Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
4
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Old Country Market started as a roadside fruit stand in 1973, providing fresh produce to travelers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Over the years it has evolved into a landmark of Coombs, British Columbia, with a mixture of shops and eateries for locals and visitors alike. Oh yeah, and there are goats… on the roof!
Duration: < 1 hour
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See what travellers are saying
- BronteBucketHarrogate, United Kingdom1,462 contributionsPerfect place to pick up supplies for lunch en route across the islandGreat stop for food options en route across Vancouver Island. There is a big food hall where you can pick up supplies for lunch. It has a hippy vibe with decorations hanging from the ceiling. An easy place to spend lots of money if you’re not careful. There are toilets outside and goats on the roof! It can get very busy but we always managed to get parked.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 March 2024
- Pauline SOxfordshire, United Kingdom194 contributionsGreat shopping and goats on the roof too!Such fun - there really are goats on the roof and loads more to see beside the shop. The shop has everything (my friend bought chocolate cheese) and you can eat here at a very good price too. I could have spent ages here but as my cousin was giving us a tour we had to move on.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 March 2024
- kpgcWinnipeg, Canada616 contributionsA Cool Place to Shop.Goat’s on the Roof was an interesting store. They had lots of products related to many different countries. Their butcher counter had delicious looking products and their bakery section was fantastic. On top of all that, all the other items they sell were very interesting to rummage through and dig around in for that special purchase. A nice stop anytime.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 May 2024
- Larry B26 contributionsWho knew?We go fishing in Port Hardy every year with 9-12 guys. One of the new guys has tried to talk us into stopping for the past couple years. It's a 14 hour road trip from Portland and everyone just wants to get there so most of us were disinclined. We finally did stop last year. What an incredible place! We all had a good time, got some great snacks and souvenirs. We will be stopping again this year!Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 3 July 2024
- 817sandrampAdelaide, Australia397 contributionsFantastic cheese selectionStopped for a look and stayed for lunch - it was a hive of activity and because it was summer vacation there were people everywhere. We saw the goats on the roof - very cute. Bought beautiful fresh apples at the fruit and veg market, couldn't get over the cheeses on display inside the shop - we were in 7th heaven. Enjoyed a really nice lunch in the cafe - all in all we're glad we stopped and took the time to investigate.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
579 reviews
Excellent
255
Very good
209
Average
65
Poor
27
Terrible
23
hxdirect
Lisburn, UK818 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The goats weren’t on the roof though that was hardly surprising since the grass on the roof was completely dry due to the intense heat. It was good to see that they were in a paddock area which had some shelter for them though. The rest of the complex was a series of quite expensive stores some of which sold local arts and crafts which was good. There were also restaurants which we didn’t get to try due to the long lines. I think this is a place to stop at at a less busy and hot time of the year. We visited on 4th August.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canucksontheloose
Victoria, Canada780 contributions
Jul 2020
It was somewhat crowded in July so we just stayed/walked in the middle of the road that leads into the complex to avoid the masses lingering by the buildings. Go in the off-season to avoid crowds but there is no guarantee you will see the goats on the roof. (As an attraction, they are usually working in the busy summer season!) Although the market is full of interesting buys (the deli at the back has great yummy options like foccaccia, samosas, pot pies and desserts) for grocery and gifts, the place does have that "tourist trap" feel. I highly recommend the Creamery across the way for ice creams and gelatos at a reasonable price or the donut shop for interesting flavours. The Italian restaurant Cuckoo at the back of the complex is one of my favs. Nothing too interesting for kiddos here except for the goats to see but you can feed them more sugary items if you go to the complex next door, which I think has a fudge shop and lots of exotic sculptures they can sit on. Wheelchair friendly but parking can be a challenge in the summer unless you show up early.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald K
Edmonton, Canada1,179 contributions
Dec 2021
This is a nice market with limited hours in their cafe. Prices are a little steep but similar to any boutique market. I am amazed how things like smoked salmon is more expensive where it comes from that I can buy it 1000 miles inland.
Cheery place and worth the stop. There are several restaurants in the area that are run by the same owners.
One thing for improvement would be information on line about what exactly is on the menu for the cafe.
Cheery place and worth the stop. There are several restaurants in the area that are run by the same owners.
One thing for improvement would be information on line about what exactly is on the menu for the cafe.
