What a cute and fun stop in Coombs. There is more parking out back behind the marker or down the road in the back end of the shopping area. There are several shops and this market to wander through. The market has grocery items cafe, and a bakery. Grabbed a sandwich for lunch and some desserts from the bakery. The sandwich was a roast beef sandwich that was delicious. Great portion of roast beef and not stingy on the mayo or mustard. Easy to share the sandwich with my wife. The desserts from the bakery were amazing. Had to get the Nanaimo bars and butter tarts. So delicious! Like your mom used to make. It was raining so I thought the goats took shelter. But managed to snap a photo of one right when we left. read more

Old Country Market - There really is a goat on the roof of this market - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

I did not see any Goats on the Roof. It may be too hot. The shop has plenty of goodies from pastries to sandwiches. There were also home goods and kids toys that were sold here. It was super busy inside and there is back area for parking. Protip - buy some cheese and sandwiches and eat on the grassy area by the parking area. read more

This place is absolutely a tourist trap, and that's okay, because if you are here, and you know that it is, and yes, there are Goats on the Roof, then you are going to love this place. Firstly, if you come here "late" like after 10am, then it might be a messy bit to find parking, but there is both parking behind and down along the drive into the property, or across the street also. Once you park, I recommend just heading to the Old Country Market itself, find a space a few meters back, and look on the roof, The roof has a rotating set of goats, which live up top. They are the attraction, and that is it. You got a place with Goats... on... the... roof. Once you have accomplished that, time to head inside and check out the offerings. First, if you are just rushing through, it's just going to feel like some random grocery market. Yes, lots of things are mass market, but when you SLOW down, and look around, you may start to find some lesser known, and okay, still Made in China, but local flair nevertheless. I recommend heading to the meat counter (assuming you like meat) and getting some Jerky, or other items.. because those are made locally. Then as you meander through the trinkets, you are going to find a mix between local and imported things. As you wonder back toward the baked products, you are going to see piles of loves of bread. I didn't try them, so can't recommend, however head past that, and you will find delicious case of based goods, including their house made Sausage Rolls, which are darn tasty. Go with their original one, then branch out. Again, meat lovers here. As you slowly, go around the store, being bumped by everyone around you, because there are too many people here, in this little shop, take in the fact that ABOVE YOUR HEAD, on the roof, are up there. So look, it's a trap, to be sure, and don't doubt it's going to be a mass of people, but honestly, you came here because it was a tourist trap, so go early, and take your time. Also, highly recommend the used book store nearby, once you free yourself of the money you are going to spend here in the market. read more

We arrived a couple of minutes just before the goats woke up (9am). The market offered so many different products from their bakery to souvenirs to home decor. I enjoyed my time looking at everything. I will say their bakery was disappointing as a lot of products looked over baked. Some of their products in their display case looked interesting, but were really pricey. 4.5 stars read more

See all

If you like tourist traps that have a bit of everything and lots of people, this is for you. The goats on the grass roof were cute to eat next to. The baked goods were meh and expensive. We got spanakopita, butter chicken samosa and leek and cheese roll. The leek and cheese was really tasteless. Salmon jerky was ok Staff was very friendly and patient. Outdoor seating was nice. Parking was plentiful. read more

An amazing grocery store with something for everyone taste and cooking ability level. There are so many treats here, grocery items, cured meats, cheeses, bakery, toys, housewares, their own goats merch, and even a cafe with sandwiches and tacos! A great stop while you're on the island, or as a destination on its own! read more

See all

Amazing store! Something for everyone. Such a variety of food items to choose from around the world. There is a whole section of items with Goats on the Roof printed on them. Yes there are goats on grass roof of the building. There is a dessert and lunch counter in the store. Housewares, Christmas items and all kinds of fun outdoor items. Such a fun unique place to visit. There also other businesses to visit close by. read more

See all

Super cute international market with all kinds of foods, cheeses, sauces, fresh baked breads, crackers etc. They also have a nice deli so bring your cooler! And look up on the roof! They have "goats on the roof"! read more

See all

Imagine grabbing groceries, browsing unique gifts, and enjoying delicious bites--all under the watchful eyes of goats on the roof! Welcome to The Old Country Market in Coombs, a charming year-round destination on Vancouver Island that started as a simple roadside stand. Now, it's an iconic spot where locals and travelers alike come to experience the whimsy of goats grazing above, while shopping and savoring fresh market finds. This is truly a must-visit for anyone exploring the island! There's free parking within walking distance from the market. The grocery store has a good variety of local and international items. I found products I hadn't seen in over a decade. They also have a section dedicated to non-food items. It has everything from cutlery and dishes to toys and decorative items. They also have a small coffeeshop/bakery section which you can order from and enjoy in their outdoor seating area while goats roam around on the roof. read more

See all

Too crowded and reminds us of Trader Joe's. Not much to see here; it's pretty much a tourist trap.

I had a bit of time to kill before a dogsitting gig in Qualicum as there was an accident on the highway and I couldn't get through so I was close to Old Country Market aka Goats on the Roof so I goggled and was delighted to find out they opened at 9am! It's a great little store tucked in a great little area. The store itself has treats from all over the world and a deli selection which is fantastic. I came home with 4 different cheeses! There are arts and crafts for the kiddies and home decor - some really nice and some totally kitschy. Also a bakery in the market which I'm usually keto so I rarely visit but there were quite a few people there so it must be decent. There is also a produce market a short walk away and a bunch of really neat shops but nothing opened until 10 and I had to be on my way by then. Fun to just wander - it's too much to take in in one visit - and don't forget to check out the goats on the roof of the building! read more

See all

Just a familiar place to find trinkets and baked goods. TRY THE SAUSAGE ROLLS! Friendly staff are always willing to help if you can't find what you are looking for. Many down home, country food owns as well as that old country feel to the whole place. Easy to find and a pleasure to browse. read more

THE BEST NANAIMO BARS! Unfortunately everything is fairly expensive. It was about $10.99 for 100g of smoked salmon. The Nanaimo bar was $2.99 and a slice of cake was $7.99. I got the carrot cake (gluten free) and the strawberry champagne cheesecake. Both were rock hard-I'm assuming they were sitting there for a while. But, overall, a really cute market with lots of options for everyone - just a little pricey. read more

See all

This is a really fun grocery store and restaurant. The goats, of course, are neat. But the store itself is surprisingly full of fresh baked goods, cheeses, and all sorts of delights you wouldn't expect to see out here. Stock up for a picnic! read more

This summer, a friend invited my husband and I to spend a few days at her family's vacation home in Qualicum Beach. One of the places we visited was the "Old Country Market", also known as "Goats on the roof," as a big draw to the market is that there are goats grazing on the roof. The market is pretty cool, and sells all sorts of neat things -- specialty foods from around the world, toys, kitchenware, and various household knick-knacks. There's something for everyone, and it's fun to look around. In addition to the market, the grounds of the Old Country Market also has various shops and restaurants/eateries. It's such a touristy place, but it's fun! [Yelp collections: Qualicum Beach] read more

See all

An amazing market to check out, goats on the roof, lots of great parking for Arvee, fresh local blueberries, great food and more stuff to see around the highway read more

See all

This is a must visit destination when visiting the area and although it is a great tourist attraction, it is extremely busy and the number of eateries for lunch are quite minimal. On the day we came, their biggest restaurant was closed which left us to getting lunch at the deli being their three sandwiches including the muffuletta with many meats and cheese on focaccia, turkey on rye and ham on sourdough. Surprisingly, all of these sandwiches were VERY good. Nice and soft bread even after being in the fridge and packed with meats and cheese. The fillings were very simple but more than enough to provide a satisfying lunch for 4 hungry people. We couldn't leave without trying the donuts from Billy G's and the constant line proved how popular they were! We tried their ukee magic, nanaimo bar donut and the double dunker donut. The ukee magic was a bit sweet for me but my mom who is a caramel fan enjoyed it! We all liked the nanaimo bar donut as their yeast donuts were light and fluffy. Strangely, our double dunker donut was supposed to be a chocolate base dipped in chocolate icing but the donut itself was actually just a plain vanilla cake donut which was disappointing. Nonetheless, donuts were too expensive for a tourist attraction but tasted great! read more

Whenever we're on Vancouver Island, we need to stop at "Goats on Roof". They always have something new to shop for. Their deli and bakery are amazing (please get the sausage rolls!), and the staff is so friendly and helpful. Their store is stocked with some great items we can't find anywhere else, including some great local cheeses. This place is always worth the trip, and a true highlight of our Island adventure! read more

Old Country Market - Goats on Roof! - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

This was our favorite stop in Vancouver Island! It is so unique, enchanted, charming and the souvenirs and gift shop were more affordable than anywhere else we travelled. AMAZING toys for kids. Such unusual, magical. quiky and affordable gifts. Definitely the best value for unique gifts! This is a must-see if you're exploring the island and looking for something colourful and different. It's just so enchanted. Great foods and HUGE selection of international products from everywhere! We will go out of our way to stop by every time we return to the island. Lots of food options inside and nearby. read more

Our favourite place to visit when on the island! Everything from the billy goats donuts, to the inside of the market is super delicious and fun. It's a unique experience as during the warmer months, there will be literal goats hanging out on the roof of the building. We love coming here to look for cute, unique wooden toys. They also have a full on super market with lots of international goods, a cafeteria and a baked goods section that sells small coffee and lattes. Definitely a must come when you're in the area! read more

Old Country Market - Toy section - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

I honestly came here for the goats on the roof, but I was glad to actually check out the market inside. I loved how it has character and the item selection was quite unique and of quality. The bakery section offered plenty of options and each piece/serving was quite generous. I wish I allotted more time to visit this place because there's plenty of interesting items to look at while in the store. There's a doughnut shop beside the grocery market too that's worth trying out! The staff were friendly and were very helpful to a local tourist like me read more

Old Country Market - Inside - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

Cake by the Ocean and DNCE aren't here, and neither is Joe Jonas. The Old Country Market is, and they have some ungulates, more specifcally artiodactyls on the roof. Need I state the obvious? What else is obvious? It's a tourist destination. When you see person upon person taking pics of the goats, it's obvious. This area is a little tourist trap. It's a market and they have quite a bit of merchandise that you wouldn't find in a "normal" grocery store. A lot of specialty items. I guess that's what you must do to maintain uniqueness in your target market's eyes. I did buy a loaf of the in-house garlic cheese bread to try. Quite good. Restaurant inside if you want to eat in, but I didn't get to try anything. Worth a visit if you're on your way to the west side of the island. read more

See all

This place is so funny! Why and how did they decide to have goats on their roof?? We stopped here on our way to Tofino for some coffee. This small market has everything: coffee, pastries, hot food, butcher, cheese/dairy, packaged food/snacks, stuffed animals, and randomly a few Japanese items (sushi sets etc). I also purchased a fish roe onigiri! It was great. read more

Old Country Market - Goats on a roof - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

This was a fun place in a very unusual way. There was such an odd assortment of items. There are bakery items, cheeses, canned food and lots of snacks, etc. But there are also small items for doll houses, stuffed animals, clothing, and many great gift items for someone back home. We ate lunch here and I wasn't terribly impressed with the food served, but the rest of the experience was absolutely worth the stop. Goats on the grass roof were just a plus. read more

Old Country Market - From a trip to British Columbia in 2019 - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

Coombs Market has such a great reputation so I went with a visitor for the first time yesterday. What a disappointment. The stores sell nothing of interest (unless you're into erotic wood carvings) and the theme of the wares was either Mexican or Chinese. We walked through all the stores (all five of them) just to try and figure out what the hype is about, but left dumbfounded. Coombs may have been a great place to take the kids once upon a time but it's a big zero nowadays in my opinion. I was even embarrassed to see a tour bus there. I felt sorry for the tourists who obviously paid to visit such a boring place. read more

We were actually driving to Coombs to pick up a vehicle when we drove past this building and I saw goats on the roof. My initial "What the heck?!" reaction was what made us come back. Even after a local mentioned he'd never visit "that tourist place.." But, it's so much more than that! I'm very familiar with tourist traps as I live by many. However, this market has a LOT of great products and it's a shame that particular local hasn't been here before. There are MANY great items not including all the fresh fruits and vegetables. I personally loved their selection of household items and imported food products. Unfortunately we weren't in town for too long, otherwise we would've tried many more things here. Everything that we did try was good quality and delicious. Definitely stop in if you're ever in the area. I'd recommend it to the locals as well. We will definitely be back when we visit again. read more

Old Country Market - The goats on the roof really captured our attention.. - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

Cherry cream soda? Check. Marzipan bars? Check. Japanese lanterns? Check. Wooden swords and shields? Check. Beautiful, fragrant artisan breads? Check. Goats on the roof? Check. It may be a corny tourist spot but I love, love, love, love, LOVE Coombs and its rambunctious little goats leaping along the sod roof of the Old Country Market building. International delights, mouthwatering pastries, and pretty oriental dinnerware are just some of the reasons to stop in Coombs - others include local fruits, rare plants in its garden centre, and insane, delicately carved imported furniture. I just wish they'd design cooler T-shirts, ones that don't feature the warning: pooping goat road sign. read more

Old Country Market - Garden pots for sale at Coombs Old Country Market - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

Well they finally wrecked what it took them so long to build up. All the old buildings are torn down. All the shops were kicked out (by the owner) and now has some kinda "vision" for it. Is vision modernize it and milk the tourists for every cent he can! With his shops.. There's nothing to go there for anymore. You can buy everything they have elsewhere for less! Kudos for wrecking the atmosphere of the place. I've heard many people state the same about it now. I'll be driving by without stopping now. Funny what greed does to a person.. read more

a visit to parksville will never be complete without passing by this place. always a hometown fav..i look at this place as a country wholefoods. lots of artisan stuff to buy from breads to pasta...including deli meats and chips from around the globe... every time i visit , im always amazed at the selections. in house bakery makes really good crusty bread, and the cafe serves up good country food and more! and of course, dont forget the ice cream! lol happy eating! cheers! read more

See all

The Old Country Market in Coombs is a great little afternoon destination. You can look at goats, buy some quirky souvenirs, shop for neat imported kitchenware and ingredients, and grab a bite to eat! Their cafe inside has many delicious items. You can't go wrong. I recommend getting their pulled pork, chipoltle chicken, and braised beef tacos. Their beet and goat cheese salad is also very good, although they could put more cheese in it :) read more

See all

This place is a hole. Literally falling apart and run down. It's just over-priced Asian imports. Why is this place so busy? We went on a Monday and parking was crazy. Everything was triple the price I've seen elsewhere. I cannot recommend you drive out of your way to get here. And there was only ONE goat sleeping on the roof. read more

A Covid nightmare! A weekday afternoon and parking lot wasn't even half full. Signs everywhere to social distance and that's about it! Except for maybe a few signs on the floor arrows that pointed one way and then another so confusing! Worst part was there were way too many people in there! People smashing into you and grabbing and reaching in front of you it was a gong show! I can't imagine a weekend. Suffering from ptsd I bolted! And by the way it's illegal to put up a big sign that says Vanilla in front of fake vanilla flavour. There's lots of that there beware! read more

I was so excited to come here ESPECIALLY to see the goats on the roof.. they were not there. But I forgot about my disappointment as soon as I stepped into the market. Such a fun place. One stop shop for unique foods, kids toys, house items, you name it! Also great bakery and donut shop! 4/5 stars because of the lack of goats read more

Definitely worth checking this place out if you're on the island. They have a nice selection of some really unique and funky souvenirs you can pick up, and a great selection of delicious treats around the space. And of course, you got to check out the goats on the roof! read more

Old Country Market - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

Back in April, we stopped in Coombs to have lunch, visit the goats and do some shopping. Well, the Market Cafe is where I ate and the food was amazing!! The chicken burger was SO tender and the outside was perfectly crunchy (not at all hard so it hurts your mouth). It was the best chicken burger I've ever had to be honest, and I've tried a LOT of chicken burgers!!! Also the poutine was good! Very cheesy, which I love, and the gravy was perfect. I'm sensitive to salt, so most times, ordering a poutine at a restaurant is a hazard, but this poutine was not super salty, it was just salty enough to enhance the flavour! It was *chefs kiss mwah* I cannot wait to go back to see the goats and have dinner or lunch there again!! read more

See all

Coming back down from Alert Bay my wife mentioned this place (she grew up in Vancouver) so we stopped for an hour, because...'goats on a roof?' It's true; grass and goats (they didn't come out until mid afternoon, though). Inside, it was a delightful mish-mash of foods, wooden arts and crafts, little eateries, etc. Can't remember what we had for lunch, but our daughters brought a $25 homemade strawberry/raspberry (??) pie, and carried it around like that guy carried the severed head in the movie Dead Presidents (sorry; that's the pop-culture talking!). Outside, little shops going up a small road, tourist-friendly. We got there kind of early, found parking (hard to do) had ice cream at some shop. Like a little street from Italy frequented by tourists and Canadians. Or, an American married to a Canadian with 3 kids between them...and a pie. Worth a look! read more

Old Country Market - Strawberry/Raspberry pie; $25. A "sweet" deal! - International Grocery Near Me - Coombs, British Columbia

See all

I expected this place to be lame, but it was awesome. We stopped in looking for the famed Nainamo Bars and wound up getting one of those, as well as a chicken pot pie, steak and mushroom pie, and a giant sourdough pretzel. Surprisingly, the pretzel was the star of the show, but it was all good. Went back a few days later and got the marshmallow bar. That was AWESOME! There were also so many fun things to buy, and surprisingly, nothing was marked up to tourist prices. Fun for kids, fun for adults, a great way to spend a couple of hours. read more

See all

When I read the goat bios on their website and it said two goats live out in the pasture behind the market I braced myself for a mini goat graveyard. Luckily (unless you're morbid) the retired goats are very much alive and can be seen roaming and munching on grass. The livelier goats are still perched atop the roof, enjoying getting gawked at. The market is full of a lot of stuff, some of it great (big marshmallows!!) some of it not (Mexican vanilla that isn't all Mexican vanilla). The produce is pretty standard like what you'd find in a grocery store, i.e. mostly imported. The deli section has a good variety of different meats and salmon jerky though. The toys also appeared to be pretty fairly priced. The ice cream place next door is also quite nice, designed like an Italian gelateria, with some nice marble bathrooms next door ("Business is good," opined my husband after a visit). I'd actually like more goats! read more

My wife and I stopped in for some Coombs BC bars for my uncle who is not well and a young lady named kacy, or Casey, or k.c. was working the pastry counter and I asked for two bars and she threw them in a bag , upside down and damaged. I told her immediately, "well, those weren't packed with love"... She's young and uneducated on customer service but that's no excuse to treat a long time customer right before Christmas. She needs to be reprimanded for her behavior and not hired back next season. I will no longer buy pastries if she is behind the counter. read more

Always a favourite activity when I am in the area! This market has it all... your food necessities, cheeses galore, yummy bakery (the loafs and nanaimo bars are the best), artisan everything (sauces, honey, pastas, coffee, teas..etc), a great restaurant and toys/household items! If you're lucky you'll find goats on the roof :) It's fun to browse around, eat a treat or bite at the cafe, browse again and buy little unique things! Make sure to stop by the kid's section at the Voodoo fortune dolls. Parking is best right off the highway then walking across to the market. read more