Old Country Market - Goats on Roof

At Old Country Market in Coombs, the first thing to look up at is the grass-covered roof, where goats graze in the warmer months. Inside, browse local produce, baked goods, deli foods, international groceries and handmade gifts, from pottery to home décor. The market also has an ice-cream counter and several food spots, including Cuckoo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria. It is a useful stop on the Alberni Highway for a snack and a look around, though busy periods can make parking harder.

The goats and the living roof

Old Country Market is known for the goats that graze on its sloping grass roof. The roof has been home to goats for many years, with the animals typically out during the warmer months and absent in winter. The grassy covering comes from the founder’s Norwegian roots. It helps insulate the building in winter and cool it through evaporation in summer.

The goats are pygmy goats, a breed suited to climbing and balancing. From below, you can watch them move across the roof while shoppers visit the market. If the goats are not there during your stop, the shops and food counters inside are still open to explore.

Food and shopping inside

The main market brings together a grocery store, bakery, deli and gift shop. Look for local produce and baked goods alongside imported foods, spices, cheeses and homemade jams. The deli carries meats and cheeses, and the shelves include snacks and specialty ingredients from around the world.

The gift section has handmade items and local pottery as well as toys, art supplies, ceramics and home décor. Other shops and food counters are spread around the market complex, including an ice-cream shop, a produce market, a donut shop and Cuckoo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria. Check the different sections as you walk around; the market is larger than a single grocery shop.