Written 31 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alpineman66
Santa Cruz Huatulco, Mexico136 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Very disappointed, 2 of us ordered the clam chowder and we both said it was the worst we have ever had and we have clam chowder often. No clams what so ever but loaded with bacon. I returned my bowl after trying a few spoons. Not long after my stomach was turning and had to spend the rest of the day on the toilet. When I returned my bowl I was told they don’t make it there and purchase it in large quantities. Also got a loaf of there very expensive cheese bread to find out they now only have cheese in the crust. Not sure it they have changed ownership but it sure has gone downhill. So disappointed. Won’t be going back.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rlmptl
Lloydminster, Canada1,272 contributions
Jun 2023
this is our third visit. It is always so overcrowded and this was no different first week in june mid week with no where to park except a long ways away and was very hot that day. We find most of the stuff to buy is made in china they should showcase local art but instead we found it to be an expensive, overcrowded, tourist trap. The only thing we liked this time around was the two goats sleeping in thier sheltors on the roof
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anne s
Medicine Hat, Canada9 contributions
Aug 2021
the only thing good is the goats on the roof. We were there when younger and had lots of artist doing spinning, weavers, sewers, wood worker, ice cream shop. restaurant singers and lots of shop where local did homemade things even guy making home made fudge by hand in big bowl it drew so many people . when last there we went to goats on roof had lunch never went to the other side.
not want to go again. sorry original owner of goats on roof had to be honest.
not want to go again. sorry original owner of goats on roof had to be honest.
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda L. Lock
Isla Mujeres, Mexico137 contributions
Jul 2021
The Old Country Market is an eclectic mixture of shops and eateries including the original fruit stand, a diverse market, a yummy donut shop, a coffee house, La Taqueria Mexican cantina, the Cuckoo Trattoria Italian restaurant, and an amazing selection of huge garden pots.
We arrived late on a Thursday afternoon, but couldn't find a parking space within three blocks so decided to return the next morning at opening time.
On Friday morning my friends and I freely roamed the original marketplace purchasing olives, artisan cheese, gourmet crackers, their own brand of olive oil, and beautiful Mexican glass tumblers. Then we moved on to the fresh produce in the next building and stocked up on Okanagan fruit and local vegetables.
Ninety minutes later as we were leaving the complex was rapidly filling up with locals and tourists coming to experience this unique combination of fun and function.
If you are on Vancouver Island, it is worth the time to stop and experience Goats on Roof.
We arrived late on a Thursday afternoon, but couldn't find a parking space within three blocks so decided to return the next morning at opening time.
On Friday morning my friends and I freely roamed the original marketplace purchasing olives, artisan cheese, gourmet crackers, their own brand of olive oil, and beautiful Mexican glass tumblers. Then we moved on to the fresh produce in the next building and stocked up on Okanagan fruit and local vegetables.
Ninety minutes later as we were leaving the complex was rapidly filling up with locals and tourists coming to experience this unique combination of fun and function.
If you are on Vancouver Island, it is worth the time to stop and experience Goats on Roof.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Max Thomson
1 contribution
Oct 2020
I love the Old Country Market in Coombs, there are tons of variety and they are the Queens of merchandising. Simply amazing how they can make the ordinary turn into a gem. The only reason I am giving them a poor rating is that due to covid they are charging a 2 percent Management fee. That is highly outrageous when you look at how many stores are going under, and the many families who support them are struggling. We have all had to make Covid concessions, why bite the hand that feeds you. Sorry I won't be going back nor will I bring or recommend anyone to shop there anymore.
Written 25 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monti T
Calgary, Canada49 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
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!
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
b_lucid
Abbotsford, Canada39 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We used to enjoy eating and browsing at the Old Country Market. However, this visit was so disappointing. The prices were outrageous. We bought some treats at the bakery section but after eating a sample we were so disappointed we threw them away. They do have a good selection of cheeses, but the imported British options were meagre and overpriced.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanner Mitchell
Regina, Canada
Plan on making the trip out here around October 15th? Will the goats still be on display on the roof? Thanks
Written 25 August 2020
I heard they are normally there till thanksgiving or when it’s getting colder.
Written 27 August 2020
Guide113106
Moncton, Canada
Hi we would like to know where all the sandstone carving and granite ones come from. and the wood carving.
Written 11 July 2019
Sorry, I have no idea but judging by daily observance, probably from China. Seems like almost everything is made in China.
I think if those things were carved by real artisans, they would not be for sale in a place like Country Market but in a Gallery
Written 12 July 2019
Is the market open 7days a week in the summer?
Written 22 January 2019
Being the attraction it is, it would be foolish not to have it open 7 days. And by the way, they have really great European import food stuff, from savory things to the most sweet chocolates from Switzerland AND a wonderful Deli.
Written 12 July 2019
Hi, I'd like to visit the area this summer and spend 3 days there. I'm looking for a guesthouse close by as I don't drive nor have a car. Is there a guesthouse that is walking distance to the Old Market? Please advise. Thank you.
Written 19 December 2018
Hello Angelique,
The little village of Coombs where the market is situated is quite rural. In reading all the previous responses I too agree with most, you could easily spend a half a day and pretty much have seen it all. Coombs is situated quite close to Oceanside communities of Qualicum Beach, Qualicum, and Parksville. All three of these offer great accommodations and probably not too expensive a shuttle or taxi ride to Coombs. All, are well worth the trip and visit.
Written 22 December 2018
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