Guide To Old Country Market With Goats On The Roof On Vancouver Island!
Welcome to the best guide on the internet to see the a market that has Goats on The Roof on Vancouver Island!
On the East Coast of Vancouver Island in Canada is a quaint and pretty market full of cafes, clothes, souvenirs, misc items and food from all over the world. But this isn’t a usual market, this market has a family of goats living on its roof between May and October!
Hop to…
What Is The Old Country Market?
What Are The Goats on The Roof Vancouver Island?
What started as a humble market selling local produce to people on their way to the West of Vancouver Island is now an absolute must-see thanks to its residents on the roof.
The original owners were from Norway and the architecture of the sod-roof resembles this fact.
Due to the roof having overgrown grass, the owner decided to place goats here to help maintain it and ended up being such a phenomena that the goats have lived here every year for the last 30 years.
This is just a cute, small, Canadian market that happens to have goats living on the roof and not to be confused with the Goats on a Roof Coaster in the USA lol!
Directions To Vancouver Island Goats on the Roof Market
The market is located in a town called Coombs on the Alberni Highway on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia in Canada.
This makes it the perfect stop if travelling between East and West Vancouver Island.
The best way to visit is by driving your own vehicle. Compare prices here for car rentals.
Victoria to Goats on Roof: 155km takes about 2 hours by car.
Goats on The Roof Nanaimo Distance: 44km. is the closest major place taking just half hour by car.
Goats on The Roof Tofino Distance: 160km taking about 2.5 hours by car not including all the amazing stops along the way.
Campbell River to Goats on Roof Coombs: 114km taking about 1 hour by car.
Parking at Goats on the Roof Coombs BC
Parking is free here!
As soon as you enter the market from the main road, you. can park directly to the right near the market signs. Alternatively, drive all the way past the market and you’ll find another car park at the back.
Public Transport to Goats on a Roof Coombs
Public Buses are the best way to get around Vancouver Island. Use BusBud to find the perfect route for going between towns on the island.
The closest airport is Nanaimo just half hour away from Coombs.
If you’re coming from the mainland of Canada, you can get a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo.
There are no trains on Vancouver Island.
Lastly, you can always try Pop-A-Ride to catch a lift with people going the same way. Use Pop A Ride Here!
5 Things to Do at Goats on the Roof Coombs B.C
1) Best Way to See The Old Country Market Goats on Roof
That’s why you’re here after all!
If you turn right as soon as you enter the road for the market and find a car parking spot there then this is the first chance to see the goats. Otherwise, park at the other end and walk back down to the entrance.
At the entrance, you will see a sign for market you can snap a photo of and if you stand with your back to the main road and look up, you will find the goats maybe being shy or cooling in the shade.
They have huts here so stand a little backwards to get a good glimpse.
Follow the roof all the way around the market to spot some of the goats. The entire roof has hay so they could be anywhere here.
The last place to find them is the opposite side to the main market and where you would have likely parked. There is a large field behind the restaurant that is home to some older goats that you can see.
Note: the goats are always around somewhere you just need to go looking, ask someone or be patient!
2) Eat at a Cafe or Restaurant with Goats on Roof Coombs
For casual lunch/dinner, stop by The Market Cafe including enjoying the patio where you can spot the goats on a roof Vancouver Island.
The Italian restaurant with goats on the roof is called Cuckoo in Coombs and is only open Thurs-Sun. See goats on the roof restaurant menu here.
3) Goats on the Roof B.C Shopping
Visit The Goats on the Roof store for all your souvenirs like the the Market Gift Shop to find everything from a goats on the roof sticker and magnets to clothing, mugs and home decor.
If you fancy something to eat or drink as a souvenir then see the Grocery and Deli section of the market for Goats on Roof sauces and labelled drinks.
They also have a large selection of international goods like Spanish meats, Italian cheeses, British cookies and more.
For non-souvenir shopping check out Zolena Home for home decor, Garden Centre for outdoor decor and Wabisabi Boardwear for skating and surfing goods before heading to the West Coast in places known for the waves like Ucluelet or Tofino.
4) Get Goats on the Roof Ice Cream or Doughnuts!
Billy G’s Doughnut Shop sells lots of sweet dough and Canadian favourites like cinnamon, S’mores, Ukee and Nanaimo Bar.
For the colder treat of an ice cream or gelato, try Billy G’s Creamery.
The reason for the name Billy G? I’m assuming it’s Billy Goat Gruff but correct me if I’m wrong!
5) See The Ornaments
As you enter the area, you’ll find the market, shops, restaurant and goats on the right but if you turn left you will find the dozens of pottery items for sale which are also cool to look around and take photos of. Just behind the statues is a cafeteria if you want a quick hot beverage or cheap hot dog.
Essential Info: Goats on the Roof Canada
- When to See Goats on Roof Vancouver Island: Between May and October Every Year
- Address: 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC, V0R 1M0
- Goats on the Roof Hours: Daily, 9am – 7pm
- Goats on the Roof Prices: Entry is free to the Market! Ensure you visit Goats on the Roof gift shop for souvenirs!
- Website: https://oldcountrymarket.com/
Find Accommodation Near Goats on The Roof Nanaimo
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Thanks for learning all about Goats on the Roof Coombs B C! Don’t miss this cool place 🙂
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