight younger visitors. Consider bringing cash for smaller purchases, and be prepared for potential crowds, especially on weekends. The donuts are a big hit, but can be rich, so perhaps sharing is a good option for little ones. The market's layout is generally easy to navigate, making it a stress-free outing for families looking for a quirky and memorable stop on Vancouver Island.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 It offers a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a unique snack, and experience a bit of local charm. The market provides a welcome break from driving, with plenty to see and purchase. Its location makes it an easy detour, and the 'goats on the roof' are a quirky landmark that makes the journey more memorable. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, international foods, or just a fun photo op, this market delivers. Don't miss the chance to try the famous donuts!
+1🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
+1 Foodies will particularly appreciate the renowned donuts from Billy G's, which are a decadent experience in themselves. +1Beyond edibles, the market is a treasure trove for gift shoppers, offering a wide array of artisanal goods, souvenirs, and quirky items.
+1 It's the perfect place to find a distinctive memento or a special gift. The combination of eclectic shopping and delightful food makes it a rewarding destination for anyone who enjoys exploring local markets. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Goats on the Roof
+1 It's important to note that the goats are not on the roof during the market's winter closure (January to March), and access to their winter enclosure is restricted. Visitors often express delight and surprise at seeing live animals on a building's roof. It's a memorable photo opportunity and a testament to the market's whimsical nature. While the goats are the main draw, they are just one part of the market's overall appeal, offering a fun and unexpected element to a visit.
Remember that the goats are live animals and their presence on the roof is seasonal. Always observe them from a safe distance and respect their environment. The sight of these grass-munching residents is a highlight that truly sets the Coombs Old Country Market apart.
A Shopper's Paradise: Market Treasures
+2 It's a place where you can easily spend an hour or more browsing through the eclectic offerings, often stumbling upon items you wouldn't find elsewhere.Many visitors highlight the joy of 'treasure hunting' within the market. The selection is constantly evolving, offering a fresh experience with each visit. Whether you're looking for a specific ingredient for a recipe, a unique souvenir to remember your trip, or simply a delightful snack, the market is likely to have something to pique your interest.
The atmosphere is often described as rustic and charming, adding to the overall pleasant shopping experience. Don't overlook the adjacent produce market for fresh, local fruits and vegetables, which perfectly complements the market's diverse food offerings.
The Sweet Indulgence: Billy G's Donuts
While the donuts are a definite highlight, reviewers note that they are indeed rich and can be quite filling, often taking a few days to finish.
If you have a sweet tooth, planning a stop at Billy G's is highly recommended. The experience of selecting your donuts and savoring their unique taste is a memorable part of visiting the Coombs Old Country Market.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit