If there are Goats on the Roof, you must be in Coombs!
Goats on the Roof – Old Country Market is a childhood favorite. A trip up island was never complete without a stop in this wonderful little place in hopes of seeing the goats. A childhood delight that was sure to bring a smile to my face. I couldn’t wait to spot the first goat on the roof, and heaven forbid if there were none in sight.
Maybe, it’s my Norwegian heritage calling to me, I can at least wonder, but still to this day, I love this place. The novelty of seeing goats where you don’t expect them, is always quite fun. I’ve never been to Norway but it’s on top of my bucket list, and for now I will imagine that everyone has at least one goat on their roof. Yes, I know times have changed but a girl can still dream.
The original Coombs Old Country Market was created by Kristian Graaten. Kristian and his wife, along with their children, emigrated from Norway to Vancouver Island in the 1950’s. The inspiration for the Old Country Market came from his homeland and the small community of Lillehammer where he grew up. Many Norwegian homes and farm structures were built directly into the hillside with the sod roof becoming an extension of the hillside. This was his inspiration to include a sod roof in his plans for the market.
What started out as a farm stand beside the highway in 1973, grew to include selling hamburgers to travelers en route to the West Coast the next year, then two years after that, the market was built. When the grass grew too tall on the roof, it was jokingly mentioned that goats would be the answer for that, along with a few belly laughs about what those driving by would think. The joke soon became a reality though and “Goats on the Roof” was born and has been thriving ever since.
The goats now appear back on the roof every spring, after a winter vacation spent searching for greener pastures. While the green roof is environmentally friendly (insulation and evaporation), it also provides the perfect habitat for the goats, and with the goats come the visitors. Islanders, day trippers, and travellers from all over the world flock to see them. The little fruit stand beside the highway, has turned into one of the top tourist destinations, and no one can resist the urge to see the goats on the roof. It’s always fun to see who will be the first to spot one.
Goats on the Roof is a wonderful little market, and a delight at any age. Looking for a picnic for your trek up or down island? They have the most amazing market bakery, deli and produce store, where you will find all kinds of tasty treats to take with you. Don’t just grab and go though, unless you’re in a hurry, be sure to check out all that the market has to offer. From the market under the grass roof, to the produce centre, garden centre, restaurants or little boutique shops, there is something for everyone. Have children with you, they have the simplest little children’s toys which still delight me to this day. The adults in the group may enjoy browsing for unique little decor ideas for the home. You never know what you will find.
Hot day and needing to cool off, then ice cream is surely in order. Check out the Billy Gruff Creamery, with over 60 flavours, I think you will find at least one to your licking. If donuts are more your thing, try Billy G’s Donut Shop, located in the A-frame next to the main market. Be tempted by names such as Billy Gruff Bombers, Gimme S’More, Nanaimo Bar, or an old-time favourite Honey Glazed.
Coombs makes a wonderful family trip, couple’s trip, or perhaps a side trip on a girls’ getaway weekend. There are so many spots on the Island for a weekend away with the besties; and a stop in Coombs will have you laughing, smiling, and reliving old times. So many ideas for a fun weekend away but that is a whole exciting topic on its own. Coombs isn’t just Goats on the Roof, there is more to see and do in this little place, and the surrounding area. It is an eclectic collection of quirky little shops, studios, hobby farms, Butterfly World, and so much more. A fun place for the whole family to explore.
Goats on the Roof – Old Country Market still ranks high on my list of fun things to do on the island. I loved it as a child, and I still love it as an adult. It’s a fun place to visit, and sometimes with all that life has to throw at us, we just need to let our inner child out. Time to laugh until we cry, smile until our face hurts, and give in to delicious temptations for just one day.
Location
Ask any Islander, where is the place with the goats on the roof, and they will know where you are talking about. Looking for more specific directions:
Goats on the Roof Old Country Market
2326 Alberni Highway, Coombs (Vancouver Island), BC Canada
Coombs is located on Highway 4A (Alberni Highway), approximately 9 km west of Parksville. Highway 4A is the main highway across the Island that connects the east and west coast. A popular stop on the long drive to Tofino and Ucluelet.