Unveiling Coombs: Where Nature's Splendor Meets Whimsical Charm

A Welcoming Oasis on the Island's Thoroughfares

Traveling across Vancouver Island often leads adventurers through Coombs, a town strategically positioned off Highway 4A, near the intersections of Highway 19 and Highway 4. This convenient location makes it a natural pause for those journeying north, south, or towards the Pacific Rim. While no public transit directly serves Coombs, visitors can readily access it by car, with major airports in Nanaimo, Comox, and Victoria providing gateways to the island. Ferries from the mainland also offer scenic routes to Nanaimo or Victoria, ensuring a smooth arrival to this captivating destination.

The Iconic 'Goats on the Roof' and Culinary Delights

Coombs' fame largely stems from its unique Old Country Market, affectionately known as 'Goats on the Roof'. This iconic establishment, built in a distinctive Norwegian style, features a sod roof where goats playfully roam from May to October, much to the delight of visitors. Beyond this whimsical spectacle, the market's interior is a treasure trove of goods, from beachwear and garden supplies to groceries and charming gifts. Food enthusiasts will revel in the diverse culinary offerings, including an authentic taqueria, an Italian eatery, homemade ice cream, and delectable donuts. Further exploration in Coombs reveals hidden culinary gems like the Texas BBQ Truck and The Dutch Store, offering imported delicacies.

A Sanctuary of Butterflies and Breathtaking Waterfalls

Adjacent to the Old Country Market, the Coombs Emporium beckons collectors with its vintage cameras, records, and comic books. For a truly immersive natural encounter, Butterfly World offers a tropical escape within its domed enclosure, showcasing an array of vibrant butterfly species from Costa Rica and Southeast Asia. Outside, a native plant garden attracts local butterflies, enhancing the ecological experience. Beyond the town's immediate vicinity, the landscape unfolds into magnificent waterfalls. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park invites summer swims beneath its lower falls, while Little Qualicum Falls Park offers enchanting hikes through a forested wonderland. A short drive from Coombs also leads to the legendary Cathedral Grove, where ancient towering trees provide a magical setting for leisurely strolls through the temperate rainforest, connecting visitors to the raw beauty of Vancouver Island's natural heritage.